Thread: In Pattaya, advice needed...

**ben2012** · 23rd August 2012 19:07

Hi all

I've been here almost a month now. I just resigned from my 1st job after one week, it was at a small private school in Pattaya, had to resign for multiple reasons...little bit disheartened but never mind..Anyway i'm on a single entry tourist visa i know i can extend this for another 30 days, so i've got 2 months to find something pretty much, and enough money to last me for 2 months. I'm not sure whether i should just leave Pattaya now, and get my butt to Bangkok asap to find something or hang around another week or so..i've had some interest from 2 other schools and i have some informal meeting set up for next week. I'm just a bit worried that if i leave it too late i will miss the job bus in Bangkok...i know i haven't come at the best time for job hunting, but at this point i'm not to fussy, i would just like something to get me through til next year when it's peak recruitment time..April/may if i'm correct?? so should i stay or go lol?? anyone who has been in the game out here who could offer me some advice it would be really appreciated, i'm a bit worried although i may be worrying over nothing?? oh, i'm a 32 year old native speaker from the UK, with a BA in English Language Studies with TEFL, and i've got 1 years worth of UK experience at various levels of proficiency. Anyway, thanks to anyone who replies, have a good evening...so damn hot down here lol

**NokYai** · 23rd August 2012 19:22

This may be a stupid question, but why are you staying in Pattaya?

Originally Posted by ben2012

anyone who has been in the game out here who could offer me some advice it would be really appreciated

By "game," do you mean teaching or picking up bargirls? I've never heard of someone looking for a TEFL job in Pattaya.

**ben2012** · 23rd August 2012 19:41

lol..yeh teaching game...i planned to just come here for a 2 week holiday before i went to BKK as i just graduated this year and hadn't been on hols for years due to funds..but then i saw a few jobs on here, sent off a casual email...and got an offer..i wasn't expecting it at all, it was more just out of curiosity...i've seen 1 or 2 pretty well paid positions down here..but anyway, i should change the thread title now lol, i just had a call from wall street in BKK, i've got an interview set up for next week...anyone got any interview tips? should i be prepping for any kinds of grammar tests or anything? or phonetics etc? thanks all...

**NokYai** · 23rd August 2012 19:53

I've never interviewed with or taught at a learning center like Wallstreet. All I can tell you is dress smart, maybe get a haircut, be clean shaven, hide any tattoos, get your CV looking good, and maybe not mention your one week job in Pattaya. Speak at a nice steady pace and in a clear voice. Act professional, but not stuffy or stiff. Be friendly. Look and act approachable. Good luck!

**ben2012** · 23rd August 2012 20:43

Thanks NokYai..appreciate that advice, i will implement your recommendations!!! cheers..

**goo_stewart** · 24th August 2012 07:32

Yeah, leave Pattaya now, it is best all round. Leave Pattaya to the 50/60 something crowd who are in love with their non-bar bargirls. Bangkok will have you employed in no time, especially with the school break coming up.

As to interview techniques, agree with Nok, smartness is everything (but don't over do it). I especially agree with the approachable thing, remember, you can learn the grammar any time, you can't learn a new personality (although some certainly try). Just be yourself, polite, open and approachable.

**ben2012** · 24th August 2012 08:38

thanks goo stewart. Yep im leaving Pattaya Wednesday, wasn't really intending on staying here for this long in the first place, i defo just needed a long, and relaxing break after all the hard uni work!! yep, so i'm going to look for a cheap guesthouse or something in Bangkok, find a job, then find myself an apartment in that order lol...Thanks all for your kind advice, really appreciate it..have a good weekend!!

**Guy Mandude** · 24th August 2012 09:04

Originally Posted by ben2012

anyone got any interview tips?

Wall Street uses a self-guided computer program for student study which is supplemented by 'seminars' given by their instructors. WS wants good-looking YOUNG men who will be eye candy for their mostly 20s-30s female clientele. Dress smart and smile. Tell them you are very personable and that you understand Thai people may be shy, but that you are a very warm and encouraging instructor. You'll get the job.

**ben2012** · 24th August 2012 10:05

Thanks so much for that advice Guy..really appreciate that, cheers..have a great weekend..

**NokYai** · 24th August 2012 11:25

Originally Posted by Guy Mandude

WS wants good-looking YOUNG men who will be eye candy for their mostly 20s-30s female clientele.

How young do they want their instructors? I'm not young, but not old either. 20s-30s female clientele sounds perfect!

**ben2012** · 24th August 2012 13:14

lol @ nok yai

**Guy Mandude** · 24th August 2012 14:17

Originally Posted by NokYai

How young do they want their instructors?

The teachers you'll see 'working the floor' aren't much older than 30. Older teachers may be placed in corporate gigs if WS is severely short-staffed. And dark skin? Don't even think of teaching for them.