Job Discussion Forums

[mohammad a]

what sorts of things do they ask you on a telephone interview in ksa? Do they offer you the job straight away?

Any input is appreciated!

[007]

[ghost]

I went through a video conference interview, recently with a University.

Here is the deal, and if I am wrong, perhaps sages like John Slat. and/or Scot might correct me.

If you have reached the stage of being called by phone, it looks like you have a good chance for the position. So that is positive.

Speak clearly, and answer the questions as best you can. Remember, that your 'interviewers' are usually checking to see how you are in the verbal department, and although phone interviews don't show the whole story, one can get a fairly good idea about a person through an interview of that kind.

I doubt you would be offered the job straight away. In most cases, if the interview is 'successful' you will be recommended for employment, but then the recommendation has to go through to the Dean of the College, for final approval. This can take 2-4 weeks, to sort out. But things may vary depending on the college and location. A final step might be to check references.

If you have an interview with a 'recruiter' - the same rules do not apply, and the process is generally much quicker. 'Direct hire' and 'through a recruiter' are two different things.

Ghost in Korea

[Mia Xanthi]

It is certainly a good sign to get a phone interview, but for some institutions the phone interview is only to narrow down candidates for face-to-face interviews.

I also know that some phone interviews are to screen out applicants with heavily accented English that "students can't understand". Unfortunately, I have found that there is a lot of discrimination against non-native speakers in phone interviews conducted from this region.

You can probably expect a couple of hypothetical questions, such as "How would you teach X?" and "How would you handle [a behavior problem] in the classroom?" You will probably also be asked about your hobbies, which is a ploy to determine if you are suitably stable/conservative/boring enough to tolerate life in a compound in KSA. Tell them you like to read and grow herb gardens, and you'll be a shoo-in.

[windstar]

My addition is about hypothetical questions. You could expect questions about "how would you respond when you have a very disruptive student?, how can you deal with unmotivated student in a highly motivated classroom? (vice versa also true) and some subtle questions about your sensitiveness to cultural norms. Good luck.

[Imdramayu]

I'm doing a phone interview with Bell International in April. It looks pretty exciting. Is this a recruiter? Has anyone interviewed with them? What questions were asked?

[Thwartley]

I also wouldn't view an initial phone interview as an indication that you've nearly got the job sewn up.

Some other possible questions: 1. What are your best and worst qualities as a teacher?

2. How do you manage conflict (as relates to colleagues)?

[mohammad a]

some people are really unreliable!!

The guy from the school never rang me for the interview! What to do...

Any suggestions?

[007]

[windstar]

Wait. Sometimes, they might be drowning in the middle of bureaucratic obstacles. Just relax, be patient. It is a slow process in ME to hire people. Good luck.

[mohammad a]

maybe the job's expired or...


Should i give them a call to find out?

[Mia Xanthi]

Mohammed A, I would give them a call if I were you. There could have been some mix-up in communication about the number or the time. However, if they don't have a really good reason that they missed the call, I would take it as a HUGE red flag.

Remember that the phone interview allows you to interview them as well as the other way around. Check them out thoroughly before you agree to work for them.

One more thing: as has been noted on another thread, this is the season where many people travel to TESOL International. It could be an especially difficult time for recruiters or interviewers who are having to keep up an interview schedule and prepare to travel at the same time.

Best of luck to you if they do call.

[mohammad a]

well the deed's been done! i've phoned him and he said he's been really busy and hasn't phoned any of the applicants. He also said he'll call me in the evening... who knows??

[mohammad a]

well its past evening and guess what... NO CALL!!

I don't know why they do it??

[spiral78]

I've just been in a similar situation with important promises (getting my visa application filed) being taken casually by the people in-country who are SUPPOSED to expedite hiring processes.

It's very stressful!!

In my case, I knew that I had the job (I really do - finally traveling with visa firmly in hand on Saturday), but I'm delayed by 30 days, thanks to the fact that I am extremely UNimportant to the powers that are in charge of making the arrangements.

It's also entirely unfair - they want to hire people who take their responsibilities seriously, but don't meet their own obligations and commitments.

Rant, rant, rant. In the long run it probably doesn't matter (all water under the bridge once you get there finally, and if you don't, you'll do something else). But it's STRESSFUL and ANNOYING.

My situation is not in the ME, either. I was going to say that maybe cultural differences are in play here in terms of weighing the importance of doing what you say/are committed to doing. But unfortunately I think this lack of concern is just endemic everywhere

Anyway, Mohammed, I would bet that the guy will eventually call you. I'll be interested to know. But I'd be looking for other options while I wait. And, you've got empathy and sympathy from me, for whatever little that may be worth