Job Discussion Forums

[goldhair]

I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping somebody can answer for me. What is the interview process like? Once you have accepted the terms of and signed the contract, how long does it take to get a working visa from the country that you will be teaching in?

Keith

[spiral78]

What country are you thinking of? The processes aren't the same everywhere.

[goldhair]

I was thinking of going to Japan, China, or South Korea.

[Gordon]

By the time they contact you for an interview, you can expect at least 2 months before you will be going there, often longer. Interviews are often done on the phone, but the big companies in Japan that hire overseas will conduct face to face interviews. The interview process for them will take longer as they plan quite far in advance.

[Glenski]

Japan.
Interviews are usually done in person. Expect a panel of at least 3 people to attend. You will probably have to wait for ages on some uncomfortable chair until they have everything "just so". Someone who speaks imperfect English (if any at all) will usher you to the room. This is after you have taken far too long to find your way to the building itself because buildings are not numbered consecutively in Japan. And, you will probably be wearing slippers that are 3 sizes too small for your feet, so they will flop noisily or fall off occasionally.

Enter the room. You will imagine that this is a police grilling, because everyone is lined up on one side, and your lone chair sits facing them at quite a distance away. If you're lucky, someone will greet you in English, but probably not by standing or shaking hands or smiling. Give the room a bow anyway, and offer a greeting.

If you are given business cards (unlikely, but who cares!), LOOK at each one, even if you can't read a word. Check the back for English. DON'T put these in your pocket! Keep them out. If you have a table, lay them out in order so you know who you are talking to.

After they gesture for you to sit down, take the seat and sit as straight as possible. No leg crossing! Let the grilling begin. Don't be surprised if some questions are in English or Japanese, and don't be surprised if one person (the most senior) sleeps or otherwise doesn't ask a single question. You may be asked something fairly personal, too, maybe something that you think is discriminatory, but it's not in Japan.

Plan for the usual questions (like "Why Japan?").

Depending on the job, you may be asked to present a demonstration lesson, whether to real students or to fake ones (staff members). You'll usually have only 10-15 minutes, so know what to do to show your knowledge and personality.

They will curtly tell you the interview is over, so leave the room, but before you step through the door, turn around, bow, and thank people.

Don't forget to be overly polite to the people who showed you the room, gave you tea, found your slippers, etc.