Job Discussion Forums

[DaDragon]

I've got an interview with ECC in a few weeks. I've been told there's a grammar test. I want to prepare myself as much as possible.

How is the test structured? How long is it? More importantly, what specifically should I brush up on?

[hybrid3415]

I found the grammar test quite difficult. If it's the same as the one they gave me earlier this year, it'll be multiple choice. However five questions can cover an entire paragraph of text, so if you get an answer wrong, then you've instantly shot yourself in the foot for another answer.

As far as I was concerned, it was very nit-picking grammar. The sentences were structured correctly, or they read aloud just fine, but there would be a slight error for you to spot. Another section was word definition. I only remember one word that was on there, which was sommelier. There were a few other words in there to try and catch you out too.

I didn't pass the grammar test, which meant I didn't make it to the lesson presentation section of the interview. Out of a group of 16 people, only 4 people were asked back after the grammar test. I didn't beat myself up too much, as there was an English teacher of eight years, that also didn't make the cut. There has been speculation on some forums that the grammar test is a way of them whittling out the people they simply don't like the look of. I have to say that the four people that were invited back for the second part of the interview were very tall, and attractive. But, this could easily be a coincidence.

Prepare as best as you can. Study sentence structure, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, articles, clauses, conjunctions, interjections, nouns, pronouns, tenses, and particles. Brush up on your spelling, try some internet quizzes such as "most commonly mispelled (yes, I did that on purpose) words".

Try to sit next to someone that seems pretty confident too, as they'll do the classic ice breaker of "introduce your partner". You'll have 5 minutes to learn about your partner, and present them to the class. Unfortunately I was paired with a mumbling, hands-in-pockets, talk-to-the-floor, lad from Stoke. Needless to say, he didn't "sell" me very well, and forgot 90% of what I'd told him.

Personally I felt the ECC interview structure was very backwards. It spans a full day, but the first two hours are spent talking about ECC, what the company expects from you, health insurance, setting up a bank account, accommodation, and budgeting. THEN they move onto the grammar test, where they explain an 80% pass is needed, or you're going home. No chance to show them you're capable of holding your own in a classroom, no chance to show them your individuality/personality, just "here's what you could've won" style farewell. Surely this should be the other way round if they're only interested in black and white grammar initially?

I hope some of this helps you to prepare, as I went in blind, with a lesson plan, and personal statement prepared (neither of which I needed in the end) Remember, if you don't pass, it's not the end of the world, as six months after failing the ECC interview, I'm here in Japan with two teaching jobs, which actually pay more than ECC anyway. Let us know how you get on!

[rxk22]

What an obnoxious test, for essentially someone who just speaks to someone. With spell check, there isn't the crazy need for perfect spelling like there was pre 2000.

[Rooster.]

No experience, but from what I understand they are the best to work for so they can be picky.

[DaDragon]

Thanks for the advice. It helped. I managed to pass the test and make it to the end. Now I just have to wait.

What was surprising was that there were 12 of us and all of us passed and made it to the interview. I think I had an advantage. I was the only one with any experience teaching in Japan. Also, the teaching demonstration I did with my partner was one of only two that didn't receive any criticism.

What I want to know now is, once you've made it through the entire interview, is a job offer pretty much in the bag?

[nightsintodreams]

ECC are the best to work for?

[Lamarr]

I've never worked for them but the only things I can see in their favour are that you get 7 weeks holiday, and you have a regular schedule with regular pay (unlike Nova or Gaba).

Other than that, I'd assume they're as bad as anyone.

[rxk22]

[DaDragon]

[Lamarr]