How contacting employers about job opportunities really works
Postbox letter from Jason
In my experience of contacting employers and sending resumes, etc, things look like this:
Observations from a teacher recruiter's chair
Postbox letter from Brian
If you have any hand in employing teachers, and you're only interested in warm bodies in the classroom and paying the very least, you're going to attract the worst kind. But if you actually take the time to read cover letters, read CV's and try to get a feel for the person applying, your life will be so much easier.
Why education reform in Thailand is imminent
The Thai MOE surely has to begin the formal development of rules and regulations.
If the Thai education system was in fact reformed where certifications and teachers qualifications were vetted, then so-called teachers would indeed have to resort to “flipping burgers” in their native countries simply because they have no real qualifications to represent themselves as teachers.
The 'right teacher' means the only teacher available
Postbox letter from Mike
Finding the right teacher is more about finding the only teacher available right now. We are romanticizing the idea that your average school or agency for the most part puts any real thought into who they employ.
Ringing bells
Postbox letter from Phetpeter
When I see schools advertising often, I begin to think the dream jobs they are offering is too good to be true. I think why are they still looking or re-looking?
The TEFL job interview and what makes a good teacher?
Getting past the interview stage and deciding what roles to play in the classroom.
Think back to your favourite teacher at school. What was it that made him or her stand out? Chances are if you ask 10 people this, they’d come up with broadly similar qualities.
It's all about looks over quality
Postbox letter from Tim
Thais clearly prioritize presentation or looks over substance or quality when it comes to English teachers. They perceive white skin and Caucasian features as more attractive and presentable across Thai society.
Don't get too upset with the job ads
Thailand's employers can be brutally direct about who they want to hire
It’s worth being aware that some schools are pretty fussy about what they are looking for. Glance at any jobs section of a newspaper and you’ll notice that such pedantry is common.
Getting a job interview - part 3
Legwork and salary negotiations
I was finally being offered teaching roles but the salary was typically around the 20,000 mark and that was just too low to consider. On the other hand, in most cases I would be the only Westerner at the school.
Poor HR in Thai schools
Postbox letter from Alan
On my explaining that the verbal agreement had not been adhered to, I indicated that I would not be signing the contract, and the meeting ended and we left the school.
