​10 Top Tips when Applying for a teaching job in Thailand. By Education Center Thailand, Teacher Recruitment Agency.

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10 Top Tips when Applying for a teaching job in Thailand. By Education Center Thailand, Teacher Recruitment Agency.

1.  Understand who you are working for.
Understand who you are working for. Will you be working for the school directly or will you be working for an agency.
 
Do your own homework try to speak to current employers, does the school have a good reputation with the local people?
 
If the post is advertised by an agency or job recruiter make sure they are legal. It is a long and expensive process to register a company as a recruitment company in Thailand. 
You must also understand an agency or job recruiter will take a commission fee, this fee is usually paid by the school so never ever pay any money upfront to a recruiter in Thailand. 
 

2. Read the Job Description
Job vacancies on websites like www.educationcenterthailand.com, www.craigslist.co.th,  www.teachingthailand.com and www.ajarn.com  or any online platforms should always include necessary information and requirements for the teaching  positions, Including monthly salary, length of contract, location of the school,  working hours, student levels etc.
You should take into account whether you meet the expectations of the employer too. Native English Speakers are different from Non-native English speakers and jobs advertised at paying the monthly salary of 30,000 are probably not going to pay you 50,000 per month.
 
 
3. Applying for the job.
Send the school or recruiter a polite email make sure your grammar is correct. Add some information about yourself and attach the documents requested in the advertising post.
Don’t just comment “I am interested or send an email saying yes this job looks great.” Stay professional! 
If you call make sure you speak slow and listen to what the future employer has to say. Don’t keep calling every 10 minutes hassling them believe me employers don’t like this.
 

4. Hiring Process
Once you have met the criteria of the school, you will usually be called directly or sent an email inviting you for an interview this call or email should also have a meeting location and a time to be there.
If you have any concerns or queries this is usually a good time to ask before meeting.
 

5. What you need to prepare for the interview?

1. • CV
   • Transcript of Records
   • Degree or Diploma (authenticated if required)
   • Certificates like TOEIC, TESOL, TEFL or IELTS
   • Certificate of Employment (if you have had previous jobs)
   • Passport (that should have 6 months validity)
   • Copy of previous work permits or any other documents you may have.
   • Police check 

6. Dress Smart
Try to look as professional as possible. Dress appropriate and smell good. Most schools in Thailand are not big fans of jeans, visible tattoos and facial hair.
 
Men: 

• Dark trousers with belt
• Black or brown business style shoes
• Black or grey socks which cover your ankles 
• Plain shirt – long sleeves with 

• Polo shirt

 
Women: 

• Plain blouse or shirt which covers your shoulders and does not display and cleavage.
• Medium to full length dark skirt or dress, no trousers or legging 
• Business style shoes – no sandals or flip flops.
• It is important to be sensitive to Thai culture when choosing clothing styles. For example, it is considered unacceptable for women not to wear a bra.

7.  Be prepared for the interview teaching demonstration. 

Most schools in Thailand are requesting applicants to do a short demonstration lesson. Try to prepare for it . The school will be observing your teaching skills and classroom management skills. Materials are usually not provided so make sure you take them with you including a short lesson plan age and level appropriate.

9. Be prepared for interview questions.

Common interview questions from our experience
 
Have you been teaching before and where have you been teaching?
How would you deal with students behaving badly?
Do you like Thailand?
Do you like Thai food?
Do you have a boyfriend / girlfriend?
Do you have any bad habits?
How are you going to get to school every day?
Where are you going to live if you work here?

10. Don’t be late for the interview and if you’re not going to go make sure you inform the school.

If you I’m going to be late for the interview our best advice would be to call somebody and just inform them that you are running slightly late.
If you have decided this job is not for you, you should also call them and let them know as soon as you can. Most people that are conducting interviews are usually very busy people.
 
 
10/ 1. The Contract
Make sure you read the contract and understand the terms and conditions, the contract must be in English language not Thai. 
If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask.
Think to yourself can you abide by the rules of the contract if you can’t then our advice would be not to sign it and look for a job that suits.