Interview oddballs
Some of the stranger folks I've come across during interview procedures
One applicant that I won't forget was a certain Mr G. Glitter who applied for a primary school homeroom teacher position in 2006 and claimed to 'love working with kids'. The application came complete with a picture of the glam rocker in full 1970s rock regalia
The tattoo curse
Is body art affecting your job prospects?
An ajarn reader wrote in to ask for advice. "I'm clean and well-presented with a good resume. But is the tattoo that covers most of my hand going to hold me back?" Over to you.
The ABCs of NOT securing a job.
Sent in by Quick Rant
It’s high time for criminal reference checks to be made a compulsory part of the recruitment process because that will stop you applying for positions altogether
I’ve given up looking too
Sent in by Sir Heath
I made the mistake of bringing some first year students' problems to the attention of the head of the section last year. By September, after four and half year at this university, despite 'an excellent record of work' the university decided to let me go.
Teacher mistakes
Avoid falling into any of these teacher traps
Ajarn has put together a list of the most common mistakes that teachers make in Thailand - both new arrivals and those who have been here a while.
Thailand race Issues
Sent in by Mr B
I came to Thailand with my girlfriend and within two weeks we both had a job in the same school - quite fortunate, I know. Neither of us have degrees, but we have TESOL certs and various tertiary qualifications. The process of getting the job was a little strange or different to what I'm used to. We both applied for the same job posts that we found online and many of these applications required a picture. My girlfriend got quick replies and I hardly got any or was told that I would be 'kept in mind' for future positions.
He sleeps in a storm
Disorganization, discipline, and decisiveness in the overseas TEFL industry
I really dislike job interviews. Not because of anything I do. I show up on time; I wear the right clothes; I'm polite; I listen and I ask the right questions. But when it comes to the interview and meeting other people in this industry, whether fellow teachers, administrators, principals, or directors, the ‘niceties' stop at my cover-letter.
Language center rip-off
Sent in by Rose
I wanted a change of scenery and when I saw a job advertised in another area, I applied. I received an e mail back asking me to go and have an interview.
How to land that job
Tips for getting a teaching job in Thailand.
Thinking of interviewing for teaching jobs? What's the best way to go about it? What are the questions to ask at an interview and what kind of answers should you be looking for?
Professional development
Adding a few strings to your bow
If you're a teacher in Thailand who feels in a bit of a rut and looking to secure a better job somewhere else, now may be the time to dust off your CV and think about some ways you can make yourself attractive to a future employer.
Featured Teachers
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George
Certificate (3), BA (1)
Canadian (male, 62 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Mbu
BEd (1)
Cameroonian (female, 29 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Wayne
Certificate (4), BA (1)
British (male, 35 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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John
Certificate (4), BA (1), MA (1)
Canadian (male, 46 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Apple Joy
Certificate (1), BSc (1)
Filipino (female, 24 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Paul
BSc (1), Diploma (1), Certificate (1), PGCE (1)
British (male, 44 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Chris
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
American (male, 35 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Radhika
Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
Thai (female, 23 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Tyree
Certificate (2), BSc (1)
American (male, 55 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Kenneth
Certificate (2)
British (male, 62 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
About Ajarn.com
Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.
Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.
Friends of Ajarn
E-mailing for jobs
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
Hi, I’m Tony Dabbs
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
The Region Guides
Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
Fun Quiz
Find out how employable you are in Thailand as an English teacher. Is it a case of 'welcome aboard' or "Mom, I need you to send some money again"
