Job Discussion Forums

[GreenDestiny]

My 1st telephone interview for an eikawa-chain is scheduled next week, and would really appreciate any tips/advice from other teachers. Thank you!

All the best,
GreenDestiny

[David W]

Who'll be interviewing you? Japanese person or an English speaker?

[ohahakehte]

green destiny,

good post topic. i was gonna post something along those lines too but now that someone has already done that im gonna add something to it.

i have a list of questions that i ask schools when being interviewed on the phone. are these fair/useful questions to ask?

1. how much is the salary?
2. what are the weekly hours and general day-to-day schedule?
3. how many teachers are at the school, how many students and what are the class sizes?
4. do you provide the work visa?
5. are there bonuses?
6. does the school find accomodation/apartments for the teachers? is rent subsidized? is it close to the school? is it furnished?
7. do teachers have additional responsiblities on top of teaching?
8. what are the holidays and are they paid?
9. does the company pick up the teacher from the airport?
10. is there a dresscode?
11. what is the curriculum like?

[denise]

I usually shy away from questions about salary/compensation and try to find out more information about the school itself. How long have the other teachers been there? (high turnover rate=bad, in my mind) Are there regular staff meetings? Do the teachers pool their resources, share ideas, etc., etc.? And (this one is tricky to word--don't want it to sound too light-hearted) what is the relationship of the teachers/staff/students outside of class? Are there school excursions?

As far as interviewing tips--I had a few telephone interviews. I had written down a list of questions before the interview and had it with me while we spoke on the phone. I took notes on the conversation, so that I could refer back to specific points later.

d

[ohahakehte]

[GreenDestiny]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Since it's an eikawa-chain, I'm not interviewing for any specific locale per se...And it seems I'll be interviewed by an english speaker. So, I've written down general questions re the position, as for favoured areas in Japan in which to be placed.

Comments?

GreenDestiny

[GreenDestiny]

Perhaps PaulH, Glenski or another seasoned teacher can provide a 'Telephone Interview' FAQ/Sticky to this forum.

GreenDestiny

[Gordon]

I also never ask salary questions unless I've been offered the job. I don't think it sounds all that professional to ask it before you know they even want you. Once they offer you the job, ask about salary, whether it is negotiable (depends on your experience) and also for a home tel. # of a current teacher there. If they refuse outright, than alarm bells should go up.

[Igopee]

I've been Interviewing people for the past few weeks for the school that I work for and here are a few things that I've found helps:
1. be enthusiastic on the phone. No one wants to hire someone that can only respond with one word answers or who talks like a zombie (sounds obvious but you wouldn't believe how many people I've spoken to like that)
2. Don't ask too many salary questions. The boss wants someone that's here for more than just a paycheck. Not so much because the boss wants to exploit the person (although that could also be the case)but the boss likes to know that the teachers are getting more out of it then money and therefore more likely to be happy. Happy teachers happy students.
3. If the employer wants a picture send one of you smiling. Employer wants to see what kind of face your going to put on to the kids. Rule of thumb, if your picture scares little children don't send it.

I work for an ekaiwa so my boss is always looking for people that won't scare kids and preferably ex-summer-camp leaders. Just be genki if the job requires teaching children and follow that up with a good resume and your as good as in. Also don't be a man and don't be married. (Thats just where I work but its incredible how many people are turned away becuase of the above)Good luck on the job search.

[ohahakehte]

[Captain Onigiri]

[spidey]

Before the interview...

- Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the prospective company. Every school will typically have a website. The schools will be impressed that you took the time to learn about them.
-Be prepared to answer some personal and/or peculiar questions. Especially if you are being interviewed by a Japanese person.
-Ask if it is OK to contact some of the current teaching staff.
-Talk in a clear voice and try not to use too many slang words.

The list goes on and on...

S

[ohahakehte]