Job Discussion Forums

Sef · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 74 Location: UK

I've been trying to get a teaching job in Russia and I've been applying to quite a few places.
One school has just offered me a job based only on my cv and whatever my CELTA tutor said in my reference. Is this normal? Shouldn't they at least want to do a phone interview?

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: Is this normal?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

That happened to me once, in Peru. I sent out my CV and heard nothing... so I sort of forgot about the job. Meanwhile, they were busy contacting my references. When they heard good reports, I got an email with a job offer. I was a bit suspicious, but we did have a phone conversation (there was nothing interviewy about it, though--really no questions for me, just descriptions of the job, campus, salary, etc.) and it seemed OK. I still think it's an odd way to hire people, though.

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thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

It sounds cheap of them but then TEFL is low grade.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:13 am Post subject:

A phone interview may confirm you have a pulse. They are probably assuming you do based on the fact you could write a CV.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

sheik,
A phone interview will do more than that. You don't do them justice with that type of remark. While not perfect, an interview by phone can still tell people more than just the resume and a call to references.

I think any employer who hires solely on the basis of a resume is doing himself, the students, and the teacher an injustice and deserves what he gets. (No offense to the OP.)

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 10:40 am Post subject:

Yes, of course I should have added that this company doesn't sound particularly reputable and I'm guessing the OP already has a hunch that this is the case. I think the OP should trust his/her instincts on this one.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

It sounds like the 'school' is just looking for a warm body to stand at the front of the class. I'd say keep looking.

Sef · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 74 Location: UK

Thanks for the advice. Apparently they want to get someone in quickly because another of their teachers is leaving at the end of the month, hence a very short application process! I'm kind of wondering why this other teacher is leaving at such short notice and thinking I'll probably pass on the job offer.
Thanks again Smile

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I think that for countries with not so high expectations, or places taht need teachers NOW, this would be the norm.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN