Hi All Newbie Teacher

[ben2012]

Hi everybody

I've been in Thailand 3 weeks now, i've just been on a nice long holiday in Pattaya. Anyways, hols are over and i'm planning to relocate to Bangkok to find a job. I've been looking online and there seems to be quite alot of work about, i've sent off my resume today for a few positions but haven't heard back as of yet. When i was researching online, i saw that alot of people recommend going "door knocking" to look for a position lol...is this recommended? or should i just stick to the online approach. Oh BTW, I'm a 32 year old native speaker from the UK, and i've got a BA in English Language Studies with TEFL, and also 1 years UK voluntary experience teaching at beginner, pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced levels of proficiency. If anyone has got any hints or tips, or advice or anything that would be great. I'm hoping to find something in the next 2 weeks as i'm on a tourist visa.

Thanks all

[thaicbr]

Hi everybody

I've been in Thailand 3 weeks now, i've just been on a nice long holiday in Pattaya. Anyways, hols are over and i'm planning to relocate to Bangkok to find a job. I've been looking online and there seems to be quite alot of work about, i've sent off my resume today for a few positions but haven't heard back as of yet. When i was researching online, i saw that alot of people recommend going "door knocking" to look for a position lol...is this recommended? or should i just stick to the online approach. Oh BTW, I'm a 32 year old native speaker from the UK, and i've got a BA in English Language Studies with TEFL, and also 1 years UK voluntary experience teaching at beginner, pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced levels of proficiency. If anyone has got any hints or tips, or advice or anything that would be great. I'm hoping to find something in the next 2 weeks as i'm on a tourist visa.

Thanks all

The internet is not universally used here in Thailand. And you have the added problem that it seems you did NO research before coming. Normal school semesters are. Nov - February and May - September. I'm not sure about International schools.

Personally I would choose the area you want to live then start looking.

good luck.

Ps. You can get up to 4 months tourist visa in Laos.

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[ben2012]

Ok thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[ben2012]

Oh and BTW..I don't mind working in a language school etc until next year..just something to get me going for now..cheers

[thaicbr]

Oh and BTW..I don't mind working in a language school etc until next year..just something to get me going for now..cheers

Just. Get tidied up. Trousers. Shirt and tie. And go round the language schools. Cv in hand (dont forget copies)

But that will not help your visa issues as language schools rarely bother getting the teachers work permits etc

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[ben2012]

ok thanks again for the advice. I think i will do that, just get out there and look around. I did do some research before coming here, but since graduating from uni end of May this year, i have been unemployed in the UK and unable to find any kind of job like alot of people lol...so the little bit of savings i had were dwindling away fast..so it was pretty much come now with enough money for 3 months..or forget it for the time being..which wouldn't be so bad if there were jobs available in the UK lol..but it's just not the case right now..

[thaicbr]

ok thanks again for the advice. I think i will do that, just get out there and look around. I did do some research before coming here, but since graduating from uni end of May this year, i have been unemployed in the UK and unable to find any kind of job like alot of people lol...so the little bit of savings i had were dwindling away fast..so it was pretty much come now with enough money for 3 months..or forget it for the time being..which wouldn't be so bad if there were jobs available in the UK lol..but it's just not the case right now..

Ok. Cool. Good luck

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[transam]

Good man, I take my hat off. Take notice of me or not, but if you are going for it, then dress like an English Gentleman. Shirt, Tie, real shoes and Loooong trousers. Good luck chum.

[ben2012]

lol cheers all...well i actually have had 1 job already at a real small school in Pattaya, but i had to resign after a week due to multiple reasons lol...so i was a bit disheartened, and worried that i'm running out of time..then i snapped out of it, and sent a few emails today..yep, i will be suited and booted..thanks all

[ben2012]

Just had a call from wall street, i'm interviewing wed 4pm. Anybody interviewed before? any tips? cheers all...

[transam]

Just had a call from wall street, i'm interviewing wed 4pm. Anybody interviewed before? any tips? cheers all...

No.

[ben2012]

Ok cheers anyway transam...i will just go along suited and booted with my degree etc and see what happens...

[transam]

Ok cheers anyway transam...i will just go along suited and booted with my degree etc and see what happens...

Good man. My thoughts will be with you.

[ben2012]

Thanks bro, i could do with landing this..it looks like a decent job for a newbie like myself.

[Scott]

I do a fair amount of recruiting so here are some tips, but please remember other places and people involved in recruiting are different.

1. If I place an advertisement asking for certain documents to be sent by email--then that is what I want. Dropping them off at the school means they may get lost in the shuffle. I can check the dates etc. on my email.

2. If you have an ajarn.com resume, follow it up with a full resume--don't just send that one. Way too much information is missing. Make sure you list that you have a Bachelor's degree.

3. I see all native speakers who come in (but not all non-native speakers), if I am available and the office girls tell me. I don't actually conduct an interview, but it's good see a face and get a feel for the person.

4. A lot of schools want a demonstration class, so you need to have that in mind.

5. If the job is on the internet, then use the internet to respond. If it is by post, then use post. If the name of the school, and address are listed, then it never hurts to drop by, but don't get disheartened if you don't get an interview on the spot.

6. Look as sharp as you reasonably can--I am not impressed by it, but the Thai staff are and they are the ones who have to contact me. I don't like people who wear a suit, but the Thais do. For some reason a suit just looks too formal for my taste and we don't have air conditioned classrooms. I was impressed with one guy who casually carried his suit jacket in with him. You know he can dress smartly, but is confident without being pretentious. Long sleeves are a must. Conservative look is a plus--no bright colored shirts.

7. At this juncture in time, most schools will be reasonably well staffed, so the pickings will be slim. Don't be afraid to reapply to schools that have not hired you. I see a lot of people that I would love to hire, but they are not the right person for the job we have open at the time. I usually try to let people know that a future application would be welcomed.

8. Because of the large number of applicants (most completely inappropriate, unqualified etc), I don't keep applications on hand for a long time. Most people either find work or move one, so reapplying just might work.

9. I try to answer everyone who applies but this sometimes doesn't get done. It also takes a lot of time. I know others who look through applications and pick out the ones they want and ignore the rest. No answer is not necessarily a 'no'.

Best of luck.

Edited August 23, 2012 by Scott

[transam]

Thanks bro, i could do with landing this..it looks like a decent job for a newbie like myself.

Think positive, and be positive, BUT, be courteous at all times even if you feel a bit put down. A smile works wonders here even if you think it won't help.

[ben2012]

Ok, thanks scott and transam..much appreciated..cheers guys...

[sirchai]

Just had a call from wall street, i'm interviewing wed 4pm. Anybody interviewed before? any tips? cheers all...

Just be who you are.......

[ben2012]

Will do sirchai!! cheers, have a good weekend.

[Somtamnication]

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ben2012]

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok will do thanks for the advice.