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Job search in Hong Kong

Posted: 04 Dec 2012, 09:07
by Donedron
Dear all,

I am currently looking to teach English in Hong Kong but is finding it rather difficult. I am a native speaker (British born Chinese). I carry a University degree along with a TEFL certificate.

Basically I have been applying for jobs at English centres (only around 12-15) since September and manage to receive 3 replies. I managed to attend 2 of the interviews, I missed one due to being sick. I have not had a response from either.

I think the main reason I am not getting opportunities is because I do not have experience. I have also read on here that they prefer non Chinese native English speakers. I have tried applying for jobs which welcome those with less experience (e.g. teacher assistant) and those that provide training. Most jobs I look for need teaching experience.

I am not sure if this is the right time to apply for jobs (as school terms have begun) but I only just arrived from the UK. I've been told more jobs become available after December. I have looked in newspapers, websites such as Jobsdb and Teachergig.

My question is, what is the best way for me to have a chance of getting hired? Should I start searching for volunteer work to get experience? How can I do tutoring or teaching with no experience? I know there are companies that will give me the opportunity otherwise I would not of had those interviews. Maybe I need to be patient.

Anyone with any more websites besides jobsdb where I can look at to find jobs in HK? I know some on here are currently teaching in HK so I appreciate any help.

Thanks

Re: Job search in Hong Kong

Posted: 06 Dec 2012, 04:23
by pokedmund
What's your tefl certificate?

Re: Job search in Hong Kong

Posted: 06 Dec 2012, 07:00
by Donedron
I did the ICAL online course. I know alot of jobs asked for a TEFL or CELTA certificate. During the interviews they seemed to be pleased I made an effort in completeing one.

Re: Job search in Hong Kong

Posted: 06 Dec 2012, 12:55
by pokedmund
1) Try to determine your target audience. If you're gonna teach kids, you'll have a better chance of teaching. But I'm sure some adults in HK want to improve their English too.

2) If you really want to teach kids (say 3-5 years old) you could 'upgrade' yourself by taking a Jolly Phonics course. Tuition centres teach phonics to students this would help you. I think the British Council in HK has some teaching add-on courses for you to learn. HK prefers those who have upgraded themselves some more.

3) Salary expectations. Asking for $12000 per month, 6 days a week (or lower because you don't have experience) would seem to be a fair start. HK bosses love cheap labour and long working hours. Then when you've got the experience, you can start asking elsewhere. For part time, you'll probably get around $100-150 (dependent on experience)

4) Advertise yourself - Post ads at the local supermarkets, tell your family and friends, ask your family and friends if they want tuition. If you're a girl, chances are better. If you're a guy, stick with family contacts (but still not impossible)

5) keep applying. Tuition centres take candidates all year round. There's bound to be temporary vacancies popping up.

6) Best of luck, When I came to HK two-three years ago, (completed CELTA with 6 hours teaching experience) I was fortunate to have contacts who got me a position at Kumon. You can then job-hop from one place to another.

Just get any the experience first. And trust in luck. I got my current job in December two years ago, and my boss found me on jobsdb.

Re: Job search in Hong Kong

Posted: 07 Dec 2012, 13:55
by Donedron
Hi Pokedmund,

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely take note of the points you said. At the moment I am looking to teach younger students (children) as I feel this is more suitable for someone with less experience. I will take note of the salary but it is something I am not too concerned. I just want to gain some experience first.

I will continue to work hard to search for more opportunities and hopefully I will build up my skills from there.