Job Discussion Forums

[lotsa]

Given that there are probably wise men & women out there who have either been employed by HCT or previously worked with them but no longer do, i'm interested to know what their methodology is in terms of recruitment. I just got the big red STOP sign on my online application (kind of impersonal but thats something they like to do I guess). Over 13 years of teaching, degree holder, TESOL qualified, EAP and ESP qualified. I thought it strange but I guess they are a big organisation and people are "application numbers" and CV's on a screen as opposed to people that are really good at their job.

Thoughts anyone on their recruitment ethos? This is not a blowout, just spurred my curiosity, I have way many other job offers to run thru hehe.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

Count yourself lucky that they didn't put you through one of their famously ridiculous interviews ... I've heard tales of interviewees sitting halfway across the world, at the start of a video-link interview, listening in on the HCT interviewers (who were too dumb to realize they were 'on air') as they abused the person and their CV ...

[veiledsentiments]

lotsa,

The answer to your question is that their system has always been a mystery. And, we have only our fellow "westerners" to blame for this...

VS

[Gordon]

[gstieglit]

Over 13 years of teaching, degree holder, TESOL qualified, EAP and ESP qualified.





If you don't mind me asking, could you elaborate on this. I am curious too why you were stopped so quick.

[like2answer]

As gstieglit asked, it would be best if you could give details. I know of people who have taught around the world, in universities, but their MA wasn't in TESL or Linguistics so were turned away. I know of others who were "right for the job" and had to have supervisors call HR in Abu Dhabi to make them change the red X into "passed screening".

Most of the HR people are relatively new. HCT needed so many new staff this semester, and they didn't get the ball rolling fast enough.

Happy to hear you have other options. HCT HR isn't what it could be.

As for the interviews, HR doesn't do all of them. Most of the time supervisors do the interviews. If you haven't heard, supervisors at HCT don't have the best reputation for "being on the ball".

[globalnomad2]

In '97 they interviewed me at a Toronto airport hotel. I got a stress interview in which an older British gentleman excoriated the "Ameddican" excess on my resume. He had a point, actually...I should have changed a particular item on it that said "superb...[whatever] ..skills" to "professional [whatever] skills" But I just smiled and said I guessed I'd read too many resume books. They liked that.

[Shakhbut]

Present perfect? Pushing them a bit, aren't you?

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

'The perfect present' is generally received a lot more favourably ...

[WD40]

'An MA is essential when teaching 20 bored individuals the Present Perfect'

What a load of tosh. You need to be able to teach - an MA does not give you that!

[sekuru]

Hi Everyone,

I have been a "lurker" on this board for some time now and I must say I have benefited a lot from your discussions. I thank you all.

Lotsa's enquiry on HCT's recruitment style prompted me to throw into the ring, my own predicament. Responding to an advert for BEd faculty (Educational Technology/IT) for RAK, I applied online, was selected and interviewed (via video conference) and passed the interview. This was in February 2005 and I have not heard a word from HCT.

For those of you in the know, has this post(s) been filled and if not, is there any chance the post(s) could be filled this coming August?

Also, for how long will my name stay in the "pool" of recommended applicants?

I thank you in advance for your insights.

Sekuru.

[sekuru]

...OOOps! The interview was in Februry last year (2006), and not February 2005. My apologies.

Sekuru.

[veiledsentiments]

I was just thinking that you seemed a very patient person.

Have you called them about it? That is really the best way to find out what is or had happened.

VS

[lotsa]

In response to a few queries posted regarding my qualifications. I have a BA in philosophy (btw, i've come across many teachers out there with MA's(TESOL) who frankly should go back and do an undergraduate degree!). My 13 years of teaching experience is just that, teaching in a classroom... no MA replaces proven record in terms of experience. Do you all really think that a recently graduated MA thats say 25yo is going to be a better teacher than a 42yo BA grad with 13 years experience??? Come on, think about it a bit. I agree with someone here who says its a load of tosh requiring an MA to teach.

My references in terms of excellence in teaching in the past proves I can do the job. OK, rant switch off, but really, some people on here need a reality check when balancing MA's against experience. About HCT, i've dropped them, on checking with some other teachers on here via pvte messaging, they should be steered clear from. Nonetheless, to those that have contributed to this thread, thanks.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]