Job Discussion Forums

[jerkytheturkey]

I'm due to take the Aeon interview next week. I received an email from their recruitment office last night, heres the gist:

[Glenski]

They are not changing the number of openings, but they are forewarning you that the process will take more time. Sounds natural to me, and all candidates had better realize that the competition will be steep. With everyone and his brother (apparently) applying, people should realize that the secondhand info they got telling them that all they need is a pulse will very likely not hold water (as if it ever did).

I hope nobody put all his eggs in just the AEON basket.

[jerkytheturkey]

Yeh I can see where you coming from although many of the Aeon interview experiences I've read are from qualified candidates that were not successful. Its been said before but it sounds like its more about the chemistry and if you are what they are looking for.

I've got other options but am limited by the fact that alot of the other big players are not recruiting in the UK (ECC, GEOS).

I've started looking into more rural areas in the hope that something will come up, failing that I'll be registering to do a CELTA in order to get a low level job.

[Rezz]

I got the same email as was due to take part in the same interview. Not sure what to do for the best now

I've already booked a hotel and travel so I'd have to claim a refund and probably still be out of pocket a bit if I defer it until the October interview. I've applied already to Interac (no reply), been checking ECC daily (not currently accepting applicants) so it's only really AEON who have given me any attention so far.

[Glenski]

[GoGoHorrorshow]

man i had no idea the market is that oversaturated right now....i actually delayed my interview date until july 1st, which now looks like it will cost me! this is pretty bad news... especially with ECC, GEOS, Berlitz at a hiring freeze.

At this point, i've been offered a job at RCS. I keep hearing horrible things about them so I wasn't going to accept, but it looks like that might be my one way in to Japan at this point.

[Deep Thirteen]

You guys should definately go for the interview. I doubt the situation will get any better in time. See it as a chance and that's it. If you don't get an offer, that's one place down and you can worry about how to approach another.

I feel for anyone in our situation; wanting to get to a country we have an interest in being in and making a living in (at least for the short-term) but few options at the moment due to personal financial constraints and a tight field. Re-assess your needs over wants and plan accordingly I say.

I'm playing the overseas field right now and have yet to get an invite for an interview from any company. Tried AEON a couple months ago. I've been working on my cover letter and resume since then (taking lots of advice from the database here. I found I didn't really know how to write a cover and resume until I started this process) and will try them again next year if I don't have a job in this field by then. Pretty much looking to Taiwan and Korea if nothing pans out in Japan by next year's hiring season. I really would like Japan since I studied the culture and know some of the language but I'll compromise. There's nothing for me at home at the moment that really equals the sort of pay, and intrinsic value of living in NE Asia, that I could get as an entry level ELT or ALT.

Just the perspective of a guy who wasn't fortunate (or skilled) enough to score an interview with AEON.

[jerkytheturkey]

I'm not going to let it put me off, as Glenski said if I dont get the job i'll look elsewhere or come over in spring next year.

I've heard mixed reviews about RCS but if you've had an offer you should take it. Do you have any teaching qualifications? When I applied to them they told me they weren't hiring people unless they have experience or teaching qualifications.

[shostahoosier]

I made it to the group interview with Aeon a few weeks ago but was not interested in the 2nd round.

We were told that they are taking less than half of the people from the group interviews and that competition is stiffer than ever.

I lost interest in the job during the group interview session (maybe I telegraphed that), and that was before we were told that people wouldnt be placed until 2010 (there was a collective sigh in the room when the recruiter announced this).

I'm not above Aeon...but from what I saw at the "interview"...I probably wouldnt have enjoyed the job.

[GoGoHorrorshow]

[monkeyhero]

So has anyone from the most recent AEON London cohort received a definite placement yet? I was given the initial offer of employment about a month ago but still haven't heard anything regarding an actual job. Certainly, given the current market conditions mentioned above, I wasn't expecting an offer straight away but I was curious to see if the ball has even started rolling.

[jerkytheturkey]

No, I haven't heard anything either.

In the interview they made it clear that it's likely to be the end of the year / early next year.

I guess we just have to play the waiting game

[Rezz]

Nothing here yet either. I even emailed them last week just to let them know I am still interested in the position they offered me and to ask how things were looking but they haven't replied

[iverin]

Hey guys, I know that the waiting sucks but all you can do is wait. I was given an offer of employment on April 7th but didn't receive my placement until the second week of July. It takes time. And now given the economic situation I can foresee it taking even longer. It may seem like you're never going to get an offer but it will come. From first interview until day of flight I waited 8 and a half months

[womblingfree]

A quick look at my old Aeon schools website shows there are now 3 foreign teachers working there. There used to be 6.

I imagine that despite what these companies say they have been down-sizing considerably in recent months.

You'll be kept on the back-burner until someone's contract ends or someone quits. both are weekly occurrences.