Job Discussion Forums

neggo · Joined: 24 May 2012 Posts: 16

Hi Guys!

I just recently signed up to the forum but have been lurking for a bit. The information here is a goldmine for those interested in travelling over to Japan to teach English.

I realize there are lots of PKC threads but most have been left inactive...

Anyway, I sent in an application to PKC (Vancouver office) and they contacted me for a phone interview. I had the phone interview (it was actually easier and shorter than I expected) and I was invited to come in for a face-to-face interview that will take place in the near future. My question is, how do these interviews go? I was told that I will be given flash cards and that I will be making a lesson plan with them but that was all. Does anybody else know what goes on for the duration of the 90 minute interview?

Also, in regards to placement for PKC, how well do they take into account the placement requests of their applicants?

I heard places like Interac are quite good in placing their teachers as close as they can to the city that was requested, but what about PKC?

It seems to me that the Kanto and Kansai areas seem to be the most popular choices for ALT's and eikawa English teachers.

Thanks! Smile

Kionon · Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 3:14 am Post subject: Re: Peppy Kids Club Interview

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

For most in-person interviews plan on a panel of people asking the questions and not expecting you to ask much. Demo lessons look for some creativity and at least a passing awareness of how to teach (to match with the employer's style), and overall impression will be whether your personality and chemistry fit them, perhaps even more strongly than knowledge of English.

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

Calico · Joined: 20 Jun 2010 Posts: 54

Bear in mind I interviewed at the LA office in 2010.

It was just me and the recruiter (who hadn't even ever been to Japan...yay.) It last about 90 minutes. First thing she did was have me watch a video about the structure and environment of PKC. We then talked about my resume, wanting to go to Japan, history, etc.

I was not asked to do a demo (beyond talking about things I would) but I volunteered to do one and this made her day. I just used preschool flashcards and talked about the different ways you could teach English words to kids andthen did an actual demo with them. turned out it was pretty much the way PKC did things with their toddler flash cards so I lucked out. I also had a mini puzzle of the United States where the states pop out because I'm a huge geography buff to use with older kids. (One of the things I did during my year at PKC was gradually teach my kids the names of all 50 states and their geography, heh.)

As for placement, in my case it made no difference what I requested. I requested to be placed as far north as possible and originally ended up placed in Kyushu. (this was before March 11th.) But my real life friends who got jobs at PKC after I recommended them ended up being placed pretty much in the exact cities they wanted, if not region. It's a total crapshoot. Be as specific as you can at least with the type of place you want (small, large, around lots of mountains, etc) but in the end you go where they want you. I find from past coworkers that you have a better chance being placed somewhere if you have family in the area.

neggo · Joined: 24 May 2012 Posts: 16

Thanks for the replies, guys!

And I'm sorry for the late reply Smile

My PKC interview is very soon so I'll let you guys know how it goes. Calico, it seems that the format of your interview may resemble mine. I guess we will see!

As for placement, the recruiter I spoke to on the phone said that the requested area I'd like to be in is most probably open but that there is still a chance that I may be placed far away.