What are ESL Job Interviews
for Thailand Like?
ESL interviews
for English teaching jobs in Thailand are like
interviews for just about any other type of job, except
they aren't!
Thailand likes face-to-face interviews and
teachers are not usually hired directly from abroad - at
least not without a personal meeting first.
Particularly if
you are a beginning teacher, don't expect trick grammar
questions or really difficult questions of any sort -
though since a TEFL certification is a common
requirement in Thailand it would not be unusual to be
asked a simple grammar question - perhaps more like,
"How might you teach the past tense to secondary school
students?"
Usually, the
employer or recruiter is just trying to get a feel if
you are a friendly, pleasant and reliable person. These
issues are important to the employer, who is typically
either a language school or a large quasi-international
school.
Professional Interviews
It would be
unusual to have what you might consider a really
professional interview. the webmaster her has had
precisely two - in fifteen years. And she used to
interview a lot as she liked to "fish" for jobs - and
often applied for something if it sounded interesting.
The notions,
mentioned above, of friendliness and pleasantness, are
generally what interviewers are looking for. If you are
applying for a job that requires some experience or
training, then you might expect a simple grammar
question - or a question about your teaching philosophy,
teaching methods - or how to deal with a discipline
problem. Of course, think about these things before the
interview.
The
Usual Interview
A typical
interview almost doesn't exist. So really, you probably
can't do much to prepare, except to put yourself in a
good mood, smile a lot, dress appropriately - and go for
it. In Thailand more than any other country be prepared
for either an impromptu demonstration lesson of 12-15
minute or they may have even told you to prepare a 30-50
minute demonstration beforehand.
Odd
Questions
Most teachers,
at one time or another, have been asked such oddities
as, "Do you like Thai food?" or "How do you feel about
hitting your students?" Answer honestly - you might as
well hit the issues before you get in the classroom! Be
realistic though and avoid too much brutal frankness,
which is a Western idea - not an Eastern one.
Speak
Clearly
One thing almost
all interviews are looking for, is your ability to speak
clearly and understandably. Do that purposefully during
the interview. Don't try to "WoW" them with your use of
the language. You are probably already light years
ahead of their English language skills anyway and they
know that. That's why they want and need a teacher.
They want to know that you can communicate well with
their students.
The
Role of the Teacher in Thai Society
Teachers in
Eastern cultures are much more respected than in Western
cultures - do try to live up to the standards that will
be culturally imposed on you. Even if you aren't much
older than your students and you see them behaving in
ways you might enjoy - overdoing it out at the bars and
nightclubs for example if you teach university or adult
students - know that a TEACHER has a strong standard
applied to them. If you really want to "party hearty" -
head on over to the next town . . .
It's okay and
maybe even a good idea to tell an interviewer that you
enjoy teaching, enjoy students, and have a strong
interest in their success. And, we hope you do!
Try to avoid
this:
|
"Twenty
years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn't do than by the
ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the
trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.
Discover." -- Mark Twain |
|
Raise your hand if you'd like to spend your "working"
time in a Luxury Resort . . . 
