Korean Job Discussion Forums

[contacts]

Hey guys, just about to begin the process of interviewing with Korean schools over the phone. I was wondering if anyone had any tips about what to expect from them in terms of questions, or any advice to make a good impression.

Also, what types of questions should I be asking on the original interview? I know I should probably not bring up salary, but is anything else off limits? Since most of you guys have been through this, whats the most important information to get from them at this stage?

Any help would be appreciated!

[juicyfresh]

ummm, from my experience a few years ago - it goes like this:
director: you check essay, okay!?
me: hm - excuse me?
director: english essay writing you check, yes?
me: yeah, sure. um.. i've had experience teaching for two years in -
director(interrupting): yes okay thank you bye.

and this was a BIG international academy franchise...

if you're going into public schools it might be a whole different ballgame. but if you're looking at working for a hagwan, don't bother asking any questions at all. they either won't understand them or they will say yes to anything to get you here. the written contract is all that matters. when you get that - start bargaining for stuff in writing.

if it's a private academy you're interviewing with - they probably only want to know if you can breathe and have a degree. and i suppose they also want to hire someone who is enthusiastic (if they have the luxury of being able to choose between multiple applicants.)

that's my take, at least - based on my three hagwan jobs and everyone else i hang out with here...

good luck on your job search! make sure to pick a good one! read the contract CAREFULLY - if you have common sense and a flexible attitude, you'll have a great time working in korea!

[naturegirl321]

I had an interview with EPIK. BASiclaly, I kid you not, they went over everything on my application form. ASking me to spell my name, asking about dates. NOthing new.

For other places, I've been asked a lot how to dal with mixed classes.

[Tumtum]

I've done a few interviews with Hagwons. They all asked the usual questions: How would you describe yourself and/or what are your strengths and weaknesses? How would you deal with a student "acting up" in class? What is your teaching style? They also asked specifics about experiences that I had listed on my resume. I did get the impression that they really just wanted to hear my accent and make sure that I have a pulse. Just be confident and you'll be fine!

[naturegirl321]

Yes, I think they want to hear you speak. I get asked, How did you learn English? Um, I'm American. But you're last name is Spanish. Right, my husband is Peruvian.

SO why do you have an English accent? I lived in Scotland.

Kind of gets annoying.

[contacts]

Cool, thanks for you help guys

[Troglodyte]

I've found that a lot of them can have something of a conversation with you if you speak clearly. Not all. Some have absolutely no speaking skills, but most can get by for the phone interview.

Like a previous poster said, negotiate (by email) after you get the contract to look at. BUT while you're on the phone, you can confirm stuff with the school such as:

-salary
-hours/month or /week
-is it a split shift?
-do you work weekends?
-age group
-etc.

Basically you're going over the stuff that the recruiter told you already. But you want to hear it from them as well. Then check that you have it in writing.

[contacts]

Just wanted to bump this with a more specific question, as I have no formal teaching experience:

What type of answers are they looking for when they ask about teaching students of different skill levels/learning styles? disciplining students? teaching slow learners and advanced learners at the same time, that type of stuff. Any info greatly appreciated!

[wallythewhale]

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

Hmm....my EPIK interview actually took closer to an hour. Maybe the interviewer just liked talking to me, I dunno

I think it varies wildly based on your interviewer. Mine had really great English and told me some funny stories and interesting facts about Korea. He also asked me some really hard/strange questions, like, "What would you do if you walked in your classroom and it was all trashed and the computer was broken?"

I was like, "Uh...find my co-teacher or vice principal?"

Apparently that was the right answer, lol!!

[Goon-Yang]

Most of the time they just want to make sure you have a "nice" accent and you don't sound like a freak.