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RoryB
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
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 Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 4:03 am Post subject: SMOE interview advice |
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| I have an interview scheduled for tuesday and would like to do some reading up on things before then. What questions did they ask you? This will be my first TEFL teaching job so need to make a good impression in the interview! |
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ddeubel
Joined: 20 Jul 2005
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 4:40 am Post subject: |
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I feel like deep throat 
Rory, WHO ARE YOU? - meaning it is all about communicating this essential message. Sorry to pare it down to such but it is as it is......
I think you must communicate a real desire to deal with young (sters) [and not gangsters ))
Further, communicate what you see as your benefits as a teacher. Great communications skills, great inter personal skills and further, a flexibility and adaptability to foreign cultures.
A lot more i could cover but shit, it is just about being your genuine self.......if you posted this, that is enough for me to assess you as a most probable candidate. Why? Reflectiveness.....you want to be better, you want the job, you want the interview.
I look forward to helping you become an SMOE teacher.
DD |
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RoryB
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 4:58 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks. Have had a look at your site and will join whenI get home from work this eve! |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:10 am Post subject: |
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Ha ha ha ha ha! I studied up on theories and preempted a lot of difficult questions. I got none.
Tell them you love teaching, kids and Korea. If you are interviewing and are qualified, you are golden. |
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RoryB
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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| Depends on what you mean by qualified. I have no previous classroom teaching experience but have had other directly relevant jobs as well as a TEFL course, which I will finish in less then 2 weeks. Just trying to give the best impression possible with my somewhat limited experience! I genuinely want to be a good teacher and would like this to come across in the interview - hence taking the initiative and trying to be prepared for any questions they may ask. |
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bosintang
Joined: 01 Dec 2003
Location: In the pot with the rest of the mutts
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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| RoryB wrote: |
| Depends on what you mean by qualified. I have no previous classroom teaching experience but have had other directly relevant jobs as well as a TEFL course, which I will finish in less then 2 weeks. Just trying to give the best impression possible with my somewhat limited experience! I genuinely want to be a good teacher and would like this to come across in the interview - hence taking the initiative and trying to be prepared for any questions they may ask. |
Well you have the right attitude RoryB!
I can't speak for SMOE,but I can say that I've been interviewed and received offers for at least 15 jobs in Korea and NOT ONCE was I ever asked about my teaching methodology or philosophy. |
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FistFace
Joined: 24 Mar 2007
Location: Peekaboo! I can see you! And I know what you do!
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 12:17 am Post subject: |
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First questions out of your mouth should be:
1. Where is the housing? Can I see it, please?
2. How much vacation time do I get? Will I be able to take it all at once?
3. Is it true that almost 40% of your teachers leave within the first year, because you mislead them on contract and working hours? |
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RoryB
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 4:26 am Post subject: |
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| I was under the impression that a SMOE job was pretty good for a 1st timer. Good holidays/reliable pay/low hours (although more at the school itself). Am I wrong in that assumption? |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 8:57 am Post subject: |
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| FistFace wrote: |
First questions out of your mouth should be:
1. Where is the housing? Can I see it, please?
2. How much vacation time do I get? Will I be able to take it all at once?
3. Is it true that almost 40% of your teachers leave within the first year, because you mislead them on contract and working hours? |
1. Won't tell you and won't know, it depends upon the school you get placed at, and they won't know that, either. But, it will be standard and include everything in the contract.
2. It's standard and should be known before the interview: 21 business days standard, plus chances for up to 20 more with camps and re-signing.
3. If you ask this, you are an idiot. Many people in Korea quit, including in SMOE, some for personal reasons, some due to s()itty schools. It's no where near 40%. SMOE does a relatively good job regulating renegade schools. Want to offend the interviewer? Ask the question.
Rory: SMOE is better than 80-90% of hogwan jobs. More vacation, 22 teaching hours (45 minutes is an hour) per week, very reliable pay. You will be at school 8 hours a day. That extra time is called lunch, reading, Internet and sleeping time. They will probably have a room with beds you can use. Seriously. |
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RoryB
Joined: 21 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:38 am Post subject: |
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| Well I got the job and will be sending my documents off on Friday. Look forward to meeting some of you at the orientation. |
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