VIPKID onboarding

I'm in the middle point between interviewing and earning. So far, I've passed two interviews, attended a kick-off workshop, passed a couple of tests, signed a contract and passed my background check. I've opened up timeslots on the booking calendar so VIPKID can schedule students for me to teach. I've read through dozens of PowerPoint slides, watched about 100 YouTube videos by experienced VIPKID teachers, joined a few Facebook groups, and found some teachers on Instagram. 

I'm impressed.

The more people I come into contact with, the happier I am with the prospect of working for this company. The fellow teachers I've come across are loving their work and their students. They put a lot of energy into their work and have really good attitudes. They are helpful and are always learning. 

VIPKID hires about 10% of applicants. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/VIPKID-Reviews-E1105111.htm  I was first interviewed by an English-speaking Chinese employee, then by an American woman for my second interview. The interviews mainly consist of mock lessons that are taught by the applicant with the interviewer playing the role of a student. They were very specific in their constructive criticism and praise. There is definitely some things they want to see and things they want to avoid. It gives the impression of good quality control for the teachers they hire. A bachelor's degree is required, as is teaching experience of some kind. But it doesn't have to be in a regular classroom or in ESL. That being said, they do consider those things with regard to compensation. And they definitely expect applicants to be willing to learn and apply ESL teaching techniques from the start. It is not a job to be done "in your pajamas" as I've seen some people say. It is a professional job. Parents are paying for private tutoring by native English speakers with college degrees. They don't want to see anyone in jammies and curlers. lol 

I've heard many people say that getting your schedule filled is a little slow-going at first, but that it picks up in a month or so, especially if you start in the beginning of the year because of Chinese New Year. So, I'm being patient... And I'm trying to calm my nerves about my first class. The possibilities for technical problems are real and that makes me nervous! But, I'll figure it out with time and experience (and help from my husband and the VIPKID support staff).

I'm looking forward to meeting my first students one day soon and building up a few regulars hopefully soon! I'll keep posting as things progress.