51 Talk Application Procedures
Have you ever heard about 51Talk? (It is pronounced as "five-one talk" and NOT "fifty-one talk). Its advertisements are everywhere on social media. I saw it the first time on Facebook as their ad was catchy and it appears most of the time on my newsfeed.
I have problems at my current employment at a private company and my finances are shaking as well. I am currently a student taking up Methods of Teaching where in I am on my last semester for the last 3 subjects I am enrolled in and my savings are not enough to pay my whole tuition. Now, that is when I decided to apply at 51Talk. To those who wants to know how I started my application at the said company, here is my story.
An acquaintance referred to me a number of a recruitment person at 51Talk. The next day, I sent that mobile number an SMS stating of my intention to apply to them. The person was quick and replied if I would be available for an initial interview the next day and I responded YES. He immediately asked me for my SKYPE ID because that is where the interview will be conducted. Note that all interviews, training and some classes will be conducted via Skype, so make sure that you create a Skype account prior to your application as everything will be done through a video call.
Tip: If you really are serious in applying whether as a full time or part-time online english teacher, invest on your 'headset with microphone that has a noise cancelling feature' in which they are really strict with and they will require you right away, and 'a stable wired internet connection with a minimum speed of 3 mbps.
I used an ordinary earphone during the interview and was advised to use plantronics brand of headset as it was made for Skype. The next day, I bought one priced at Php1,700 in one of the stores inside SM, with a 1-year warranty. (See pictures below)
But guys, if you have even better headsets than this, there is no problem with that as long as it has a microphone and a noise cancelling feature. Okay?
Tip: If you really are serious in applying whether as a full time or part-time online english teacher, invest on your 'headset with microphone that has a noise cancelling feature' in which they are really strict with and they will require you right away, and 'a stable wired internet connection with a minimum speed of 3 mbps.
I used an ordinary earphone during the interview and was advised to use plantronics brand of headset as it was made for Skype. The next day, I bought one priced at Php1,700 in one of the stores inside SM, with a 1-year warranty. (See pictures below)
But guys, if you have even better headsets than this, there is no problem with that as long as it has a microphone and a noise cancelling feature. Okay?
| Now let's go back to the application process at 51Talk. 1. Initial Interview Make sure that you're logged in to your Skype on the day of the interview. You do not have to be nervous here as questions are really basic because all they want to confirm is that you have a good communication skill. You will only be asked to answer in pure english language. Don't worry, minimal errors are fine. Before the call ends, the person will tell you if you passed or not, the initial interview. If you did, he will schedule you for a technical check. TIPS: Relax. Understand each question and answer in fluent english as much as possible. You do not have to speak fast. 2. Technical Check An hour before your schedule, the following must be prepared:
The person will send you detailed instructions on what to do. Read carefully as questions that are already indicated in the instructions will not be entertained. Follow them carefully and refer to images or screenshots sent to you as your guide if you are bombarded with confusion. After the tech-check session, that person will tell you if you have passed or not. Again, if yes, you will proceed to the next step which is the NTT (New Teachers Training). The send you the Skype details of the trainer assigned to you. So add them once you get the info. And if you do not have your headset with microphone and a noise cancelling feauture yet, go and buy NOW. If they sent you files that need to be installed such as the AC and the QQ (similar to Skype), download them, even those materials sent to your personal email. 3. Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) In this part, they will send you different files that you will need to fill up and send back to them. They are actually the requirements that you need to submit to them. And by this time, they will give you a unique name that you will be using all through out your teaching life in 51Talk. Right. You will not use your own name here. 4. New Teachers Training (NTT) 30 minutes ahead of the schedule, make sure you are logged in to your Skype account already. NTT is a video conference call that will be conducted by the assigned trainer, together with your co-trainees. IMPORTANT: You should have your headset with microphone by this time. Your background must be plain white. Your face must be well-lit too. There should be no any background noises such as vehicles passing, people talking, dogs barking, birds chirping, doors screeching, etc. If your trainer happens to be strict, you will be rescheduled (maximum of 2 reschedules only). Wear something with collar or best if blazer. It does not matter whether you are wearing short pants and slippers because they cannot see you anyway! Hahaha. But yes, seriously. NTT is all about the pointers that a future 51Talk teacher must learn. You have to listen well as you will be asked to participate in the discussion. And surprisingly, they might schedule you for an actual demo on Skype right after. A representative from China will act as your student and will grade you based on your physical background, your image and your teaching demo skills. you should be able to apply the pointers discussed during the training. Afterwards, the Chinese person will tell you whether you passed or not. If you did, she will give you the details of your trainer the next day. As usual, add them on Skype immediately. You may check you email too as they might have sent you files that you need to download. Some people may fail the demo but do not worry, you can still re-apply after a month! 5. The On Board Training (OB) Another video conference with your trainer and co-trainees (classmates). All rules still apply with regard the background, your image and noises. They are strict, yes. This will take around 3 hours or so. Depending if all participants are compliant with the rules. Some participants will also be dropped from the training if they do not have nice backgrounds and stable internet connections. In this process, the trainer will still give you pointers about you as a soon to be teacher of 51Talk. He will walk you through the AC (one of the programs used in 51Talk). He will teach you how to plot schedules using the system. Take down notes and do exactly what he says. Be careful with the instructions. This time, you should have your own BPI account ready. If not, prepare to open an account on the said bank as it is where your salary will be sent. Next step the welcome call. It will be scheduled on your available time. Prior to the welcome call, you might receive a call and a message telling that you are officially a 51Talk Teacher! Hooray =) |