Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TiGrBaLm]

Hi,

Im going to be having a ph. interview with a recruiter and I was wondering if any of you can offer any sort of advice, information etc. on dealing with a phone interview. Also, what are the usual types of questions they ask?

ThX in Advance

[Ya-ta Boy]

Not to worry. The phone interview are seldom more challenging than, "Are you alive? Good. When can you start?" Seriously. They are as much about giving you an opportunity to ask questions as they are about the prospective employer asking you questions.

I have heard of one or two interviews that asked for a philosophy of education.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[ilovebdt]

I have had a telephone interview and I wasn't asked anything taxing. I think the main reason behind telephone interviews is to check that your accent isn't too strong so the kiddies will be able to understand you.

[YoungLi]

I have had several phone interviews with top reputable companies and institutes teaching adults. The positions were considered competitive. If you are interested in teaching elementary, you are in high demand so you can pretty much consider yourself hired unless it's for a public school as those are far more competitive. The trick is trying to find a good school with a good contract - not so easy. My experience with interviews has been fairly positive; I was never turned down for a position. Keep this in mind. If you decline an offer don't be suprised if they keep calling trying to get you to change your mind and pressure you endlessly. Things you should always ask about and make clear in an interview are the following:

1.) Only agree to continue the interview process after you've made it clear that you will not start teaching until AFTER the E2 visa is processed. I cannot stress this enough. Many schools wait until the last minute to hire and they need you ASAP. Don't ever consider any school who trys to make you believe it's legal to teach on a "tourist visa." This type of thing happens way too often and it's not worth the risk of deportation, being banned and a fine of $500-$3,000. The school will be fined about $10,000 too.

2.) Make sure you get references of at least three foreign teachers who work there so you can contact them via email and/or phone numbers. If they refuse this it's a huge red flag... steer clear right away.

3.) Before an interview, it's a good idea to do a LOT of research about the school and make sure they aren't blacklisted. Do a search here on eslcafe first.

4.) Above all else, get ahold of the contract and read it over very very carefully. Try to get this before the interview if you can. There's no point in interviewing with a school that has a bad contract.

5.) Don't ever agree to teach at any other location besides the address for which the contract is intended. A LOT of schools will try to farm you out to companies and private individuals off-site and this is very illegal. You don't want immigration to catch you doing this. Sometimes you might be able to get another location approved beforehand and this will be listed on you passport. These approvals aren't given very freely by immigration.

6.) If the interview goes well, try to ask for pictures of the housing and the school. I'd say this is a deciding factor and see how much they want to work with you. If they want you and they are a good school they should be happy to provide you with photos.

Good luck!

[YoungLi]

Oooops, I went back and read that you are having a phone "interview" with a "recruiter." Oh these aren't really interviews to take that seriously. Beware of the recruiters. Be on guard - don't always trust them. However, don't let on that you are defensive. Remember "poker face" works in the real world too. Honestly, you should be interviewing the recruiter as much as the recruiter interviews you.