Job Discussion Forums

[Angel_gorg]

I have to attend the two day interview process at Geos in London in October and I am wondering whether anyone has been through it and could help me out with some pointers?

I am not too sure what I need to prepare.

[Angelfish]

Wear a suit with shirt, court shoes. Tie your hair back, but no bobbles (unless you wrap a ribbon or hair around it). Make-up. If you're wearing a skirt, make sure you wear tights.

Smile. A lot. Don't be late! In fact, be 30 minutes early.

Do you have a degree? If you don't, the interview is pointless. No matter how good you are in the interview, without a degree, they won't take you.

You'll get asked some basic info on Japan, where some cities are, who the Prime Minister is. There'll be a grammar test, verb tenses, word types (nouns, verbs, prepositions), some basic general knowledge stuff, what decades were what wars?.

You do a 5 minute lesson where you have to explain a grammar point. You'll get lots of info on Geos.

Do you know who's conducting the interview?

[Angel_gorg]

Thanks for the tips!

What sort of history do I need to know - I do not know much about Japanese history.

I do have a degree so I did read that a degree is a must.

What is involved in the grammar test, verb tenses and word types? Are they really long tests?

What is a grammar point as I am unsure.

I also have to do a 30 minute class demonstration - is this in front of other candidates? What does this entail?

I am starting to worry now...

[trix]

hi Angel_gorg
I am off to a GEOS interview next week and wondered what the 30 minute demo entailed? Did you get enough time to prepare it?
Thanks!

[Glenski]

Every one of your questions has been asked a million times and can be found on a search of this site.

[seanmcginty]

Knowledge of grammar and Japanese history aren't what they are looking for, so don't worry about that. Just be as outgoing and likeable as possible in the interview, that is mainly what they want!

[live.rust]

Not true. They are looking for knowledge of grammar. If you fail the grammar quiz, you take it again the 2nd day (if you make it that far). Fail it again, and it's goodbye...

I realize this is a moot point for the posters in the thread, but for any future prospects reading this, you should be sure to know the formal verb tenses/aspects as they account for major scoring sections:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammatical_aspect#Aspect_in_English

The rest of the quiz is cake if you're a native speaker and read more than one book a year.

[seanmcginty]

When I interviewed with GEOS most of the candidates (myself included) failed the grammar test. They then gave us each copies of the test and told us they would give it to us again the next day. The group of us just looked everything up in a grammar text one of us had that night and low and behold we all passed the next day.

Perhaps it varies depending on the interviewer, but ours made it abundantly clear that knowledge of grammar was not going to be a factor in the selection process (unless you were stupid enough to fail the second time after they had all but given you the answers to copy)!

[reedie]

Hello. I have the third stage tomorrow and I am taking the grammar quiz again. I totally bombed it today, because I was going too slowly and so I didn't even get to see the second half of it. I went through parts of speech and verb tenses too slowly. The spelling wasn't really a problem, nor the punctuation. I really regret not even seeing what the last two pages were. Do you have any clues?

I've already invested so much into this that it would be just devastating to fail because of the silly grammar quiz.

Thank you for your help!

[Glenski]

Here are some comments made by others.

First experience
I originally came over to Japan with GEOS and went through their 3-day process, however, that was more than seven years ago so I'll give you the basic gist as I remember it- it may have changed since my days.

DAY 1- Usually the shortest of the three. A couple hours long with a series of different interviews with different people- both individually and in groups. In my opinion this is basically a personality test- they just want to see if you've got the right attitude for them. However, I do remember taking a short test of grammar and international trivia, but basically if they like ya, they'll invite you back for the next day's "interview".

DAY 2- If you got invited back, this will be a FULL DAY of GEOS indoctrination- the company, the business side, the methodology materials, etc... etc... If I remember correctly it will include a lot of activities, more "interviews", etc. Again this day they're still trying to weed people out.

DAY 3- Again by invite only, at the end of day 2 you'll probably be asked to plan a lesson and then "teach" it to a "student" on this day. If you make it through, they'll extend a provisional offer of employment.

That's basically it as I remember it. Others may have gone through this process more recently and are welcome to correct or add to anything I may have forgotten or glossed over.

Although it sounds like a lot but it's really not that daunting. As with any job process, if you go in looking professional (wear a suit and tie), acting professional, use some common sense and display the right type of personality you shouldn't have any problems.

I had ABSOLUTELY no teaching experience or qualifications prior to coming to Japan so don't sweat that too much. I think most on this board would agree with me, that attitude and personality can more than make up for the lack of practical, hands-on teaching experience.

On another note- I worked for GEOS for a little over a year before moving on to better things in Japan. Naturally there were things I didn't like, but overall I really had no issues with GEOS. I was fortunate to have a great Japanese manager and fantastic Japanese and western co-workers- makes a HUGE difference. I had friends who worked for GEOS that had horror stories to tell. I guess my point is, whether you go with GEOS, AEON, NOVA, whatever- it'll always be a bit of a crap shoot so good luck.

Another opinion (July, 2003)
Sounds like the process hasn't changed much then: I did the interview a few months ago.
Day 1
Very short intro to Geos and Japan
English grammar and general knowledge test
5 minute teaching demonstration
More Geos info

Day 2
Even more Geos info, including video
Assigned lesson subject + given planning help

Day 3
Teaching 20 minute lesson
1-on-1 interview


Day 1 starts with a very short introduction to Geos. You then sit a "test" on English grammar and general knowledge for about 15 minutes. The first half of the test is questions like name the word type (noun, verb, etc.); tenses (change this sentence into perfect perfect simple, etc.); and spellings. The second half of the test is pure general knowledge, like capital cities, identifying the former or new name of countries (e.g. you are given Ceylon and have to identify it as now being Sri Lanka) - I really loved this part of it because I love general knowledge. I say "test" with the quotation marks because when I did the interview anyone who failed got to do it again on the second day. People who failed were encouraged to team up with people who passed to get the answers before the re-take (teamwork practice).

Next on day 1 you are given a very open subject to teach a five minute lesson on. You have 15 minutes to prepare the lesson, then you teach it to one of the recruiters (1-on-1).

The first day ends with lots more detailed info about Geos. During this time they'll also get you to do team-building stuff - the usual name learning games, etc. Be enthusiastic at these points; if you're asked to do a forfeit because you've lost a game or something, do it without question. Day 1 is over.

The whole of Day 2 is basically the same as the end of Day 1 - learning stuff about Geos and doing team-building, role playing, information gap exercises. The day ends with everyone getting a sheet from a Geos textbook with the basic outline of a lesson, on which you base a lesson that you plan overnight. You get a bit of guidance on this at the end of Day 2.

Day 3 starts with you delivering your lesson. You are told to plan for a 30 minute lesson, but then, in a "surprise" twist, they only want you to teach 20 minutes of it - i.e., can you adapt at short notice to changes. After you've done your lesson (to the other interviewees) you have a 1-on-1 interview with one of the recruiting staff, and fill in a questionaire.

That's it really. Be prepared to do the team-building stuff as I mentioned above, and lots of the tasks you have to do end up with you parroting the Geos way of working/teaching. Although, to be fair, they do point out some of their weaknesses and the strengths of other companies. I'd say the most important things over the course of the three days are: look professional (suit, tie, jacket, etc.) at all times and be enthusiastic. Some nice flash cards or pictures in your Day 3 lesson go over well also, so stock up on some coloured card, glue, etc. before the three days start. You are closely watched for the entire three days.

Another experience (June, 2003)
I interviewed with GEOS just last weekend and have been given an offer with them. The 3-day long process was perhaps the most organized, efficient, grueling, and intense (yet somehow, fun) interview I have ever been through. In a way, it was like being on a reality TV show, where you are thrown together with a group of strangers from all over and are given various tasks. You don't know how many positions are available and you're doing your best to not get eliminated. Do not expect to relax during the weekend (except Sunday night or unless you get cut), and definitely do not plan on any activities for Saturday night if you make it past the 2nd cut.

Friday's session starts at 9 am or 11 am depending on which time slot you signed up for. If you are part of the 9 am group and you make the first cut, you will need to wait until 2 pm for the afternoon session which combines the candidates from both the 9 am and 11 am groups.

You should definitely review your grammar before taking the 20-min quiz. The quiz is the first thing they administer to determine your English skills. They use the results to make the first cut. After grading the quizzes, they will discuss your results during one-on-one interviews.

During the afternoon session which runs from 2 pm until 4:30 - 5 pm, they will formally introduce you to GEOS by giving you some basic information. They will explain their company, philosophy, history, salary, vacation, teaching methods, etc. You are allowed to ask any questions you have regarding Japan, teaching, or GEOS. You then do some pairwork and group activities such as a 5-min group demonstration.
At the end of the session, they make the second cut. If successful, you are invited back to continue with the rest of the weekend.

Saturday's session starts at 8:30 am or 9 am, depending on whether you need to retake your quiz. It ends around 3:30 - 4 pm. During Saturday's session, training officially begins. You are given a handbook which exposes you to even more information about GEOS. Here, they cover the basic information they gave you yesterday in more detail. Expectations, dress code, schedules, apartment furnishings, training, company organization, career opportunities, their teaching format, the business side, etc. are all discussed. They demonstrate the GEOS teaching method and even give you their evaluation form so you know exactly what they are looking for. You are required to make your own teaching materials for your 30-min demonstration on Sunday. It definitely helps to have scissors, glue, tape, construction paper, etc. to construct your teaching materials. Many out-of-towners had to purchase their own supplies. Since the Japan head office evaluates you by your materials, everyone I knew, including myself, stayed up until 3:30 am working on them.

Sunday's session begins at 8:45 am sharp and lasts until 12 - 1:30 pm. You form pairs and take turns delivering your teaching demo to one another. Afterwards, you are called in one by one to discuss the results of your demonstration and interviewed for any final remarks. By the time you are through, you should have a good idea of whether or not they will give you an offer. The entire process was similar to a GEOS bootcamp. There was a high degree of comraderie among the interviewees because we were all going through the same thing. The results of the interview will be given to you in 2 days. Their response time is amazing compared to most American companies.

I am not sure about whether all GEOS interviews are held over the weekend, but I'm thinking they probably are since most people have to fly in for the interview.

I also would appreciate hearing about any recent GEOS experiences firsthand. After the interview, my impression of GEOS is quite favorable in that they were extremely professional, organized, and efficient for such a large company. They were very clear, open, and upfront with their expectations. The interviewees were all really cool people that I'd like to work with. However, since GEOS was the first company I've interviewed with, I'm not sure if I should hold out for JET, Aeon, or ECC

Another experience
I worked for GEOS for two years, and left in the late 90s. I would agree, yes, they do work you very hard. There is a business aspect too, and you are expected to sell texts, and also get new students to sign up or existing students to renew. This was the least pleasant part of the job for me.

On the teaching end, they had good resources available, some decent training, and good support from the trainers if you need it. Expect to teach all ages - I was told in my pre-departure training that I wouldn�t teach kids, only to arrive and find out that 30 percent of my classes were with children. The manager had requested someone experienced with children, and she got me, so I�m not too sure about their recruitment and placement process.

The Japanese teachers - most of whom are `part time` and make terrible pay for a lot of work - were great, and helped me out a lot with everything from recommending restaurants to helping me make reservations for a holiday. Teachers at other GEOS schools said the same thing about their Japanese colleagues. GEOS always paid on time, and the apartment was in good shape when I arrived.

My class load varied from 8 /day during a very busy summer, to 5 or 6 a day most of the rest of the time. I enjoyed it, but know some who didn�t, primarily because of the heavy teaching schedules and the sales expectations. GEOS is also cheap about some things, and was getting cheaper by the day when I was there. One Japanese friend who left GEOS and went to another job told me how surprised she was to be given stationery supplies on her first day at the new job - at GEOS you generally had to bring your own.

The only thing I can say about the interview is look professional and be enthusiastic. Look very professional. I interviewed with a different format, but noticed that those of who were called back for the second interview were the ones who had worn suits to the first interview.

Another experience
As far as I can remember day one eases you in. There is a lot of talk about GEOS as a company. You have to present a very short lesson, at this stage they will just want to see that you can stand up in front of people and speak clearly. You may have little or no choice on what you teach. There's also a written test on grammar, general knowledge and stuff. Also a small one on one interview on the first day I think. Day two is a lot more about GEOS policies and you will find out about GEOS methodology. On day three there is a longer interview and you will teach a GEOS lesson. They will want to see that you've planned your lesson well, made some nice props (flash cards or something) and applied GEOS methodology. Don't plan anything for the evenings because you will be preparing for the following day and make sure you are prepared with card scissors and coloured pens before day one.

Follow-up message by same person
The fact is that GEOS is not an easy company to work for and I think it's useful that they let you know that before you sign anything. GEOS is hard work and they try to sort the workers from the holiday makers in the interview. About two thirds of my interview group did not turn up for day three, I guess because they were required to put some work in the night before and plan a lesson. I don't think it's too much to ask for that you can demonstrate what you'll be employed to do

Another experience, January 2005
The GEOS interview took 2 1/2 in total. At the San Francisco site it took place on the first day within the Pan-Pacific Hotel on Post St. near Union Square. There the recruiter gives you a test that includes not only basic english grammar knowledge but also general knowledge on music, Japan, history, etc. Shouldn't be too hard to pass. Just know what certain words are; for example "fight" is a verb, "and" is a conjunction, etc.
If you don't pass on the first try you'll get a chance again to retake it tomorrow. Don't try to do too badly on either the test or the interview with your resume or they might not ask you back for the rest.

The first day is the shortest with a general info session and then they'll hand out envelopes that let you know if you got to the second stage or not.
The second day is the most intensive one, so bring a notepad for notes or even a recorder. When they do the examples of the GEOS method make sure to take good notes during the recruiter's demonstrations. You'll also be made the student or teacher during the demos.

Finally you'll be asked to do a teaching demonstration for 26 minutes at the end of the day according to the GEOS method. I tried to come up with different games than what the teacher did but I went a bit too far. This is what got me in the interview. Make your little activities and games as simple as possible. Plan out your presentation and try to practice it the night before. Get plenty of sleep too because the demonstration starts at 9. Or you might get lucky and sign up for the 11 start time (There's fewer slots available for the later time).

Basically, show them you can do their method as confidently and seamlessly as possible You're gonna' be working hard the night before the demonstration so be prepared. Also bring pens, construction paper, poster board, blank cards, and colored markers. These will come in handy big time for props you need to make for your presentation.

Smiling and a vivid personality are crucial. The SF recruiter is a strict and business-like, plus she's good at observing multiple people at once. Good luck. If you don't get the job you can apply again later if you want to. But if you don't like how they do things try other programs like AEON, ECC, NOVA, or JET.

Another experience, January 2005
I had an interview with GEOS last month.....

I drove about 500 miles to get to the interview, got a hotel room for 3 nights, basically spent a lot of money.

Okay enough of my complaining. The last person was pretty close to how it went at mine as well (I had the interview in Vancouver, B.C.).

We started with 8 people in our group. The dress is formal, you must be in a suit (girls, if you wear a skirt, wear nylons). As soon as we got there we too the grammar/knowledge test. This is a test that is designed to intimidate you and make you nervous, so just take it calmly. The knowledge portion may cover things you have never heard of, like name 3 members of the Warsaw pact, or give the current names to these countries, Siam, S. W. Africa, Berma, etc. They do give you a chance to take it later.

Then they give each person an individual interview and let you know if you are invited back in the afternoon. They cut 1.

The afternoon just started to explain what the company did and what we would be doing. Then they gave us a letter before we left to let us know if we were invited back tomorrow. They cut one more.

Down to 6. We went through a full day of the "Teaching Method" (I say that with quotes because I'm a certified teacher, and it's not a method). I was the only person that was an actual teacher there. One of our presenters was explaining the teaching method, and it seemed similiar to another teaching method called "Constructivism", so I asked if it was the same. They had never heard of it. I was really um... let's say... not impressed with their knowledge of teaching. Their method is so dumbed down that any 15 year old idiot could follow it (if they had 3 hours to prepare for every 30 min. lesson). Also, what type of ENGLISH class is it when you are NOT supposed to SPEAK TO THE STUDENTS IN ENGLISH!!! I think the best way to learn is to be immeresed in it. I learned Spanish that way in high school, I was totally lost the first week and then I caught on!

After knowing how many props and stupid little cards you have to make for each lesson, I'm glad that I didn't get the position. But it would have been nice to get some feedback; "they didn't need anyone", "you sucked". Whatever, just something besides "no". I was the most qualified and tutored 2 of the others the whole time, and I rocked the lesson.

I hope I helped a little, thanks for listening to my ranting in there too! ha ha