Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ddeubel]

I'm wondering about some of the questions candidates for a job should ask employers. Got a suggestion?

I think it important to ask some questions if you are asked (hopefully).

I just blogged about this and find there a nice article with 17 suggested questions. However, I think there are better ones.

I think many here could give some valuable advice.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[le-paul]

ask about training opportunities because it shows you interested in bettering yourself.
otherwise I would say that majority of questions a person would ask in an interview would be very specific to the position they are applying for (in my experience). You have to demonstrate different qualities for most types of jobs for example being 'career minded' is not always desirable so asking about opportunities for promotion may only be useful in buisness interviews.

Are you reffering to teaching jobs in korea?
I dont think anything you ask will make much of a difference - theyve probably already looked at how much 'w' youre asking for and passport photo and decided whether or not they want to employ you...

[maingman]

Ask to see a class

are class observations available to current teachers
do they have a mentoring or teacher development program
can you teach "extra" or "sub" classes
how is a typical class structured
who can you talk to if you need advice.

[imoscardotcom]

ask if you can speak to/email the other foreign teacher(s).

[amnsg2]

Ask them to tell you about the school- this will give you some information to produce some more questions and the interview will flow a lot more naturally. It also is a good question to ask when your mind goes completely blank because it sounds better than "urgh???" Imo anyway

You could also ask about staff meetings, how many other teachers are there, is it a big school? Look at the job description and any other information they've sent you and just write down anything you might want to know. You can select questions from a nice long list then.

[ddeubel]

Some great questions already.

I have asked previously, the one about emailing present/former teachers. Both times, I really got evasive answers. Like I was asking a question from Mars. I don't know if it is a Korean cultural thing or just my luck but I got no where.

I do agree we should ask if we can, about professional development etc...
My last position, I asked about support for professional development (paid journal subscriptions, memberships, travel and conference fees) and too, was given a look that really said, "where the hell did that question come from?".

I guess in one sense, it isn't just about the information we get, it is also about the information we don't get....

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[le-paul]

i would also add then since it is korean teaching your referring to, to maybe be a bit careful about asking for previous teachers details.
If they havent volunteered them to you, chances are they are trying to hide something.
If its for a korean school just ask about the class sizes, books, how you should dicipline the kids, ask about homework (they love that) and tests (will I able to test the kids eg).
Some questions may be construed as being offensive such as how many students and teachers (because a small school will seem to be unsuccessful in korean culture for example).
If I was at home, Id do as much research as I could about the job/position as I could and pull apart the application form and make questions from them- basically to show I know alot about the position and company.
Here I would just show I'm willing to tow the line and do whatever is asked of me.

[maingman]

a bit less work and job orientated.. but further info here



Thinking Multicultural

I. QUESTIONING

Lesson: Developing Different Types of Questions

When helping students develop questions, the teacher may use this exercise as an opportunity to build sensitivity to the ways in which different cultural groups formulate and express questions. For example,


http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/21stcent/cultural.html

[ddeubel]

le-paul,

You raise a good point about asking questions and showing your knowledge of the school/company/organization. In my own time hiring, this truly was one thing that really impressed me about any candidate and it is one small but effective tip to give yourself a better chance of landing the job.

David

http://eflclassroom.com

[maingman]

and...

http://www.jabizraisdana.com/blog/recruiting-20/