|
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 |
noki
Joined: 25 Nov 2004
Posts: 8
|
 Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:36 pm Post subject: questions to ask the interviewer during an interview ? |
 |
|
Hi,
I have a phone interview tomorrow from a little known Japanese language school. I have read some negative things about the school, but the school is in an area I really want to be in... Can anyone suggest some important questions to ask or things to clarify, so that I can ensure I'm not making a mistake and won't have a disastrous time? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: questions to ask the interviewer during an interview ? |
|
|
| noki wrote: |
Hi,
I have a phone interview tomorrow from a little known Japanese language school. I have read some negative things about the school, but the school is in an area I really want to be in... Can anyone suggest some important questions to ask or things to clarify, so that I can ensure I'm not making a mistake and won't have a disastrous time? |
Noki
just my personal opinion, but I would be very wary about accepting a job based on a phone interview without meeting the manager, or without knowing anything about where you will be living or in what kind of apartment.
I have recently been corresponding with Timmy on Gaijinpot.com who has been getting mails while still in England and many of the employers appear to be 'cowboys' who are offering dodgy positions in out of the way areas. You also have to question a school that will hire teachers from overseas by phone without meeting them first.
First I would be sure in your own mind what it is that you are looking for. What he has may not necessarily be bad, but it may not be a good fit for you. Rather than just take the first job that comes along just because its in Japan or a certain area make sure its what you are looking for.
Some of the questions you need to ask based on your own situation:
Is the position part time or full time?
What is the gross salary per month for full/part time hours?
Does the employer provide sponsorship of a work visa?
Is accomodation provided and if so what kind (I would avoid any situation where you are living above the school, with your employer or he has access to your private life)
How many teaching hours and how many work hours?
Is transportation provided (some employers do not pay transportation and you could be travelling up to 90 minutes each way)
If transportation is not covered is a car provided (probably necessary if you are in a provincial area- I would walk away from anything that does not pay transportation)
What kind of training is provided for new teachers?
What is the general age range of the students (will I be teaching 2-year olds for instance)?
Are there any contract completion bonuses (these may cover airfare if you complete your contract)?
Is it possible to contact or speak with other teachers working there? (I would be wary of a school that doesnt let you contact current teachers working there as if they have something to hide- there are privacy issues to consider when handing out email addresses too).
I will also add that you may have heard stuff about a school but I would also make sure that anything you hear you don't just accept as gospel. As there are bad employers, there are also bad employees, those who are lazy, selfish, unmotivated and think the world owes them a living. There is no such thing as a perfect employer or a perfect job, but you can protect yourself by asking the right questions. Only you can decide whether you will have a good time or not and how you deal with adversity, and employers are not there to entertain you and hold your hand. There is a lot of negative stuff about NOVA as well but they never seem to have trouble finding teachers to work for them. A lot of moaning about language schools comes from people who have never lived overseas nor held down a full-time job before and discover teaching actually means WORK. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
denise
Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3419
Location: finally home-ish
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Along with asking to speak to a current teacher--
How long do teachers typically stay at the school? (I'd be really wary if the average "lifespan" was just one contract year.)
d |
|
| 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
