Job Discussion Forums

[neverheardofem]

I have an interview with the college in a couple of days via TATI. I'm actually surprised to get the interview, as I don't completely conform to their requirements. Anyway, I would really appreciate advice on what kind of questions to expect. I've had plenty of interviews in my career, but I feel these guys could be different! I would also be interested in hearing from anyone working there and how it is generally.

[Whatever will be]

Goes to show that they are happy to accept you regardless

My interview had standard questions:

Have you taught Muslim students before?
What would you need to keep in mind (when working in a Muslim country)?
How would you cope with living in a remote area?
Have you taught adolescents before and what is the difference to teaching children?

Do you have a question? (I was allowed one only)

Good luck!

[Tazz]

The Ministry of Manpower are the bottom of the pile when it comes to college or University jobs in Oman. Concrete hell holes built in the middle of nowhere that seem to have been established to keep the local kids off the roads....less time in the car roaring round like a maniac-less accidents! You need to ask yourself if......1] You can put up with living in one of these locations-maybe Salalah not so bad but mostly these places are built in the wilderness where you'll have to stay! 2] Will you be able to handle-in terms of morale, week after week of classes with male students who simply don't give a toss and can be disrespectful, argumentative and aggressive in class.

[Whatever will be]

Generally, Tazz is spot on.

Students get paid (I think it is now 90 RO per month) to come to class. As long as they show up, they get the money. Motivation is accordingly.

Youth unemployment in Oman is rampant, it threatens the stability of the country so they are kept in school as long as possible to have them under supervision. It reduces delinquent behavior, relationships with the opposite sex while also preventing civil unrest.

Daily arguments over lateness and being marked "Absent" are tedious. Their lack of interest, rudeness and stupidity (literally speaking due to generations of inbreeding) and the overall feeling of being a jailor in a low security prison is soul destroying.

[pooroldedgar]

Work in one.
Can confirm.

[neverheardofem]

Well, I had the interview. It was pretty short and the questions were routine. They insisted on having the interview at 630 am my time so I'm not sure I would have been up for anything heavy! There was a terrible interference too. I was also allowed one question.

I'm not sure if I will get an offer or If I want one! Whatever will be - are you working there now? Are you happy there generally? Is Salalah boring or is there anything to do there? Is it impossible to get by without a car (don't drive)

[Chuma]

How were you informed that you could only ask one question?

Did they tell you that ahead of time, or did they end the interview after you asked the question?

[Chiselpoint]

If an interviewer told me I was only permitted one question I would hang up on him.

[Chuma]

I'm inclined to agree.

[neverheardofem]

They ended the interview after I asked the question (It was a normal question - nothing controversial!) I guess I could have pushed for more but the line was so bad I didn't really want to stay on.

[Tazz]

The one question rule probably comes from the ministry itself-got to keep those phone costs down! Truth is nobody gives a toss who is hired and who is not....

[Whatever will be]

@ neverheardofem

I had the same problem with a poor connection and awkward time (on my side) but a convenient one on theirs - that's to be expected with long distance calls and different time zones.

My interview was about 20 minutes. I had a very brief call prior to it to check if I was ready and waiting. The whole time slot was 30 minutes, suggesting that they do a set of interviews while they are at it.

The 'one question only' rule has the appearance of considering the interviewee and giving them an opportunity which seems to be a procedural requirements. More than that might open a can of worms.

It seemed to me that the most important function of the interview was the checking of English language proficiency, especially accent.
There are already many teachers here who are non-native speakers with strong accents (India, The Philippines, China) and there seems to be a desire to employ native speakers.

From memory, they offered me the job the next day. Perhaps they needed someone urgently as is always the case

The TESOL Arabia conference is happening in a couple of weeks and many teachers will use this opportunity to secure a better job elsewhere. This means more vacancies.

Entertainment options in Oman are very limited. Music and a lot of books are banned, local newspapers are censored. Skype is blocked, a lot of you tube videos and some websites as well.
Alcohol is only available in hotels unless your sponsor supports you in getting a liquor license, which mine never did.

While there are a range of outdoor activities (dune bashing, going to beaches, wadis, visiting forts, camping...), a car is essential for these.

The set-up costs are rather high as a month's rent is required as a deposit (which you won't see again if you make a runner), a bed/ mattress/ pillow/bedding is required plus a set of white goods (fridge, kettle, cooker), perhaps a table and chair so you won't have to eat standing upright, a TV would be nice...

You might be luckier than I was and find a semi-furnished or fully furnished flat and may have the good fortune to find second hand furniture to keep those start-up costs down.

My tip: take at least 3 months worth of your last salary in cash to make it through until the first pay arrives. Then start saving for a flight out here