Job Discussion Forums

jerkytheturkey · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 38

I'm due to take the Aeon interview next week. I received an email from their recruitment office last night, heres the gist:

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

They are not changing the number of openings, but they are forewarning you that the process will take more time. Sounds natural to me, and all candidates had better realize that the competition will be steep. With everyone and his brother (apparently) applying, people should realize that the secondhand info they got telling them that all they need is a pulse will very likely not hold water (as if it ever did).

I hope nobody put all his eggs in just the AEON basket.

jerkytheturkey · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 38

Yeh I can see where you coming from although many of the Aeon interview experiences I've read are from qualified candidates that were not successful. Its been said before but it sounds like its more about the chemistry and if you are what they are looking for.

I've got other options but am limited by the fact that alot of the other big players are not recruiting in the UK (ECC, GEOS). Sad

I've started looking into more rural areas in the hope that something will come up, failing that I'll be registering to do a CELTA in order to get a low level job.

Rezz · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 95

I got the same email as was due to take part in the same interview. Not sure what to do for the best now Sad

I've already booked a hotel and travel so I'd have to claim a refund and probably still be out of pocket a bit if I defer it until the October interview. I've applied already to Interac (no reply), been checking ECC daily (not currently accepting applicants) so it's only really AEON who have given me any attention so far.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

GoGoHorrorshow · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 16

man i had no idea the market is that oversaturated right now....i actually delayed my interview date until july 1st, which now looks like it will cost me! this is pretty bad news... especially with ECC, GEOS, Berlitz at a hiring freeze.

At this point, i've been offered a job at RCS. I keep hearing horrible things about them so I wasn't going to accept, but it looks like that might be my one way in to Japan at this point. Sad

Deep Thirteen · Joined: 23 May 2009 Posts: 39 Location: East Sea Japan

You guys should definately go for the interview. I doubt the situation will get any better in time. See it as a chance and that's it. If you don't get an offer, that's one place down and you can worry about how to approach another.

I feel for anyone in our situation; wanting to get to a country we have an interest in being in and making a living in (at least for the short-term) but few options at the moment due to personal financial constraints and a tight field. Re-assess your needs over wants and plan accordingly I say.

I'm playing the overseas field right now and have yet to get an invite for an interview from any company. Tried AEON a couple months ago. I've been working on my cover letter and resume since then (taking lots of advice from the database here. I found I didn't really know how to write a cover and resume until I started this process) and will try them again next year if I don't have a job in this field by then. Pretty much looking to Taiwan and Korea if nothing pans out in Japan by next year's hiring season. I really would like Japan since I studied the culture and know some of the language but I'll compromise. There's nothing for me at home at the moment that really equals the sort of pay, and intrinsic value of living in NE Asia, that I could get as an entry level ELT or ALT.

Just the perspective of a guy who wasn't fortunate (or skilled) enough to score an interview with AEON.

jerkytheturkey · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 38

I'm not going to let it put me off, as Glenski said if I dont get the job i'll look elsewhere or come over in spring next year.

I've heard mixed reviews about RCS but if you've had an offer you should take it. Do you have any teaching qualifications? When I applied to them they told me they weren't hiring people unless they have experience or teaching qualifications.

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 30

I made it to the group interview with Aeon a few weeks ago but was not interested in the 2nd round.

We were told that they are taking less than half of the people from the group interviews and that competition is stiffer than ever.

I lost interest in the job during the group interview session (maybe I telegraphed that), and that was before we were told that people wouldnt be placed until 2010 (there was a collective sigh in the room when the recruiter announced this).

I'm not above Aeon...but from what I saw at the "interview"...I probably wouldnt have enjoyed the job.