Korean Job Discussion Forums

[inbetween]

Hi guys!

I posted earlier this year when I was first entertaining the idea of teaching in Korea and you were all so helpful Now that I'm applying for positions in earnest (I'm aiming for a September job, if at all possible), I thought I could get some insight from all you veterans re: the interview process. I've searched the forum a bit to see if there was a centralized thread or some sort, but wasn't able to find anything in particular. If I've missed something, feel free to let me know!

At the moment, I have interviews with CDI and Hoyah. I have yet to schedule them, but I suspect they'll take place in the next couple of weeks over phone or Skype. What are the kinds of questions I can expect from a standard hagwon interview? Given that Hoyah is more specialized for test prep, would their interview be significantly different? For CDI, which has several locations, would it be detrimental to mention that I'd be geographically limited to certain parts of Seoul? Is pay/schedule something that can/should be discussed directly during the interview? What are some things that you wish you had brought up, asked, or avoided during your own interview?

I apologize for the stream of questions -- the only other full-time positions I've interviewed for have been in academic research (for which I suspect the process is rather different since those were pretty casual), so I'm just a bit nervous I'd love any and all advice on how to approach these interviews!


Thanks so much!

[Blanca]

This was me until a few weeks ago. Some pointers:

1) Don't work at CDI. At the very least be VERY stringent in your screening of the school.

2) My first question to any prospective school was "Do I get NHIC health insurance and pension?" If the answer was no, I ended the interview there and then.

3) Try to establish the approximate number of classes per week, or ideally what the contractual maximum is. Anything over 40 will be very hard work, especially if working with little kids. I interviewed with a place in Incheon (I think?) that had 11 classes per day. I asked if they were serious, laughed and hung up.

4) Make it clear you would like to speak to current teachers - not just the one leaving, but also others (if there are any others). Again, if they refuse, reject.

5) Ask how many students there are and what the school's history is. If they've only been going a couple of years and only have 35 students enrolled, proceed, but with caution.

Those are the most important ones to remember. Other stuff you could ask is basically fluff but it shows you're keen - things like "what's the curriculum like?", "how much freedom is there to invent my own material?"

The most important thing is not to worry - the boss will be more nervous than you are and it's not a very "official" process anyway. Your requirement to be in Seoul is not going to work in your favour unless you're a blonde American or Canadian girl - competition is fierce since everyone wants to live there.

Good luck!

[PRagic]

Four year degree (or BA equivalent? Check
Preferably under 25? Check (bonus points if you're female and blonde)
Paperwork ready to go? Check
Intelligible accent? Check
Not drunk or stoned during interview? Check
A verifiable pulse? Check

Most of it will boil down to timing and their available pool of applicants. You really have to try to screw up an interview to get a job at a hakwon.

[CP]

1. Talk about what you bring to the table as a teacher and as a person. Convince them you are the right person for the job.

2. Be professional, dress appropriately and be on time.

3. Ask for information about the school, staff, curriculum as it shows you care and have interest in working there.

4. Don't talk about benefits or salary until they have offered you a job and shown you a contract to sign. Then go over the contract at home and write down your concerns and get back to them. You should have already had the basic information prior to the interview. This is just a matter of going over the details so everyone knows what's expected.

Good luck!

[Beeyee]

[trueblue]

O.P.

Unfortunately, if you start asking too many questions, you will be labeled as "picky".

However, that does not mean you should not make sure you receive a contract that has all the legal requirements.

Here are some pointers...

1. Make sure the school has a physical address on the contract (I had to learn this recently, the hard way).

2. ASK if they actually have 10 WORKING DAYS of paid vacation.

3. Talk to a teacher that works there...no exceptions (unless you are desperate).

4. Try to make sure you have clear definitions of what the working hours are, versus the actual teaching hours...and how long the classes are.

5. Make sure you are teaching your preferred age group.

6. Ask for photos of the housing and the school.

7. Legal stuff...pension/severance/insurance

8. Ask what "extra curricular activities" are and if they apply within your working hours.

9. Decide whether or not you are willing to accept the new trend of one way flights...

10. Go with your gut.

Best of luck.

[inbetween]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions! I had definitely not thought of asking to clarify many of things you all mentioned.

In general, how good/bad of an indicator is an interview in terms of chances of actually getting the job? I have three interviews set up at the moment, but if the likelihood of converting an interview into a job is less than 50%, I'll want to keep searching and applying in case none of them work out.

Thanks for all the help guys! It's really helpful to get the perspectives of those who've gone through the process before.

[SeoulNate]

interview means they want to give you the job