Job Discussion Forums

[MachoJesus78]

I'm going to be taking a job interview with Gaba on Skype or over the phone, and I was just wondering if anybody else has done one of these things with them before. I would like to know what kind of questions to expect, and if I will be expected to demonstrate how I'd teach a lesson or something during it too.

Any information at all would be very much appreciated!

[Kankidan]

I think a lot of people were actually asking if this is even an option for them! I've see many questions as to whether or not some companies even do this. Thanks for answering that question lol, I wish I could give you some insight!

[MachoJesus78]

Yeah, they have it for overseas recruitment. I haven't found a lot of other schools that do this in Japan either, so that's pretty much why I've gone for Gaba.

[mattmusashi]

I havent had a Skype interview with Gaba but I had one with James English School. It was a pretty basic interview; why do you want to teach in Japan? What are you strengths, weaknesses? What would you do in this scenario? etc... No teaching demo. But again this was my Skype interview with JES. Hope this helps some.

[Glenski]

A Skype-like interview should be treated no differently than one done live, with some minor exceptions.

Similarities:
You see each other (so dress the part, smile, act professionally, and don't pick your nose or nervously swing your leg).

Extras:
Have a neutral background like a blank wall behind you to avoid distractions.
There may be a time delay in vocal transmissions. Allow for it.
Look directly at the camera instead of the screen.
Avoid extraneous noises if at all possible. That includes no mood music or laundry machine working in the background.

Questions will be the same.

[MachoJesus78]

Thanks to Glenski and mattmusashi for the info. Much appreciated. It's been very helpful to me.

mattmusashi - Did you get the job for James, and if so, what's it like working there? I haven't been to northern Japan before, but I'm not ruling out a move there if this Gaba thing doesn't work out. Oh, and what did they ask you for that 'what would you do in this scenario' question? Just curious.

Thanks again.

[mattmusashi]

hey no prob, and I'm not sure as to the job results with JES, they said they would contact me when something opens up..This was a couple months ago, so I dont know if thats their nice way of saying "better luck next time". It was my first interview for teaching in Japan and the whole skype thing I feel through me off my game. But JES is a good school to work for, defiantly check em out http://www.jesjapan.com/ and Tohoku region is gorgeous. The scenario question I got was 'there is a kid sitting alone from the rest of the class and looking uncomfortable' "how would you engage this child and make him feel comfortable?". Or something like that. Hope this helps

[MachoJesus78]

Thanks for the info mattmusashi. Much appreciated.