|
Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Taxim
Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Posts: 15
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 8:53 am Post subject: Dear G Cthulhu: Teaching experience and JET and...stuff. |
 |
|
This is probably a pointless post, but the extended application process has me more than a bit jittery.
So...I suppose I should address the Elder God himself:
(Oh, and I'd PM but...not enough posts. Others are welcome to respond though.)
G Cthulhu,
I remember reading a post where you stated, in response to a charge to the contrary, that teaching experience gained an applicant points. I remember the type of teaching also being cited as a factor. With that in mind, I was wondering what my specific circumstances might count for.
I've taught two semesters of EN111 (Freshmen Comp), and two semesters of EN211B (Narrative/Descriptive - or Sophomore Comp). All this has been as a TA pursuing an MA in English Lit (which I'll have in April). Oh, I also have two semesters interning as a TA in Intro to Film courses (EN125).
I'm just wondering if my experience will be considered a great asset or if it's more of an "oh that's nice, but it's not exactly analogous to what is asked of a JET" sort of thing.
I have a few more questions but I'll make 'em quick:
1. How big a factor does age still play? I'm currently 33 (and worried).
2. Assuming I get an interview, do I need to dress in a suit and tie? (I did do a forum/faq search, but I admit it wasn't exhaustive so I apologize if I just missed this info). I've never worn a suit in my life, and I'd like to hold out until I can contact whoever I'm (hopefully) contracted with to find out if dress code is business, or just business casual.
3. I sport a goatee. Will I need to shave this before the interview (assuming I get one) and/or going over to Japan?
Thanks much for any info in advance.
(oh...I'm a US applicant, if it makes any difference) |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Bread
Joined: 24 May 2009
Posts: 318
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:49 am Post subject: Re: Dear G Cthulhu: Teaching experience and JET and...stuff |
|
|
| Taxim wrote: |
2. Assuming I get an interview, do I need to dress in a suit and tie? (I did do a forum/faq search, but I admit it wasn't exhaustive so I apologize if I just missed this info). I've never worn a suit in my life, and I'd like to hold out until I can contact whoever I'm (hopefully) contracted with to find out if dress code is business, or just business casual. |
YES. Don't bother contacting them to ask whether you need to wear a suit to the interview, that is a totally ridiculous question. Do you think it's McDonald's? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I second Bread's statement. This is the real world. Get and wear a suit to every interview. Hell, back in the States, I wore one to a 7-11 interview (and got the job)!
Your age shouldn't make much difference.
The goatee should be acceptable, but if you don't mind, shave it for the interview.
I'd say that your teaching experience will be more favorable than negative, but not much more than that for the reason you cited. As long as you recognize its limitations, you should be fine. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
G Cthulhu
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
Posts: 1373
Location: Way, way off course.
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: Dear G Cthulhu: Teaching experience and JET and...stuff |
|
|
Heh. Nice intro. 
| Taxim wrote: |
I'm just wondering if my experience will be considered a great asset or if it's more of an "oh that's nice, but it's not exactly analogous to what is asked of a JET" sort of thing.
|
I haven't seen the current grading scales and I believe they are still tweaking them after the 2007/2008 changes, but that should count for some positive points: it's real, it's in a formal school atmosphere, but it isn't the same as recognized credentials.
| Quote: |
I have a few more questions but I'll make 'em quick:
1. How big a factor does age still play? I'm currently 33 (and worried).
|
In theory, it isn't supposed to play a big part. It shouldn't for the app part, but it might at the interview stage depending on the interviewers. Happily, it's likely to be a positive bias, if anything. The ages have been creeping up as JET is seeking people with more life experience and they've had fewer problems with older applicants. Hell, I was 32 when I arrived in Japan way back when, so don't be too concerned.
As an aside, if you put down on the app that you want to teach elementary then be prepared for questions about how energetic you are and whether you'll survive all day every day with young children (you won't, btw - they'll eat you alive) , but don't worry about the age thing in and of itself.
| Quote: |
2. Assuming I get an interview, do I need to dress in a suit and tie? (I did do a forum/faq search, but I admit it wasn't exhaustive so I apologize if I just missed this info). I've never worn a suit in my life, and I'd like to hold out until I can contact whoever I'm (hopefully) contracted with to find out if dress code is business, or just business casual.
|
I've seen people interview without a suit jacket. Come to think of it, I interviewed in business dress minus the suit jacket. But then, it was 34 degrees C outside when I interviewed and no one had jackets on! (Hell, I've seen people interview in sweat pants - seriously, the guy actually showed up in sweat pants. And a wrinkled dress shirt and tie. It was bizarre.) While I don't mind in the slightest a lack of jacket, some interviewers don't like it.
So, realistically, yes, you need one because you can't predict who the interviewers are going to be and it is a formal interview with a very conservative organization. I wouldn't go business casual in the US sense of the term. It looks sloppy when it's sitting there in a see of business formal.
Black pants and matching jacket, dress shoes and belt, solid colour shirt and tie are the way to go for guys. Boring, but it works. Remember, you're not there to express your individuality, you're there to get a job, so play to the biases of the employer as far as you can. If cost is really that tight then just rent something for the day - hell, if you're in the US then visit Target or Walmart suit section, buy something to wear the day before and then return it afterwards.
| Quote: |
3. I sport a goatee. Will I need to shave this before the interview (assuming I get one) and/or going over to Japan?
|
Do you look better with it or without it? Go with whichever looks better on you so long as it's neat and tidy.
Good luck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Taxim
Joined: 09 Jan 2009
Posts: 15
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 8:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks to G Cthulhu and Glenski for the insight and information.
And Bread... Good lookin' out on that McDonald's thing.
When I stumble into the classroom, bleary-eyed and bedraggled, throwing my pocket change at the first teenager I see, my students are often forced to remind me of the same harsh reality.
I kid! I kid...I hand them my change before misplacing an order. What kind of savage do you take me for?
Seriously though, I do appreciate all responses, with and without snark. I feel better prepared and considerably calmed. I'll probably shave the goatee though for the same reasons mentioned in your response to 2, G Cthulhu. I don't know who will be interviewing me, and it could be someone who frowns on any facial hair, tidy or not, like Glenski implies.
It's sad though, I look like a kid without it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
GambateBingBangBOOM
Joined: 04 Nov 2003
Posts: 2021
Location: Japan
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:13 am Post subject: Re: Dear G Cthulhu: Teaching experience and JET and...stuff |
|
|
| Taxim wrote: |
1. How big a factor does age still play? I'm currently 33 (and worried).
...
3. I sport a goatee. Will I need to shave this before the interview (assuming I get one) and/or going over to Japan?
|
| Taxim wrote: |
| It's sad though, I look like a kid without it [the goatee]. |
So what's the problem? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
