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DosEquisXX
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
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 Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 9:15 am Post subject: Can asking a hagwon too many questions be a bad thing? |
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I received a contract offer from a hagwon and in my ~2 months of searching, it has been the best offer I received. I checked with a couple of forum members on Dave's and they think it's solid. If you held a gun to my head and forced me to a decision on the spot, I would take it. However, I still had some questions and some things I wanted to negotiate.
The question I have is how many questions is too many? If I ask too many questions, will a hagwon be chased away by the fact that I know more than a fresh-off-the-boat recent grad with no experience? |
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imoscardotcom
Joined: 01 Sep 2010
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:33 pm Post subject: |
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| I can only give you advice based on what happened to me...I had a reasonably good contract with a hagwon and I marked it up with all the changes I wanted (which were all reasonable and "standard".) At first the boss agreed, but then decided to hire someone else because he thought I was too picky. So, be careful. |
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thegadfly
Joined: 01 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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I would say it depends on what you are asking about -- any questions relating to your duties, the school, or its programs are fine, and may actually make you look better -- questions about vacation, salary, prep "duties," sick days, or other things that indicate your mind is on your free time rather than the job might make a bad impression, and give them second thoughts.
Don't get me wrong -- you need to know about sick days and salary and all of that, but you should be able to see it all in your contract. Without knowing what questions you are asking, it is kind of difficult to advise you.... |
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grant_steves
Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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Hagwons are a crap-shoot to a point either way...so if it looks reasonable then I'd take it.
That being said, you should ALWAYS contact the previous or current teacher at the school....the recruiter can get this contact information for you, and if they say that they can't, then don't take the job.
While some teachers MIGHT lie to you, the vast majority won't, and talking to another foreigner who works at the school is the best way to get all of your questions answered properly, without bothering the owner or getting roundabout answers. |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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I asked a lot of questions, and when they sent me the contract, I made a lot of changes and added things (all in red so they could see) and sent it back to them. After they went over the changes, we agreed and I signed. Yes, I was very picky, but I ended up at a great place.
Any place that won't hire you because <GASP> you want to know about the place probably isn't going to be that great of a place.
Asking questions one at a time (especially by email) is annoying and that would be your fault.
I would suggest you get all your questions together and ask them at one time. If the school doesn't want to answer your questions, then that's a sign you don't want to be there. |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:58 pm Post subject: |
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| grant_steves wrote: |
Hagwons are a crap-shoot to a point either way...so if it looks reasonable then I'd take it.
That being said, you should ALWAYS contact the previous or current teacher at the school....the recruiter can get this contact information for you, and if they say that they can't, then don't take the job.
While some teachers MIGHT lie to you, the vast majority won't, and talking to another foreigner who works at the school is the best way to get all of your questions answered properly, without bothering the owner or getting roundabout answers. |
Totally agree. I was nervous because I found out the last teacher was quitting mid-contract. I asked for his contact info, and when I spoke to him, I found out that his problem was all his friends lived in Seoul and he didn't want to live in Suwon any more. |
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DosEquisXX
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 6:04 pm Post subject: |
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| thegadfly wrote: |
I would say it depends on what you are asking about -- any questions relating to your duties, the school, or its programs are fine, and may actually make you look better -- questions about vacation, salary, prep "duties," sick days, or other things that indicate your mind is on your free time rather than the job might make a bad impression, and give them second thoughts.
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I don't think questions for finances are really that bad. I think making demands or requests for additional pay/vacation time is a different story. That I really didn't do.
The questions I did ask centered mostly around finances because some of it was ambiguous and I asked them through two e-mails (second just asked one extra question). Also, the contract was old (from ~2005). The questions centered around:
-There were no dates on the contract. So, I didn't know when to start. It was just month/year.
-What was defined as a "teaching hour". Some places have 1 class = 1 hour. Some count by the minute. Wasn't specified in the contract.
-The tax rate wasn't written into the contract. The healthcare/pension rate wasn't specified either and it wasn't noted if it was a private insurer or from the government.
-When I get paid. They didn't mention what happens if the pay day is on a weekend or holiday. Sometimes it's the next working day. Sometimes, the previous working day. Didn't say.
-Asked for clarification on a poorly worded clause. Clause itself isn't a dealbreaker. Just want to know exactly what they mean.
-If there's any OT pay for the mandatory off-hour seminars and orientations and how many there are.
-Lack of sick days. Just asked for one extra sick day since I only got 2.
-Contract includes 3 small deposits early in the contract. I don't want those.
-Also asked to talk to a current foreign teacher.
If they say no to the last question, should I automatically decline this contract?
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For the most part, I'm only asking for clarifications on the contract. Only financial "extras" I'm asking are no deposits (probably won't happen) and one extra sick day.
These are fair questions, right?
Last edited by DosEquisXX on Fri Oct 29, 2010 6:22 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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thegadfly
Joined: 01 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 6:20 pm Post subject: |
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OP,
Well, those are all necessary things to know, and if they weren't covered in the contract or interview, you need to get the answer somewhere.
Personally, if they won't let you talk to a former teacher, it would raise a lot of red flags...though I don't put too much stock in what I might hear -- have heard slams on good places and rave reviews of bad places...but IF they are not willing to let a former teacher speak to you, then I would be very cautious about things.
Good luck! |
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Son Deureo!
Joined: 30 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 12:52 am Post subject: |
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IMHO
-There were no dates on the contract. So, I didn't know when to start. It was just month/year.
Good question, and will have to be filled out before the contract can be filed with Immi.
-What was defined as a "teaching hour". Some places have 1 class = 1 hour. Some count by the minute. Wasn't specified in the contract.
If it doesn't specify, assume 1 hour = 60 minutes. I'd ask a teacher there, not the boss, this question. Asking the boss makes you sound nitpicky and lazy.
-The tax rate wasn't written into the contract. The healthcare/pension rate wasn't specified either and it wasn't noted if it was a private insurer or from the government.
Tax, health, and pension rates are specified by the government, not your boss or your contract. Private vs. public insurance and pension should be specified, however. Don't take the job if they won't go public.
-When I get paid. They didn't mention what happens if the pay day is on a weekend or holiday. Sometimes it's the next working day. Sometimes, the previous working day. Didn't say.
Is getting paid the Monday after when payday falls on the weekend really a dealbreaker for you? If not, why ask? If it is that important, you're basically advertising to your boss that you have trouble managing your money. Frankly, better not to ask this question.
-Asked for clarification on a poorly worded clause. Clause itself isn't a dealbreaker. Just want to know exactly what they mean.
Sure.
-If there's any OT pay for the mandatory off-hour seminars and orientations and how many there are.
If it doesn't say there's overtime pay, it's probably safe to assume you won't get any. How many is absolutely a fair question, however.
-Lack of sick days. Just asked for one extra sick day since I only got 2.
Your boss will most likely give you a hard time for even taking your 2 sick days, asking for 3 probably won't fly, but I can't blame you for trying.
-Contract includes 3 small deposits early in the contract. I don't want those.
These are illegal and worth making an issue out of.
-Also asked to talk to a current foreign teacher.
If they say no to the last question, should I automatically decline this contract?
Absolutely.
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For the most part, I'm only asking for clarifications on the contract. Only financial "extras" I'm asking are no deposits (probably won't happen) and one extra sick day.
These are fair questions, right? |
Asking too many questions before you sign can be a big turn off to a potential employer, so you really need to choose your questions wisely, IMHO. Some of your questions are very valid, others may very well nitpick you out of a job.
A good rule of thumb before you ask an employer a question during the contract negotiation phase is to ask yourself, "Is this a dealbreaker?" If the answer is "no", then it's probably better not to ask the question at all, or ask the foreign teacher who's currently working there.
Good luck with your job search. |
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DosEquisXX
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
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| Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Son Deureo! wrote: |
-What was defined as a "teaching hour". Some places have 1 class = 1 hour. Some count by the minute. Wasn't specified in the contract.
If it doesn't specify, assume 1 hour = 60 minutes. I'd ask a teacher there, not the boss, this question. Asking the boss makes you sound nitpicky and lazy. |
The problem with this is that I didn't have that contact information. Otherwise, I would have asked the student.
The recruiter says that they are in a rush to fill the position. I think that may be partially true, but I also think he just wants to push me into signing the contract ASAP without asking questions so he can get his commission and move onto the next position.
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-The tax rate wasn't written into the contract. The healthcare/pension rate wasn't specified either and it wasn't noted if it was a private insurer or from the government.
Tax, health, and pension rates are specified by the government, not your boss or your contract. Private vs. public insurance and pension should be specified, however. Don't take the job if they won't go public. |
I know this. However, I want it written into the contract so that the hagwon can't fight me on it if I have to take it to the Labor Board. Plus, a lot of hagwons are hiring people as contractors. Thus, my tax rate is higher and they can give private insurance policies. I need to know if I am an employee or contractor.
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-When I get paid. They didn't mention what happens if the pay day is on a weekend or holiday. Sometimes it's the next working day. Sometimes, the previous working day. Didn't say.
Is getting paid the Monday after when payday falls on the weekend really a dealbreaker for you? If not, why ask? If it is that important, you're basically advertising to your boss that you have trouble managing your money. Frankly, better not to ask this question. |
It isn't a dealbreaker per se. But if that question isn't answered and they don't say when they will pay you, then they can basically choose whatever day they want to pay you if payday falls on a weekend or holiday. It's just a way to worm out of paying somebody or rationalizing paying late.
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-If there's any OT pay for the mandatory off-hour seminars and orientations and how many there are.
If it doesn't say there's overtime pay, it's probably safe to assume you won't get any. How many is absolutely a fair question, however.
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Another situation where I wanted clarification. I wasn't demanding it. Kind of one of those things you asked where you hope they say yes to the first question but you figure that they won't
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-Lack of sick days. Just asked for one extra sick day since I only got 2.
Your boss will most likely give you a hard time for even taking your 2 sick days, asking for 3 probably won't fly, but I can't blame you for trying. |
True, but there are always things that can happen that are beyond your control such as a car accident or something like that. Since most hagwons give 3-5 days, I thought I could ask for one more.
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-Contract includes 3 small deposits early in the contract. I don't want those.
These are illegal and worth making an issue out of. |
I'm pretty sure that this is a deal breaker. I know GEPIK does deposits now, but given my and my friends' experiences, I am willing to trust public schools more than hagwons when it comes to this stuff.
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-Also asked to talk to a current foreign teacher.
If they say no to the last question, should I automatically decline this contract?
Absolutely.
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I was pretty sure about this. I just wasn't sure how common it was for a foreigner to ask that.
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For the most part, I'm only asking for clarifications on the contract. Only financial "extras" I'm asking are no deposits (probably won't happen) and one extra sick day.
These are fair questions, right? |
Asking too many questions before you sign can be a big turn off to a potential employer, so you really need to choose your questions wisely, IMHO. Some of your questions are very valid, others may very well nitpick you out of a job. |
While I might have been a bit nitpicky, fact is that if an academy is unwilling to answer basic questions that I have (such as start/end dates and public/private insurance) then they aren't worth working for imo. I just wasn't sure how far was too far.
Getting a clear and detailed contract is important to me as it reduces the wiggle room a hagwon gets to try and screw you over. It also significantly reduces or removes the amount of confusion that could occur later.
Most academies ask if you have any questions for them after the interview is over, but when you ask them they get scared and are afraid to go any further. Why even ask if you have questions for them in the first place if you won't answer them?
This was a fairly good deal (best one I've been offered so far) and it would suck to blow it off by asking questions. But as I mentioned before, they aren't worth working for if they are going to be opaque and ambiguous with their answers and contracts. |
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Son Deureo!
Joined: 30 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:45 am Post subject: |
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The bold letters inside the quotes are mine.
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-What was defined as a "teaching hour". Some places have 1 class = 1 hour. Some count by the minute. Wasn't specified in the contract.
If it doesn't specify, assume 1 hour = 60 minutes. I'd ask a teacher there, not the boss, this question. Asking the boss makes you sound nitpicky and lazy.
The problem with this is that I didn't have that contact information. Otherwise, I would have asked the student.
The recruiter says that they are in a rush to fill the position. I think that may be partially true, but I also think he just wants to push me into signing the contract ASAP without asking questions so he can get his commission and move onto the next position. |
Obviously you don't want to let pressure from the recruiter factor too heavily into your decision. While the length of a classroom hour is helpful, what I frankly feel is more important in a hogwon is the hours required on site, not in the classroom.
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-The tax rate wasn't written into the contract. The healthcare/pension rate wasn't specified either and it wasn't noted if it was a private insurer or from the government.
Tax, health, and pension rates are specified by the government, not your boss or your contract. Private vs. public insurance and pension should be specified, however. Don't take the job if they won't go public. |
I know this. However, I want it written into the contract so that the hagwon can't fight me on it if I have to take it to the Labor Board. Plus, a lot of hagwons are hiring people as contractors. Thus, my tax rate is higher and they can give private insurance policies. I need to know if I am an employee or contractor. |
Your contract has nothing to do with the rates as long as you have government health insurance and pension, so that's what you need to make sure is in your contract.
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-When I get paid. They didn't mention what happens if the pay day is on a weekend or holiday. Sometimes it's the next working day. Sometimes, the previous working day. Didn't say.
Is getting paid the Monday after when payday falls on the weekend really a dealbreaker for you? If not, why ask? If it is that important, you're basically advertising to your boss that you have trouble managing your money. Frankly, better not to ask this question. |
It isn't a dealbreaker per se. But if that question isn't answered and they don't say when they will pay you, then they can basically choose whatever day they want to pay you if payday falls on a weekend or holiday. It's just a way to worm out of paying somebody or rationalizing paying late. |
Paid on the Monday after instead of the Friday before when payday happens to fall on the weekend? *shrug* Twice a year you might get paid on Monday instead of Friday. The only reason to care about this is if you're living hand-to-mouth, which is probably not really something you want to be advertising to a potential employer.
Not a dealbreaker? Not a big deal? Don't ask the boss. Ask the FT if the boss has ever paid late.
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-If there's any OT pay for the mandatory off-hour seminars and orientations and how many there are.
If it doesn't say there's overtime pay, it's probably safe to assume you won't get any. How many is absolutely a fair question, however.
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Another situation where I wanted clarification. I wasn't demanding it. Kind of one of those things you asked where you hope they say yes to the first question but you figure that they won't
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No argument here.
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-Lack of sick days. Just asked for one extra sick day since I only got 2.
Your boss will most likely give you a hard time for even taking your 2 sick days, asking for 3 probably won't fly, but I can't blame you for trying. |
True, but there are always things that can happen that are beyond your control such as a car accident or something like that. Since most hagwons give 3-5 days, I thought I could ask for one more. |
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You can always ask for anything. But consider the risk vs. reward here. What is the likelihood that the boss will say yes? What is the likelihood that you'll actually need that sick day? What is the likelihood that you won't be harassed once you actually try to use even one of your sick days in any Korean workplace?
Now weigh that against the likelihood that you're talking your way out of this job just by asking for one more sick day and ask yourself if it's actually a good idea to ask for one more sick day.
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-Contract includes 3 small deposits early in the contract. I don't want those.
These are illegal and worth making an issue out of. |
I'm pretty sure that this is a deal breaker. I know GEPIK does deposits now, but given my and my friends' experiences, I am willing to trust public schools more than hagwons when it comes to this stuff.
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No doubt about it, this is a classic red flag. Hogwons that ask for deposits often have a history of runners.
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-Also asked to talk to a current foreign teacher.
If they say no to the last question, should I automatically decline this contract?
Absolutely.
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I was pretty sure about this. I just wasn't sure how common it was for a foreigner to ask that. |
Pretty common. The only good reason not to be able to get the contact info for a current of former teacher is if the school's brand new. New schools are inherently risky anyway.
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For the most part, I'm only asking for clarifications on the contract. Only financial "extras" I'm asking are no deposits (probably won't happen) and one extra sick day.
These are fair questions, right? |
Asking too many questions before you sign can be a big turn off to a potential employer, so you really need to choose your questions wisely, IMHO. Some of your questions are very valid, others may very well nitpick you out of a job. |
While I might have been a bit nitpicky, fact is that if an academy is unwilling to answer basic questions that I have (such as start/end dates and public/private insurance) then they aren't worth working for imo. I just wasn't sure how far was too far.
Getting a clear and detailed contract is important to me as it reduces the wiggle room a hagwon gets to try and screw you over. It also significantly reduces or removes the amount of confusion that could occur later.
Most academies ask if you have any questions for them after the interview is over, but when you ask them they get scared and are afraid to go any further. Why even ask if you have questions for them in the first place if you won't answer them?
This was a fairly good deal (best one I've been offered so far) and it would suck to blow it off by asking questions. But as I mentioned before, they aren't worth working for if they are going to be opaque and ambiguous with their answers and contracts.[/quote]
If it's the best job you've been offered, I hope you didn't ruin it. Regardless of the outcome, though, you might want to ask yourself this: It's no longer a teacher's market, so why are you putting a job at risk by asking about things that are not deal breakers for you?
Look, some questions need to be asked. Is the salary enough? How's the housing? Public pension or private? How is vacation time handled? What kinds of extracurricular duties are required? These are the big things. They need to be squared away. Anything that you're willing to turn a job down over is also worth bringing up.
But....
Can I get another sick day? Could you put the date in the contract now, before I even have the visa? Will you pay me on the Friday before payday when it falls on the weekend? When you don't even have the job yet, these questions make you sound like a pain in the ass.
There are other questions that you could ask that are probably a lot more relevant to what your life will be like at that job that might make you sound more like you actually care about teaching. Consider asking the following:
What kind of curriculum is in place?
How much flexibility do I have in designing my own activities?
What's your discipline policy?
How will I be evaluated?
What kind of materials and resources do you have for teachers to work with?
Anyway, best of luck with your job search, Dosequis. I hope you find something that works out for you. |
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DosEquisXX
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
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| Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:00 am Post subject: |
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It's been 2 months, but I really didn't turn up the heat until a few weeks into the search. So, I guess 5-6 weeks. I've been pretty selective, but I have become more flexible over time. Had plenty of offers, but declined them due to either a brief background check on the academy or differences on contract conditions (deposits, health benefits etc).
Guess I'm still just getting used to searching for hagwon positions since I got a public school contract the last time. Last time I had less knowledge, had no idea what I wanted and blindly signed the first contract I got. |
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shifty
Joined: 21 Jun 2004
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| Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:21 am Post subject: |
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| Son Deureo! wrote: |
The bold letters inside the quotes are mine.
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-What was defined as a "teaching hour". Some places have 1 class = 1 hour. Some count by the minute. Wasn't specified in the contract.
If it doesn't specify, assume 1 hour = 60 minutes. I'd ask a teacher there, not the boss, this question. Asking the boss makes you sound nitpicky and lazy.
The problem with this is that I didn't have that contact information. Otherwise, I would have asked the student.
The recruiter says that they are in a rush to fill the position. I think that may be partially true, but I also think he just wants to push me into signing the contract ASAP without asking questions so he can get his commission and move onto the next position. |
Obviously you don't want to let pressure from the recruiter factor too heavily into your decision. While the length of a classroom hour is helpful, what I frankly feel is more important in a hogwon is the hours required on site, not in the classroom.
| Quote: |
| Quote: |
-The tax rate wasn't written into the contract. The healthcare/pension rate wasn't specified either and it wasn't noted if it was a private insurer or from the government.
Tax, health, and pension rates are specified by the government, not your boss or your contract. Private vs. public insurance and pension should be specified, however. Don't take the job if they won't go public. |
I know this. However, I want it written into the contract so that the hagwon can't fight me on it if I have to take it to the Labor Board. Plus, a lot of hagwons are hiring people as contractors. Thus, my tax rate is higher and they can give private insurance policies. I need to know if I am an employee or contractor. |
Your contract has nothing to do with the rates as long as you have government health insurance and pension, so that's what you need to make sure is in your contract.
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-When I get paid. They didn't mention what happens if the pay day is on a weekend or holiday. Sometimes it's the next working day. Sometimes, the previous working day. Didn't say.
Is getting paid the Monday after when payday falls on the weekend really a dealbreaker for you? If not, why ask? If it is that important, you're basically advertising to your boss that you have trouble managing your money. Frankly, better not to ask this question. |
It isn't a dealbreaker per se. But if that question isn't answered and they don't say when they will pay you, then they can basically choose whatever day they want to pay you if payday falls on a weekend or holiday. It's just a way to worm out of paying somebody or rationalizing paying late. |
Paid on the Monday after instead of the Friday before when payday happens to fall on the weekend? *shrug* Twice a year you might get paid on Monday instead of Friday. The only reason to care about this is if you're living hand-to-mouth, which is probably not really something you want to be advertising to a potential employer.
Not a dealbreaker? Not a big deal? Don't ask the boss. Ask the FT if the boss has ever paid late.
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-If there's any OT pay for the mandatory off-hour seminars and orientations and how many there are.
If it doesn't say there's overtime pay, it's probably safe to assume you won't get any. How many is absolutely a fair question, however.
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Another situation where I wanted clarification. I wasn't demanding it. Kind of one of those things you asked where you hope they say yes to the first question but you figure that they won't
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No argument here.
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-Lack of sick days. Just asked for one extra sick day since I only got 2.
Your boss will most likely give you a hard time for even taking your 2 sick days, asking for 3 probably won't fly, but I can't blame you for trying. |
True, but there are always things that can happen that are beyond your control such as a car accident or something like that. Since most hagwons give 3-5 days, I thought I could ask for one more. |
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You can always ask for anything. But consider the risk vs. reward here. What is the likelihood that the boss will say yes? What is the likelihood that you'll actually need that sick day? What is the likelihood that you won't be harassed once you actually try to use even one of your sick days in any Korean workplace?
Now weigh that against the likelihood that you're talking your way out of this job just by asking for one more sick day and ask yourself if it's actually a good idea to ask for one more sick day.
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-Contract includes 3 small deposits early in the contract. I don't want those.
These are illegal and worth making an issue out of. |
I'm pretty sure that this is a deal breaker. I know GEPIK does deposits now, but given my and my friends' experiences, I am willing to trust public schools more than hagwons when it comes to this stuff.
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No doubt about it, this is a classic red flag. Hogwons that ask for deposits often have a history of runners.
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-Also asked to talk to a current foreign teacher.
If they say no to the last question, should I automatically decline this contract?
Absolutely.
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I was pretty sure about this. I just wasn't sure how common it was for a foreigner to ask that. |
Pretty common. The only good reason not to be able to get the contact info for a current of former teacher is if the school's brand new. New schools are inherently risky anyway.
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For the most part, I'm only asking for clarifications on the contract. Only financial "extras" I'm asking are no deposits (probably won't happen) and one extra sick day.
These are fair questions, right? |
Asking too many questions before you sign can be a big turn off to a potential employer, so you really need to choose your questions wisely, IMHO. Some of your questions are very valid, others may very well nitpick you out of a job. |
While I might have been a bit nitpicky, fact is that if an academy is unwilling to answer basic questions that I have (such as start/end dates and public/private insurance) then they aren't worth working for imo. I just wasn't sure how far was too far.
Getting a clear and detailed contract is important to me as it reduces the wiggle room a hagwon gets to try and screw you over. It also significantly reduces or removes the amount of confusion that could occur later.
Most academies ask if you have any questions for them after the interview is over, but when you ask them they get scared and are afraid to go any further. Why even ask if you have questions for them in the first place if you won't answer them?
This was a fairly good deal (best one I've been offered so far) and it would suck to blow it off by asking questions. But as I mentioned before, they aren't worth working for if they are going to be opaque and ambiguous with their answers and contracts. |
If it's the best job you've been offered, I hope you didn't ruin it. Regardless of the outcome, though, you might want to ask yourself this: It's no longer a teacher's market, so why are you putting a job at risk by asking about things that are not deal breakers for you?
Look, some questions need to be asked. Is the salary enough? How's the housing? Public pension or private? How is vacation time handled? What kinds of extracurricular duties are required? These are the big things. They need to be squared away. Anything that you're willing to turn a job down over is also worth bringing up.
But....
Can I get another sick day? Could you put the date in the contract now, before I even have the visa? Will you pay me on the Friday before payday when it falls on the weekend? When you don't even have the job yet, these questions make you sound like a pain in the ass.
There are other questions that you could ask that are probably a lot more relevant to what your life will be like at that job that might make you sound more like you actually care about teaching. Consider asking the following:
What kind of curriculum is in place?
How much flexibility do I have in designing my own activities?
What's your discipline policy?
How will I be evaluated?
What kind of materials and resources do you have for teachers to work with?
Anyway, best of luck with your job search, Dosequis. I hope you find something that works out for you.[/quote]
Total masterpiece insightful brilliant post Son Deureo!! We're talking sticky status here! |
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natalia930
Joined: 02 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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| OP I'm wondering how this all worked out for you? Did they make the changes you wanted? I'm sort of in the midsts of a similar situation, where the contract is good, but uncomfortably vague... |
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DosEquisXX
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
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| Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 10:23 pm Post subject: |
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| natalia930 wrote: |
| OP I'm wondering how this all worked out for you? Did they make the changes you wanted? I'm sort of in the midsts of a similar situation, where the contract is good, but uncomfortably vague... |
Sorry for the late update.
They refused to make any changes to the contract and I rejected the offer.
Wasn't the happiest man around and stopped for a bit. Now, I'm heating up again. Recruiter stated that an academy I recently interviewed with wanted to offer me a contract. I've heard this a couple of times before only to not see a contract come my way. Probably a recruiter trying to keep a few applicants hanging while the academy picks one. I am optimistic though.
Otherwise, I have an assload of interview requests from positions in China and at worst case, a Korean public school in place to fall back on. Since money is not much of an issue to me (just want to be paid what I think I'm worth), going to China won't be much of a bummer to me. |
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