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.


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The Hot Spot


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


The Region Guides

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.