Job Discussion Forums

[Josh_S]

I've read posts before on the ECC interview, but I was curious as to what I really need to know going into it. How much of the grammar section do I need to know? What are they looking for in the mock-teaching part of the interview? What else should I be aware of for the interview?

I'm going next week and I'm a little nervous...I'm banking on getting this job, but I know I'm up against a "full" crowd of interviewees. That's another thing...how many people will be interviewed that day?

Thanks,

Josh

[Glenski]

Do a search here for related information. Here are a couple of threads that cover your questions.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=3977&start=0
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=273&highlight=ecc+interview

[Mtnkiwi]

Hi Josh.

Don't worry and do worry. I went through this interview successfully a few years back, got the job.

I didn't have much idea about grammar terms back then. I think this was typical of the other kiwis and aussies that did the same interview. I know I did badly, the only grammar terms I really knew were those I'd picked up studying other languages. You could hit a grammar book, or even the glossary of an English learner's book if you are worried. Or you could explain, as I did, that you know it implicitly and intend to study it more for the sake of your students (when they ask you "Is this the passive blah blah..?")

One thing to note. During this interview we we sorted into a number of smaller groups. We were given suggestions, written on a piece of paper, that we should argue for at a mock meeting with the rest of the group. The meeting was about how best to host a group of foreign guests visiting the company. My suggestion was crap, so I admitted it was rather than pushing for it over much better suggestions. One guy I remember had a pretty good suggestion, but man did he push for it! He didn't get the job, despite being well-spoken, well-educated, and obviously intelligent. I think it was because he pushed his individual agenda too strongly, could be wrong.

The one-on-one interview at the end is a breeze. Just be yourself (well, not 100%). Make it clear that you will see out the contract, that you don't mind long commutes etc.

Note. May have changed a little since I did it, the HR manager is different now. Be careful of Mr Wata%&.

Nod and Smile.

[Jax]

Don't get too worried - I went through the process not too long ago and am now working for ECC.

As far as the grammar test goes, know your basics. Be able to define nouns, adjectives, prepositions, determiners etc. etc. Have a decent grasp of different tenses. I think there was a section with common spelling / grammar mistakes for you to correct (words like 'vaccum/vacuum' etc.) which you should find quite easy. There was also a section matching up terms and definitions like 'elicit' and 'realia' which was basically a process of deduction.

There was a short teaching demo - they are looking for confidence and clarity, not fancy teaching skills. The interview was friendly and seemed as much about giving me information I wanted to know as asking me questions. They definately weren't looking to trip me up.

That was basically it. There were twelve people interviewing on my day and everyone passed the grammar test (they mark it during a break and let you know if you need to carry on to the demo / interview).

Good luck - any more questions, just let me know...

[bergmc00]

I just got rejected from ECC after about a one month waiting period. They really kept putting me off and telling me they were waiting to hear back from headquarters and now today I got the news that I have not been accepted in. Oh well, I guess it wasn't meant to be.