Job Discussion Forums

[sonsang]

Getting ready to begin the application process for AEON. Can anyone who has been through it all let me know:
1) What kind of things do they look for in the essay?
2) How important is the essay?
3) What is the interview like? What kind of questions should I be ready to answer?
4) What is the group interview where we have to teach a lesson like? How do I prepare for it? What are they looking for?

I appreciate any information or experiences that people could share with me. Thank-you.

[guest of Japan]

Your questions are too vague for me to provide an adequate answer. Perhaps you could provide more information about yourself and your experiences, so that an adequate answer can be given.

[Rockawaybeach]

I'm not even in Japan yet, but maybe I can help you. I was just hired by Aeon last week and I'm heading to Japan in a couple of months.

I found that the essay never once came up again during the 2 day interview process. Try to do a good job, but don't sweat it too much - make sure of your spelling and grammar though. Spellcheck isn't enough.

The interview process is two step. One group day and one individual day. For the group day I was one of 8 applicants. You'll have an info session and then be asked to teach a 5 minute lesson. You are expected to 'just go'. You can't be stopping to say: 'And now the students will do such and such' You can't stop the charade and ask questions. So just do it with as much confidence as possible.

On the second day you'll do another lesson, but this time, instead of applicants acting the role of students, the recruiters will. This is not as stressful as it sounds.

Remember that the recruiters are under pressure to find qualified candidates. I can't say for sure but I think the odds are stacked in the teachers' favor if you think of supply/demand at the present time.

Recruiters want:

Lack of immigration issues.
Lack of health issues.
COMMITMENT to do it for a year at least.
Some understanding of english grammar (there is a light quiz)
The ability to make small talk/be personable.

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I hope this helps. I researched a bunch of companies and interviewed for a few. I was offered employment by all of them and I chose Aeon because by all indications, they have the best official record, the best reputation and most importantly, the least disgruntled employees. Good luck. No need to be nervous. Let them know that you made an effort (such as by bringing teaching materials to your lesson) and that will go a long way.

~RockAwayBeach

[SALLYKERNICK]

Guest of Japan, what is the point of posting a response like that - it is just a waste of time and really annoying. Stop being so holier that thou, it is perfectly reasonable to ask a queation about AEON without telling everyone too much about yourself.

My boyfriend just got a job with AEON, and I think he was hired beacuse he showed that he was a 'people person' - He didn't have any teaching experience or TEFL qualifications or much knowledge about Japan, but he made sure that he showed an real interest in living in a different culture and learning about it whilst he was there.

When they asked him to do the on the spot lesson plan he messed it up but still got hired - because he didn't panic and admitted he had failings but expressed an eagerness to learn and become good at the job. He was friendly and open and I think that worked in his favour.

I hope this helps...

[guest of Japan]

I made that post because if I could see some personal information I could give some personal advise which actually could help the original poster get the job. While I admit that I came off as cranky, I was trying to be sincere. I worked for AEON for several years and know a lot of people in the company (including recruiters).