Job Discussion Forums

CndnEnrgy · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Toronto

About to fly to Taipei without anything lined up, but I'm fairly personable and confident, so I'm not too worried.

What I began to think about though, was whether or not my interpersonal skills which are so successful here in Canada will apply in Taiwan. Will all the classics of North American personal skills work (maintaining eye contact, confidence, speaking loudly/clearly)? Are there stigmas against these aggressive mannerisms like those Japanese stereotypes of deference and humility?

As well, is it worth it to bring a full, businesslike suit (black, etc) with matching shirt/tie combos? Or can I get away with khakis and a dress shirt? If it will seriously help my job-hunting skills to the point where I'll get more money/better work conditions I'll bring the suit...

Any advice would be great.

Cheers.

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

Ilanian · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 21

Khakis and dress shirt, you'll be the best dressed teacher on campus (in most situations), yes, I would say appearance will set you apart from most. A suit will make you stand out far too much (loser! Laughing

) The personality attributes you mentioned will help you to be a successful teacher, if you are indeed coming to ply the EFL trade.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

First of all, let me say: Great questions!

The local populi, whilst not shy amongst their own, become paralyzed with fear at the prospect of engaging in an English conversation. Part of the Confucian philosophy that permeates the society here is fear of making a mistake. This has been so ingrained in the Taiwanese, that if the slightest possibility of making a mistake exists, better to just not try.

To test my theory, all you "old school" teachers out there try this: Walk into your next class and ask for a volunteer. You'll be hard-pressed to get 2 students to raise their hand. Kids or adults, it makes no difference.

I find myself teaching them confidence as much as I do grammar (I don't teach grammar, bad example, but that's another story).

So when I am hiring, the first thing I am looking for is self-confidence.

The second thing I am looking for is how well dressed you are. I wear a suit when I have to meet clients, my clients all wear suits. While I don't require it (cough, cough Wall Street, cough), it impresses me.

And my company pays top dollar. Unfortunately, for the OP, the 3rd thing I look for is 2 years of in-country experience teaching adults.

Good luck. This will be the adventure of your life.

Remember: Professional is as Professional does.

CndnEnrgy · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Toronto

So... contrary to the last two posts, you like the confidence and you think I should bring the suit...?

To be honest, I don't mind standing out... (I do it anyway... Razz

)

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

Too much worry over a suit mate! This man does not make the suit.

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

Ooops! That may have sounded offensive...I meant THE SUIT DOES NOT MAKE THE MAN.

puiwaihin · Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Posts: 91

There are very few teaching jobs here where a suit is necessary, or even encouraged. Shirt and tie will get you at least as far as a suit. I brought I suit, but I only use it for formal situations (e.g. judging a speech contest or MCing a graduation presentation) and not classroom situations. I don't even where the suit to interviews.

Confidence, on the other hand, that will get you hired.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

You got a suit, bring it. You never know. I buy 3 new ones every time I go to Bangkok.

logician · Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 70

CndnEnrgy · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Toronto

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Gotta stick my 2 cents in here.

Have traveled around the world a bit (including Taiwan) and dealt a lot with local people. The higher up you go in a business sense, the more formal the dress is. This is also where there is usually lots of money. You want the money or whatever this segment of a society offers, then you have to have the "look." Maybe not a full blown suit but at least a sport coat, slacks, shirt and tie.

Check out a company called "Travel Smith." They are on the net. Clothes designed for traveling and looking good while doing so. Lots of the new synthetic fibers designed for use in hot weather. I wore their clothes the last time I was in Taiwan and they really worked. I absolutely hate hot and humid weather but I was able to dress professionally and not die in the process. Plus these fabrics typically do not need to be dry cleaned or pressed.

Think about it this way: Suppose you buy one nice outfit and by wearing it you make a better impression than other applicants and get a good job. Even if you never wear the clothes again, wasn't it worth the expense to buy them? And don't you simply feel more confident when you are well dressed? I do.

Good luck.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

It is important to keep in mind that in Taiwan that foreign teachers are usually hired for the way they look.
It is possible to overdress for an interview. It might help to take a look at what other people there are wearing before the interview.
If you are not sure, bushibans are usually casual. Business classes tend to be more formal.
For most Taiwanese a persons perceived ability is much more important than a persons actual ability.
Good luck.
A.