Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wayne1523]

So I've just graduated from college and I'm about to have the interview for my first ever job that's not part-time, and it's for an overseas job in Korea. Yes, this is for quite a change and it's as exhilarating as it is nerve-wracking. This is an application for a job that is no longer only for disposable income. This is now more about beginning to make my own living, paying everything on my own, the transition into official livelihood and the "real" world. Sigh.

With all sentimentalism aside, can people here (who seem to have years of teaching experience and knowledge of interviews and the hiring process) share on what typical questions an interviewer asks a candidate for a teaching position? What do I need to keep in mind and be careful of what NOT to do? Please also consider my particular situation. This is from a Korean interviewer, so perhaps there are some cultural etiquette things that I might have to look out for that could be sensitive to the general Korean employer? Maybe there is something that I can add to give me a slight advantage? How should I dress? Should I wear a tie and black dress shoes?

This is also for a job at the newbie level that's especially designed for the currently post-secondary undergraduate student or the recently graduated post-secondary student (which would be my case). A TESOL/TEFL/TESL is not required and a student with 2 years of completion in university under his/her belt makes him/her eligible for application. So...just to give a rough idea. Relative newbies that have been interviewed for entry-level jobs are indeed welcome to provide input on interview advice as well. I have heard many great things from this program so I am not worried about dodginess or anything like that. I just need to be as prepared as I can and make sure I pass this interview with flying colours, because I really want to get this job to start myself off.

If you guys can help me prepare for these interviews in whatever extent, it would be greatly appreciated once again. Thanks so much! =).

[Goon-Yang]

Q1: Do you have a pulse?
Q2: Are you white?
Q3: Are you from Canada. USA, England, Australia, NZ, Ireland, UK or S. Africa.

If yes to all three you'll get a job.

Bonus points for being young, energetic. you have breasts and blond hair.

[schlotzy]

Yeah you're definitely wayyyyyyy over thinking this. I've had interviews before where they didn't even ask me job questions..more like personality tests. It's great to see someone so excited, but it's like the above poster said. You're guaranteed the job. Once you get here and see what it's like (especially if you're at a hagwon, which it sounds like you are), you'll like back on this post and laugh.

[bde2]

[yellowdove]

My husband and I were asked one question each for our hagwon interview. He was asked if he would be willing to incorporate arts and crafts into his classes because he has a design degree, and I was asked how I would deal with disrespectful children.

That's it.

Good luck on your interview, I'm sure you'll do great.

[McGenghis]

Basically (and I can't stress this enough) you're going to want to upgrade your computer smiling from the old colon-bracket team (or in this case, your rather unorthodox use of the equals sign) to the twin carets. More the cutie. ^^

Naw, you'll be fine. I failed my first phone interview because I was slightly drunk and I wanted to impress upon the person on the other end of the phone that I was very comfortable with using the English language by sprinkling my sentences with words like 'bevy' and 'obfuscate'. Needless to say, I am an idiot sometimes. I mean asinine.

[wayne1523]

Goon-yang, regarding the breasts, I'll have to get back to you on that one. And what's a hagwon?

[schlotzy]

hagwon =private school/academy...often English hagwon

Probably where you're teaching.

[mariposita]

If you already had the interview I hope it went well. If not, good luck!

I recently had my first telephone interview with a hagwon manager. Nice guy. It was short and sweet lasted less than 10 minutes and the questions were as follows (in so many words):

Have you ever taught children?
Do you know anything about our town?
Can you control the bad kids?
When can you start?
Do you have any questions?

I had eloquent answers all prepared, but they were unnecessary. He wasn't looking for long detailed answers. More like a yes and no session.

Much easier than American interviews!

[musicmunky]

just be polite, honest and explain why u want to go there