Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chachee99]

I have an interview for a university teaching position in Bucheon this Monday. The university is looking for teachers who can start March 5th. This is my first interview with a university teaching in Korea, so I am wondering what to expect. Perhaps people could give me some tips.

First, I have a B.A. and one-years experience teaching elementary students at a private school in Seoul. I also taught a camp at the Catholic University in Bucheon. I am not sure what credentials the other candidates have, but is one years teaching experience enough? Most ads ask for teachers with M.A. degrees and /or 5 years teaching experience with a B.A. However, since it is near the deadline they may consider people who don't have MA degrees or a ton of teaching experience. I read that there are many people teaching at universities with a B.A. What are the best ways to maximize my current qualifications?


Second, how should I dress? I plan to look sharp. I will be wearing a black suit with light coloured tie. Of course, I will make sure my attire is clean and pressed, black polished shoes, and I will be clean-shaven.

Third, what are some good questions to ask at the interview? I am interested in knowing the class size, teaching material, the year level of the students, and comprehension level.

Fourth, what are some possible questions the university might ask me?

Fifth, what should I bring with me to the interview? I plan to bring my resume, degree, sealed transcripts, recommendation letters, and reference letters from employers, cover letter, and letter of introduction.

Sixth, is it better to be formal or excited and energetic? I am sure a little of both, but which one looks better. I also know about eye contact, and remembering and using names.

Seventh, did anyone here get their job at the interview or did you have to wait for the university to contact you afterwards? If you don�t sign a contract at the interview does that mean they won�t hire you? I do not want to wait around and pass up other jobs, such as public gigs waiting for a reply. In addition, I my visa will expire on March 2nd.


Perhaps I am worrying too much, however, as I said before, this is my first interview for a university teaching position. I want make sure I am prepared as much as possible. I don't want to suck at the interview so any help would be greatly appreciated.

[gsxr750r]

1. Got my job here after 3 1/2 years of experience (2 at a public HS).
2. Wear a suit and tie, if you are at all serious about getting the job.
3. General stuff
4. About your teaching style, how you handle students who won't talk, etc.
5. Add to the list: a pen. Maybe an extra photo or two.
6. Formal and friendly, excellent manners. Be enthusiastic if you have a demo to do, but don't go overboard.
7. They contacted me two days later and told me I didn't get the job, but to wait because I was an alternate. A few days after that, they called and offered it to me. I was told to come see the contract TONIGHT and sign. I looked it over, and the offer was too low. Ended up debating that, and not accepting. Two subway stops later, they called me back in, and had raised the pay by 200,000 per month. I signed.

It is very common that top candidates are offered several jobs at better schools. Teachers who can, and know they are a hot commodity, will "line up" a job or two, or three, and choose the one they like. Leaves things open for us bottom-feeders who are patient.

This late in the game, though, they're probably wanting to hire day-of.

[SuperHero]

[makemischief]

1. My friend has just a BA and one year of hagwon- but that was enough to get her a semi-decent (cough cough) unigwon job. the pay is great all things considered and she still has many of the regular perks. she interviews very well though (much luck to you on that note as well).

2. just like you say: sharp enough to cut glass. i'd make sure your bag/name card look nice as well. the details add up.

3. Your general question areas look good- in general- enough to sound like you've done your homework- if it is possible find out as much about the uni as you can beforehand. i had a copy of my uni's english language newspaper at my interview (as i had worked on my previous uni's editorial staff in korea)- they seemed to like the fact that i was showing genuine interest in getting to know about the position/school. this would be hard if you have a lot of interviews- but as it seems you only have the one- go for broke

4. totally depends on the school. anything form idle chit-chat about your feelings on korea to a detailed grilling on your teaching philosophy and record. most likely the former though, with only a tiny bit of the latter- especially so close to the semester start (they can't afford to be as picky)

5. like gsxr750r said- a pen and notepad. if you have sample lesson plans/teaching materials you've made, etc. then that can be good as well- though i've rarely had an interview get to the stage where they are looking that stuff over. it certainly doesn't hurt.

6. gsxr750r said it best. formal and friendly. the usual interview stiff: watch their moods and follow their lead. i've had super serious interviews and very relaxed conversational ones.

7.both.


Good Luck!

[timhorton]

Thought you just needed a BA & handsome?

[chachee99]

Got an update. Apparently the school is hiring 5 applicants and have selected 15 people to be interviewed. Each interview will only be 15 minutes long! Is this normal for universities? Any suggestions of how to prepared for such a short interview? Also, is putting your middle name down on your resume common? Most people used their middle name. I however did not.

[Hanson]

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=6586&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

[makemischief]

unless your middle name is incredibly interesting i can almost guarantee it won't make or break your chances. i never put mine on a resume, never had a problem- first and last is enough.

[DCJames]

[Homer]

First off...if you take the no worries attitude suggested above (they will hire you anyway) you run a fair chance of falling right on your face and not get the job....

As for this: universities like hogwons are hiring ANYONE these days... true for the lower end positions perhaps...but certainly not for the better jobs.


moving on to more pratical issues