Job Discussion Forums

[quoi_de_neuf?]

Hi,

I am currently working in Montpellier, France but am looking to move to a different town (2 hours away) because I have very few hours here and have exhausted all job possibilities. I've written to a lot of places in the other town and have been offered an interview for a job with a language school. It's a reputable school, the hours are good (with 750 hours guaranteed work per year), decent pay etc.

Only thing is, they want to interview me tomorrow / Thursday as they're looking to take somebody on quite soon. As I'm based two hours away and will be working both those days, I won't be able to get there. Do you think it's reasonable to ask for a phone / webcam interview instead?

Thanks for your advice.

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[Glenski]

If you really want the job, make the effort. Show some initiative. Other people will.

If this sounds harsh, just imagine that employers don't care about potential employees' hardships. They only want the warm bodies. Show them you are committed to getting the job. They may actually appreciate the fact that you traveled that far for the interview. What is the absolute worst that can happen? You travel for 4 hours and see a place you haven't seen before and give yourself interview practice. Don't go, and you will probably wonder about this for a long time.

[MELEE]

I agree with Glenski, if you really want the job, call in sick at work, or take a personal day if you have those. The most professional thing to do would be find a sub or reschedule the classes you will miss. But other people (possibly with more impressive resumes) are interviewing in person. If you want to compete, you have to show the school you are willing to compete with the other candidates.

[quoi_de_neuf?]

Thanks for your advice.

Unfortunately I couldn't reschedule my classes for the next two days, despite my best efforts... I emailed the lady who invited me for interview to explain this and asked her if next Monday was okay (managed to get Monday off).. Fortunately she was very understanding and said this was fine.. Phew! So, now gearing up for Monday's interview!

Thanks again for your input. No, your post didn't sound harsh, Glenski.. I saw it more as the wise words of someone with far more knowledge of the EFL world than I and I simply appreciated your honesty!

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[coffeedrinker]

I can see how it would have been ideal to be there on the original days - but at least this way the potential employer can see that you take your responsibility to your current job seriously, even though you are looking to leave it - maybe that's part of the reason they are understanding about it. Good luck with your interview.

[bourbon street]

go for it with everything you've got. do whatever it takes to get the gig. you're in control. do you remember the line from the move The Usual Suspects? It goes something like this:

The winner is the guy who has the will to do what the other guy doesn't.

I am an American and I know that my advice has a very American slant. Whereas I don't have a very Americanized view of most things, in this case I think you nee to take the bull by the horns and take control.

Luck favors the prepared mind. Hope you get the gig.

[quoi_de_neuf?]

Thanks for those words of encouragement, bourbonstreet!

Well, I took people's advice and guess what? I now have 2 interviews! So, hopefully at least one will prove fruitful.

Thanks again guys,

Quoi de neuf