Job Discussion Forums

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

many people give up in the application process - there's so much red tape.
I'm an "old" NET reaching 60 and have been here 8 years.
Last year there were more applicants than jobs.
In the past people with any degree and CELTA could get in as a pnet. Some say that due to economic downturn things changed last year. EDB could be more picky and choosy. I don't know anyone who got in last year who didn't have a recognized teaching qualification. A few people I know missed out on getting a net job last year - mainly because they didn't have a recognized teaching qualification.

For a pnet job you really need a primary school teaching degree plus now you MUST have TESOL qualification.
for secondary NET you must be qualified English teacher.

Yes I've heard other stories about pretentious British bags at EDB who interview would-be NETS. These people can be extremely condescending whether you're a qualified teacher or not and no matter where you come from. These people who do the interviewing are ex-NETS who now work full time at EDB in office jobs. They've gained a foot up the ladder and a little power so like to show if off.
the EDB is starting local interviews this month for new NETS required for august 2010.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

A friend of mine got on PNET scheme last year. He has a degree and an online TEFL qualification only. He gets the'allowance' and flights etc. He was in Hong Kong and interviewed with the school. I think if the school can actually talk to you face to face...that makes all the difference. Just my guess here...but so many teachers have come here and then been useless in the working enviroment and culture here...schools would much rather take someone lesser qualified but with local experience and who they can meet.

judoka · Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 53 Location: North Pole

I didn't know about interviews in HK. Anyone know when the interviews take place for 2010 and are they always given during the same time every year? I am assuming to get the interview in HK I need to go through the same process of sending in an application and requesting to interview in HK, right? I will have my teaching credential next year though. It'll probably be better to wait till next year after I graduate although I wish I could be teaching in HK this year.

Dude Love Japan · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 111

I'm a 32 year-old Canadian male, B.A. in English, CELTA and years of teaching experience with kids here in Korea. I didn't get a secondary NET interview (which I wanted more) but I did get a primary interview, which I went to HK for, with an Aussie gentleman and HK woman. Both seemed nice, interview went well as far as I can tell. After some online searching before the interview I had the feeling my chances were good. I should know by Thursday.

judoka · Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 53 Location: North Pole

Dude love Japan,

Let me know if you got the job.

caylia · Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 5

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

Ya, I'd like to know too.

Also: can anyone who's interviewed w/NET tell us what the "written test" involves?

SydGirl2 · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 50

Just be aware that the interview is just one step in the long process involved in becoming a NET. If you pass the interview, then your name will be put in a pool of candidates and the schools choose from there. It is a long process. If your name is in the pool of candidates and you don't hear anything, ring EDB. Also if you know of any school looking for a NET, you could approach them yourself.

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

Thanks, Syd. Again, any insight into the "written test"?

Good grief, the NET application's "process" makes JET's seem like a snap!

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

An acquaintance of mine got through the EDB interview for primary net position. she doesn't have a teaching qualification. she has an unrelated degree plus a TESOL qualification although she has taught TESOL elsewhere.

well she is in there with a chance, however, because she is already in HK, she is now able to apply directly to schools she sees advertising - telling them that she's already approved by EDB.
Now is about the time when "old" nets show their hand and let their schools know whether they'll be staying on or going. it's also the time when schools let their NETS know if they want them to renew. So it's the height of the season for old NETS looking for jobs and moving schools.

judoka · Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 53 Location: North Pole

The written test. You are given about 9 topics to choose to write about and that's it for any testing.

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

Over the years many aspiring EFLers have complained about the convoluted application process for Japan's superb JET Programme-and with good reason. But anal as the JET application process is, I would offer the following 2 observations: 1. Unlike NET, it is, comparatively speaking, a "snap". 2. Unlike NET, it has, so to speak, a "method to its madness." Case in point....

With JET, all JETs who are eligible for contract renewal have a strict deadline (around mid-Feb.)to give their answers(yay or nay). Then newbies are interviewed w/the relevant numbers in mind. NET? Many interviews are held in the early spring(often at great expense/hassle to the hapless yet well-qualified applicants)and YET when does NET choose to find out which NETs are needed for the next intake? Mid-May?!

JET treats applicants with logic & respect compared with NET.

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

You say the JET programme is "superb"

Do they take "older" JETS? Is there an age cut-off?
Is the salary similar to a Hong Kong NET with all the fringe benefits?

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

Yes, there is definitely an age cut off for JET-if you're over 39, just forget about applying. So, I'll give NET a mark on the wall there.

But I'm tempted to give JET the overall superior grade compared to NET. Full disclosure(to be fair): I'm an ex-JET who's also went through the application process w/NET. No comparison, really. JET is organized to the nth degree and the red tape there is, is based on reasonable demands. During the interview, you are treated w/respect and if you get a rejection letter, it's tailor-made for the applicant, respectful and official.

NET?! No set deadlines. Interview dates/times changed at the last minute. Send docs via scanned copies. No, wait, send docs by courier(did we mention we need them yesterday?). Docs should include terribly relevant details as to how many hours you spent on campus while earning your degree and how many BMs you took during that time. And ad nauseum....

Your reward for getting past all that? You get invited to an interview with pompous officials that border on the abusive. And if you get rejected? You find out by form letter(email) from a so-called recruiter.

JETs are generally given much lighter teacher schedules/responsibilities than do NETs. Sure, I've heard(if Dave's is any guide)that NETs generally are pleased w/their salaries/benefits but there's a lot of dissatisfaction w/school admin., workloads, etc. Or so it seems.

oxi: many JETs are kids right out of univ. but more than a few have EFL experience in E. Asia, pre-JET.

Yes, Geos & Nova are belly up. But NEVER did they offer 350,000 Y/mo. for starting salaries!