Job Discussion Forums

[mfuechec]

I have a phone interview with reach to teach scheduled for monday and the more I think about it the more panicky I get. I have a degree in political science and no teaching experience. I'm wondering if there's any advice I could get about how to prepare for the interview?

[creztor]

Never had an interview with them, sorry. However, they will probably want to see what kind of person you are. Can you see problems living in Taiwan, experiencing a new culture and or teaching children. Do you have a problem working Saturdays? How long do you plan on staying in Taiwan? They might also ask how you would teach a class that can't speak English. If they do you just want to tell them you'd explain it first and then upon seeing they don't understand you would use visual props and body language. Meaning you might demo it with a student, draw a picture or use puppets. Don't stress, it's not rocket science.

[mfuechec]

Thanks man, that actually made me feel a lot better. Hess and Footprints rejected me right away so I just feel like this interview is my only chance and every once in a while I get nervous.

[creztor]

They probably did because there are HEAPS of people trying to come to Taiwan to teach now. Just let them know you LOVE the idea of teaching and especially love the idea of working with children (because they are bundles of joy). You want to stay in Taiwan for several years and are hoping to find a good school you can stay at. Tell them what they want to hear, just make it sound sincere. Sorry if I sound like an arse, but right now so many people are applying to schools so the best way you can land a job is if you sound like you really want to teach, you won't be a problem and will pretty much stay at the school long term. I am sure you know what I mean.

[zipper]

[mfuechec]

I had that interview two weeks ago and still no response. Should I take that as a no or does it just take a while?

[creztor]

I would take it as a no. Too many people, not enough jobs. I'd keep applying until one bites.

[mfuechec]

How could you possibly have responded so quickly?

[creztor]

I sit on my arse trolling these boards all day.

[zipper]

[mfuechec]

Yeah I've applied to a few of those places and been rejected overnight. There's still a few places I can apply though.

[zipper]

[yamahuh]

I interviewed with R2T a few years back and it was pretty straightforward. We ended up not going with them but the phone interview was nothing to get worked up about.

Stuff like 'How would you control a class that was getting out of hand?' - 'What would you do if two children were arguing over a toy?' - 'What is your philosophy of working with children?' etc.

Don't sweat it you'll be fine.

Oooops - just noticed the date and the fact that you've aready had the interview - my bad...