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KoreanDon
Joined: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Miami
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 Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 4:38 am Post subject: Hagwon interviews? |
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Hello fellow member's of Dave's esl cafe!
Long time lurker first time posting. I had my first hagwon interview today and I must admit I left pretty dumbfounded and confused. I don't know if the process is any different for non gyopos but when I first agreed to the interview I was expecting a brief intro amongst each other, discussing pay and expectations. Well it didn't go that way.
As soon as I stepped in. The owner asked if I can take a test. Lol I took a 2 and a half hour subway/bus ride, needless to say I was pretty pissed because she could of atleast mentioned this before so I couldve been mentally ready. I felt tricked.
So after the 55 question test the interview begins. Odd thing is she's using all these word techniques that mentions how this school lacks benefits compared to bigger chains but her facial expression doesn't change as if this shouldn't be a concern. She avoids answering how the pay structure would be for 30 minutes. Finally, she uses another business technique by agreeing to let me know the amount after I do a brief presentation of how I would teach a short story from a book she hands me.
She gives me 10 minutes to read it and comes in with another random guy and expects me to give a presentation. I was really frustrated and pissed at this point. I understand she's testing my ability to improvise but these things should of been mentioned beforehand for mental preparation.
So I finish the presentation and I mention to her if she expects me to work 8 hour shifts mon-fri I expect around 2.5 a month. She says if she agrees would I commit to a year. From all the hoops she made me go through just in the interview process I told her I would need some time to think about it.
A few hours later I call to thank her for the opportunity and to give me by Friday to give her a decision. Her tone was pretty cold and heartless.
Has anyone else gone through anything like this? |
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wooden nickels
Joined: 23 May 2010
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 5:27 am Post subject: Re: Hagwon interviews? |
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| KoreanDon wrote: |
Hello fellow member's of Dave's esl cafe!
Long time lurker first time posting. I had my first hagwon interview today and I must admit I left pretty dumbfounded and confused. I don't know if the process is any different for non gyopos but when I first agreed to the interview I was expecting a brief intro amongst each other, discussing pay and expectations. Well it didn't go that way.
As soon as I stepped in. The owner asked if I can take a test. Lol I took a 2 and a half hour subway/bus ride, needless to say I was pretty pissed because she could of atleast mentioned this before so I couldve been mentally ready. I felt tricked.
So after the 55 question test the interview begins. Odd thing is she's using all these word techniques that mentions how this school lacks benefits compared to bigger chains but her facial expression doesn't change as if this shouldn't be a concern. She avoids answering how the pay structure would be for 30 minutes. Finally, she uses another business technique by agreeing to let me know the amount after I do a brief presentation of how I would teach a short story from a book she hands me.
She gives me 10 minutes to read it and comes in with another random guy and expects me to give a presentation. I was really frustrated and pissed at this point. I understand she's testing my ability to improvise but these things should of been mentioned beforehand for mental preparation.
So I finish the presentation and I mention to her if she expects me to work 8 hour shifts mon-fri I expect around 2.5 a month. She says if she agrees would I commit to a year. From all the hoops she made me go through just in the interview process I told her I would need some time to think about it.
A few hours later I call to thank her for the opportunity and to give me by Friday to give her a decision. Her tone was pretty cold and heartless.
Has anyone else gone through anything like this? |
I wouldn't call it the perfect interview situation but I don't see anything out of the way in what she did. A little one sided, maybe. I've done a lot of interviewing. If this upsets you, I wouldn't hire you. |
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Who's Your Daddy?
Joined: 30 May 2010
Location: Victoria, Canada.
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:27 am Post subject: |
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| I wouldn't attend an interview if I didn't know their pay offer (I might ask for more) before I went. There are a lot of wastes of time, and owners that are clueless. |
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KoreanDon
Joined: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Miami
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 7:29 am Post subject: |
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I wouldn't call it the perfect interview situation but I don't see anything out of the way in what she did. A little one sided, maybe. I've done a lot of interviewing. If this upsets you, I wouldn't hire you. |
Lol what's with the jab at the end? Bad night? I just wanted to know if this is something I should prepare for, for future references. |
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wooden nickels
Joined: 23 May 2010
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 8:46 am Post subject: Re: Hagwon interviews? |
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| KoreanDon wrote: |
Hello fellow member's of Dave's esl cafe!
Long time lurker first time posting. I had my first hagwon interview today and I must admit I left pretty dumbfounded and confused. I don't know if the process is any different for non gyopos but when I first agreed to the interview I was expecting a brief intro amongst each other, discussing pay and expectations. Well it didn't go that way.
As soon as I stepped in. The owner asked if I can take a test. Lol I took a 2 and a half hour subway/bus ride, needless to say I was pretty pissed because she could of atleast mentioned this before so I couldve been mentally ready. I felt tricked.
So after the 55 question test the interview begins. Odd thing is she's using all these word techniques that mentions how this school lacks benefits compared to bigger chains but her facial expression doesn't change as if this shouldn't be a concern. She avoids answering how the pay structure would be for 30 minutes. Finally, she uses another business technique by agreeing to let me know the amount after I do a brief presentation of how I would teach a short story from a book she hands me.
She gives me 10 minutes to read it and comes in with another random guy and expects me to give a presentation. I was really frustrated and pissed at this point. I understand she's testing my ability to improvise but these things should of been mentioned beforehand for mental preparation.
So I finish the presentation and I mention to her if she expects me to work 8 hour shifts mon-fri I expect around 2.5 a month. She says if she agrees would I commit to a year. From all the hoops she made me go through just in the interview process I told her I would need some time to think about it.
A few hours later I call to thank her for the opportunity and to give me by Friday to give her a decision. Her tone was pretty cold and heartless.
Has anyone else gone through anything like this? |
You went to a job interview and felt pissed of because you were asked to take a test without being forewarned.
The interviewer's facial expression didn't change at the moment you expected it to.
You felt you were pushed through hoops during the interview process.
To you, her tone was cold and heartless.
The things you mentioned are trivial, at most.
What did you expect?
"Hi Mr KoreanDon. How can we help you? Tell us what you want and we will see if we can meet your needs. And by the way, if you decide to allow us the privilege of having you join our school, we will need you to participate in a job interview."
See, you got interviewer and interviewee positions crossed over.
To answer one of you questions. Almost every Korean on Korean, or Korean on Gyopo, interview I've observed has went this way. I've seen around 12. The ones I've personally done, I've done somewhat differently.
Not to be rude or disrespectful but you are coming off as you expect to be treated special. It seems to be a pattern among Gyopos. |
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KoreanDon
Joined: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Miami
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: Hagwon interviews? |
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| wooden nickels wrote: |
| KoreanDon wrote: |
Hello fellow member's of Dave's esl cafe!
Long time lurker first time posting. I had my first hagwon interview today and I must admit I left pretty dumbfounded and confused. I don't know if the process is any different for non gyopos but when I first agreed to the interview I was expecting a brief intro amongst each other, discussing pay and expectations. Well it didn't go that way.
As soon as I stepped in. The owner asked if I can take a test. Lol I took a 2 and a half hour subway/bus ride, needless to say I was pretty pissed because she could of atleast mentioned this before so I couldve been mentally ready. I felt tricked.
So after the 55 question test the interview begins. Odd thing is she's using all these word techniques that mentions how this school lacks benefits compared to bigger chains but her facial expression doesn't change as if this shouldn't be a concern. She avoids answering how the pay structure would be for 30 minutes. Finally, she uses another business technique by agreeing to let me know the amount after I do a brief presentation of how I would teach a short story from a book she hands me.
She gives me 10 minutes to read it and comes in with another random guy and expects me to give a presentation. I was really frustrated and pissed at this point. I understand she's testing my ability to improvise but these things should of been mentioned beforehand for mental preparation.
So I finish the presentation and I mention to her if she expects me to work 8 hour shifts mon-fri I expect around 2.5 a month. She says if she agrees would I commit to a year. From all the hoops she made me go through just in the interview process I told her I would need some time to think about it.
A few hours later I call to thank her for the opportunity and to give me by Friday to give her a decision. Her tone was pretty cold and heartless.
Has anyone else gone through anything like this? |
You went to a job interview and felt pissed of because you were asked to take a test without being forewarned.
The interviewer's facial expression didn't change at the moment you expected it to.
You felt you were pushed through hoops during the interview process.
To you, her tone was cold and heartless.
The things you mentioned are trivial, at most.
What did you expect?
"Hi Mr KoreanDon. How can we help you? Tell us what you want and we will see if we can meet your needs. And by the way, if you decide to allow us the privilege of having you join our school, we will need you to participate in a job interview."
See, you got interviewer and interviewee positions crossed over.
To answer one of you questions. Almost every Korean on Korean, or Korean on Gyopo, interview I've observed has went this way. I've seen around 12. The ones I've personally done, I've done somewhat differently.
Not to be rude or disrespectful but you are coming off as you expect to be treated special. It seems to be a pattern among Gyopos. |
Hey wooden nickels the employer and employee dynamic is a two way street. If someone avoids to answer something it is likely because it's not something to brag about(low pay). The thing about the interview process is its the tone that sets off the business relationship. This is the nicest the company is ever going to be to you. Yes it pissed me off that she she avoided my question for 30 minutes and finally agreed after requesting a presentation("look at the seal dance, how silly it thinks it's human π
now throw it a fish") She could of easily answered and we could of proceeded from there. I dunno if you know what λμΉ is but yes I felt many red flags just from this one "interview". I.e. Foreseeing explainations on why she couldn't pay on time and expecting more from an employee when they've already done the work to receive pay. It's called protecting oneself, not demanding special treatment. |
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SeoulNate
Joined: 04 Jun 2010
Location: Hyehwa
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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That bit is fairly standard in Hakwon interviews from what I remember. They would always take the special snowflake routine with how they are different and that you must understand when situations come up with pay and scheduling. However, since all of them do it, it doesn't really make them the special snowflake at all.
In short, standard interview process here. |
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tophatcat
Joined: 09 Aug 2006
Location: under the hat
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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| SeoulNate wrote: |
That bit is fairly standard in Hakwon interviews from what I remember. They would always take the special snowflake routine with how they are different and that you must understand when situations come up with pay and scheduling. However, since all of them do it, it doesn't really make them the special snowflake at all.
In short, standard interview process here. |
+1
standard interview process
.. |
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KoreanDon
Joined: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Miami
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 5:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks seoulnate and tophatcat. Now I know what to expect. |
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jcd
Joined: 13 Mar 2012
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:27 pm Post subject: Re: Hagwon interviews? |
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| wooden nickels wrote: |
| KoreanDon wrote: |
Hello fellow member's of Dave's esl cafe!
Long time lurker first time posting. I had my first hagwon interview today and I must admit I left pretty dumbfounded and confused. I don't know if the process is any different for non gyopos but when I first agreed to the interview I was expecting a brief intro amongst each other, discussing pay and expectations. Well it didn't go that way.
As soon as I stepped in. The owner asked if I can take a test. Lol I took a 2 and a half hour subway/bus ride, needless to say I was pretty pissed because she could of atleast mentioned this before so I couldve been mentally ready. I felt tricked.
So after the 55 question test the interview begins. Odd thing is she's using all these word techniques that mentions how this school lacks benefits compared to bigger chains but her facial expression doesn't change as if this shouldn't be a concern. She avoids answering how the pay structure would be for 30 minutes. Finally, she uses another business technique by agreeing to let me know the amount after I do a brief presentation of how I would teach a short story from a book she hands me.
She gives me 10 minutes to read it and comes in with another random guy and expects me to give a presentation. I was really frustrated and pissed at this point. I understand she's testing my ability to improvise but these things should of been mentioned beforehand for mental preparation.
So I finish the presentation and I mention to her if she expects me to work 8 hour shifts mon-fri I expect around 2.5 a month. She says if she agrees would I commit to a year. From all the hoops she made me go through just in the interview process I told her I would need some time to think about it.
A few hours later I call to thank her for the opportunity and to give me by Friday to give her a decision. Her tone was pretty cold and heartless.
Has anyone else gone through anything like this? |
You went to a job interview and felt pissed of because you were asked to take a test without being forewarned.
The interviewer's facial expression didn't change at the moment you expected it to.
You felt you were pushed through hoops during the interview process.
To you, her tone was cold and heartless.
The things you mentioned are trivial, at most.
What did you expect?
"Hi Mr KoreanDon. How can we help you? Tell us what you want and we will see if we can meet your needs. And by the way, if you decide to allow us the privilege of having you join our school, we will need you to participate in a job interview."
See, you got interviewer and interviewee positions crossed over.
To answer one of you questions. Almost every Korean on Korean, or Korean on Gyopo, interview I've observed has went this way. I've seen around 12. The ones I've personally done, I've done somewhat differently.
Not to be rude or disrespectful but you are coming off as you expect to be treated special. It seems to be a pattern among Gyopos. |
You are being rude and disrespectful. I doubt you have the capacity to notice much of anything that is really happening.
Could you also answer one of me questions. Why are you giving interviews when you can't spell.
Tools like nickels and his buddies on here are the reason wages here are really low and hours are really bad.
You should feel free to ask as many questions about the job as you want.
You should ask questions mostly about the school and business, but you should also slip in important questions like class hours, wages and any other questions about benefits. They are obligated to answer clearly, or should feel that way.
I think them giving you a test is absurd and is done mostly for appearances, and because they don't know how to conduct an interview. Just do it.
The lesson demos are a joke. It assumes you will stand and make speeches when really you will be interacting with the class. So what I do is I treat them like the students, ask them questions and ask them to read and practice pronunciation. Otherwise you have to pretend like you are interacting with invisible people.
In the west the interviewer at least makes an effort to sell themselves and why you should want to work for them, if they are a respectable company. They also ask you questions, and if you have any questions for them.
The interviews here are like having a dog sniff your butt.
I really hope that you don't take their advice. They are clearly tools. |
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wooden nickels
Joined: 23 May 2010
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 11:51 pm Post subject: Re: Hagwon interviews? |
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| jcd wrote: |
| wooden nickels wrote: |
| KoreanDon wrote: |
Hello fellow member's of Dave's esl cafe!
Long time lurker first time posting. I had my first hagwon interview today and I must admit I left pretty dumbfounded and confused. I don't know if the process is any different for non gyopos but when I first agreed to the interview I was expecting a brief intro amongst each other, discussing pay and expectations. Well it didn't go that way.
As soon as I stepped in. The owner asked if I can take a test. Lol I took a 2 and a half hour subway/bus ride, needless to say I was pretty pissed because she could of atleast mentioned this before so I couldve been mentally ready. I felt tricked.
So after the 55 question test the interview begins. Odd thing is she's using all these word techniques that mentions how this school lacks benefits compared to bigger chains but her facial expression doesn't change as if this shouldn't be a concern. She avoids answering how the pay structure would be for 30 minutes. Finally, she uses another business technique by agreeing to let me know the amount after I do a brief presentation of how I would teach a short story from a book she hands me.
She gives me 10 minutes to read it and comes in with another random guy and expects me to give a presentation. I was really frustrated and pissed at this point. I understand she's testing my ability to improvise but these things should of been mentioned beforehand for mental preparation.
So I finish the presentation and I mention to her if she expects me to work 8 hour shifts mon-fri I expect around 2.5 a month. She says if she agrees would I commit to a year. From all the hoops she made me go through just in the interview process I told her I would need some time to think about it.
A few hours later I call to thank her for the opportunity and to give me by Friday to give her a decision. Her tone was pretty cold and heartless.
Has anyone else gone through anything like this? |
You went to a job interview and felt pissed of because you were asked to take a test without being forewarned.
The interviewer's facial expression didn't change at the moment you expected it to.
You felt you were pushed through hoops during the interview process.
To you, her tone was cold and heartless.
The things you mentioned are trivial, at most.
What did you expect?
"Hi Mr KoreanDon. How can we help you? Tell us what you want and we will see if we can meet your needs. And by the way, if you decide to allow us the privilege of having you join our school, we will need you to participate in a job interview."
See, you got interviewer and interviewee positions crossed over.
To answer one of you questions. Almost every Korean on Korean, or Korean on Gyopo, interview I've observed has went this way. I've seen around 12. The ones I've personally done, I've done somewhat differently.
Not to be rude or disrespectful but you are coming off as you expect to be treated special. It seems to be a pattern among Gyopos. |
You are being rude and disrespectful. I doubt you have the capacity to notice much of anything that is really happening.
Could you also answer one of me questions. Why are you giving interviews when you can't spell.
Tools like nickels and his buddies on here are the reason wages here are really low and hours are really bad.
You should feel free to ask as many questions about the job as you want.
You should ask questions mostly about the school and business, but you should also slip in important questions like class hours, wages and any other questions about benefits. They are obligated to answer clearly, or should feel that way.
I think them giving you a test is absurd and is done mostly for appearances, and because they don't know how to conduct an interview. Just do it.
The lesson demos are a joke. It assumes you will stand and make speeches when really you will be interacting with the class. So what I do is I treat them like the students, ask them questions and ask them to read and practice pronunciation. Otherwise you have to pretend like you are interacting with invisible people.
In the west the interviewer at least makes an effort to sell themselves and why you should want to work for them, if they are a respectable company. They also ask you questions, and if you have any questions for them.
The interviews here are like having a dog sniff your butt.
I really hope that you don't take their advice. They are clearly tools. |
I'm telling it like it is. |
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KoreanDon
Joined: 20 Dec 2012
Location: Miami
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| Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 4:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Jcd thanks for the support. I knew I wasn't wrong on the way that I thought. But I do know Korea does a lot of things "differently". Lol, needless to say I'm not going to that school my spidey senses tell me it's a nuke bomb, waiting to explode. |
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Weigookin74
Joined: 26 Oct 2009
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| Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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Really? Hakwons that pay low make you jump through all these hoops? I think if folks wanted all this hoopla, they'd just get a job back home and live in a culture where things make sense wouldn't they?
I haven't interviewd with a hakwon for years, but their questions were over the phone when I was still living in Canada.
It was:
"Do you like kids?"
"Did you know Korea has four seasons?"
"Do you know any Korean?"
"When can you come to Korea?"
Maybe two or three simple questions, a brief description of the job with pay and terms, etc. Pay was 2.1 million won.
A little bit more regimented for the franchises, but only a little bit. Interviewed with a chain - YBM?
Anyhow, did a rural public school and got in fairly quickly and easily with no interview of any kind.
If I'm going to puyt up with the kind of interview and song and dance you went through op, I'd be asking 2.8 to 3.2ish range minimum. If it's 2.1, keep walking. As soon as the person didn't answer my questions, 5 minutes into it, I'd just get up and walk out.
ESL isn't rocket science, you just need some creativity, to be able to be good with kids, and know how to put some and teach some basic lessons together. |
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PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 11:48 pm Post subject: |
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Lesson number one. It's not a 'two way street' in Korea between the boss and the hagwon instructor.
The boss is here
You're here.
The faster you memorize this, the better. |
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Fallacy
Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Location: ex-ROK
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| Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:19 am Post subject: |
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| That gap may not be wide enough, actually. Double it, just to be sure. |
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