FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find out everything you need to know about starting your online tutoring career with us.

Lesson

What is the teaching schedule?

RareJob’s lesson hours are from 5:00 AM to 11:55 PM (PH) daily. Tutors can choose their own schedule based on RareJob’s lesson hours.

New tutors are only allowed to open slots from 5:00 AM to 7:55 AM (PH) and 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM (PH) on Mondays to Fridays, and 5:00 AM to 11:55 PM (PH) on Saturdays and Sundays. New tutors can unlock the privilege of opening slots from 8:00 AM to 4:55 PM (PH) on Mondays to Fridays after meeting certain criteria.

Are materials and modules provided?

RareJob provides a wide selection of materials that tutors can choose from. RareJob follows the 10-level curriculum based on CEFR-J. Tutors may opt to look for supplementary materials if necessary.

How do I get students?

Students can view the tutors’ open slots, and can select their preferred tutor based on the contents of the tutor profiles.

Who will I be teaching?

Students enrolled in RareJob are mostly Japanese or people residing in Japan. Their ages vary, but majority of them are working professionals.

How do I conduct the lesson?

RareJob lessons are conducted through our own communication platform, which will be introduced to tutors before they can start teaching.

As for the lesson flow, you may refer to the general guide below:

BEFORE THE LESSON

  1. Log in to your RareJob account to open slots according to your preferred schedule.
  2. Be online at least 30 minutes before the lesson time to confirm your availability.
  3. Review your student’s information and lesson preferences, which will become available to you upon getting booked by a student.


DURING THE LESSON

  1. Start the lesson on time.
  2. Conduct the lesson by following the Tutor Guide provided in the student’s chosen material.
  3. Provide feedback using the recommended format to help your student track his/her performance.
  4. End the lesson properly and on time.


AFTER THE LESSON

Accomplish your feedback based on the student’s performance during the lesson.

How long is the usual lesson?

One lesson takes 25 minutes.

Is there a minimum number of hours to teach?

RareJob offers a flexible teaching schedule for our regular tutors; however, all tutors must have at least one (1) booked lesson every six (6) six months to maintain an Active status.

Requirements

What are the requirements to become a RareJob tutor?

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be at least 18 years old
  2. Has basic computer literacy (audio/video conferencing apps, email, website navigation)
  3. Is highly proficient in English
  4. Has patience and a passion for teaching
  5. Must currently be residing in the Philippines
  6. Can provide a Philippine Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  7. Must not simultaneously be engaged with another online ESL service provider
    *Having ESL teaching experience is a plus


TUTORING ESSENTIALS

Equipment

  1. Laptop or desktop computer
    • Operating System and Version: Windows 8 or 10 / MacOS X 10.9 or higher
    • Processor: Dual Core CPU or higher
    • RAM: 4GB (32-bit or 64-bit)
  1. Stable Internet connection (preferably wired)
    • Recommended Download/Upload Speed: 15 Mbps
    • Minimum Download/Upload Speed: 3 Mbps
    • Ping: Must be less than 100 ms
  1. Web browser (latest version of Google Chrome and/or Mozilla Firefox)
  2. Webcam, Headset, and Microphone
    Recommended headset features:
    • Noise-cancelling microphone
    • Digital Signal Processing to remove static noise and echo
    • In-line controls (e.g. volume controls, mute button, call buttons, etc.)


Environment

  1. Good Audio Quality (free from unnecessary background noise)
  2. Stable Video Quality & Background
    • Sufficient lighting
    • Free from clutter and passing individuals
    • Plain or neutral background
  1. Attire (presentable and decent)
    • Comfortable smart casual clothes – highly encouraged
    • Formal/business wear – allowed but not required

Do I need to have any teaching experience to qualify?

Previous teaching experience is preferred but not required.

Do I need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to apply?

You can begin your application without a Tax Identification Number (TIN); however, you’ll need to secure your TIN for you to receive your tutor fee.

What are the computer/ internet speed requirements?

You can use any laptop or desktop computer that supports voice and video calls.

Your internet connection must meet the following requirements:

  • Recommended Download/Upload Speed: 15 Mbps
  • Minimum Download/Upload Speed: 3 Mbps
  • Ping: Must not be greater than 100 ms

TIP: Go to speedtest.net to check if your current internet service meets these requirements.

Application

How do I apply?

RareJob’s application process is simple and convenient because everything can be done online! Here’s an outline of the whole process:

REGISTRATION

  1. Create a RareJob account
    1. On the homepage, click “Apply Now.”
    2. Fill out the registration form, and follow the succeeding prompts.
    3. Activate your account by clicking the activation link sent to your registered email address.
  2. Finish the Application Clearance
    If you have previous or current engagements with other online ESL service providers, you’ll be required to submit additional documents.

 

ASSESSMENT

  1. Take the English Proficiency Test (EPT)
    The EPT is a standardized exam that measures the applicant’s English ability. It consists of four sections—Conversation, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Comprehension.
  2. Undergo the Interview
    1. Choose your preferred interview schedule from the available slots.
    2. Be online for your chosen schedule. During the initial interview, the Test Call Administrator will check your English proficiency, as well as the quality of your audio, video, and internet connection, before endorsing you for the final interview.

 

More details will be shared with you after passing the assessment stage.

Can I apply even if I don’t have a college degree?

Yes, students who are at least 18 years old are welcome to apply.

Do I need to know how to speak Japanese?

Knowing Nihongo may be an advantage for handling beginner students, but it is not a requirement.

Do I need to go to your office to apply?

No, personal appearance is not required. The whole application process (i.e. exams, interview, and document submission) is done online.

How long is the application process?

It would depend on how soon you can finish all the steps from assessment to submission of requirements.

Is RareJob, Inc. a legitimate company?

RareJob, Inc. is listed under the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. We have been in business since 2007 and have over 5,000 active tutors all over the Philippines.

Can I apply even if I am not in the Philippines?

All applicants must currently be residing in the Philippines. This is due to legal complications which may arise from existing laws enforced in different countries.

Can I apply if I am a foreign national living in the Philippines?

Yes, provided that you can acquire a Philippine Tax Identification Number (TIN) and open a Philippine bank account.

I’m a former RareJob tutor. How can I start teaching again?

Reactivate your account by logging in to your RareJob account using your previously registered credentials. Fill out the Application Clearance Form, wait for our approval, and undergo the application process again.

Do you have office-based opportunities?

Yes, we do! Visit our HR site at https://rarejob.ph/ or contact our HR Department via email at recruitment@rarejob.com.ph.

I’m currently working with another online ESL company. Can I still apply?

Due to conflict of interests, we cannot accept applicants who have active engagements with other ESL companies.

If I end my engagement with my current ESL company, how do I start my application?

Secure a Certificate of Employment (COE) or any similar document from your previous ESL company indicating the termination of your engagements with them.

Who can I contact for other application concerns?

You can reach us through the following channels:

live:.cid.398167bcf49b91f61

How to Find the Right Equipment to Become an Online Tutor

Do you need help with the equipment necessary to be an online tutor? Don’t fret ’cause we got you!

When applying for a position as an online tutor, having the complete equipment is essential to ensure a smooth and productive teaching experience. One platform that offers online tutoring opportunities is RareJob.

 

You will need the proper set of equipment to teach students through RareJob or any other online tutoring platform. First, A reliable computer or laptop with a stable internet connection is crucial. This will allow you to access the teaching platform and communicate with your students.

 

A good-quality headset with a built-in microphone is also essential for clear audio during lessons. This will ensure you and your students can hear each other without disruptions.

A webcam is also recommended for face-to-face interaction with your students. This visual element can enhance the learning experience and help build rapport between you and your students.

Regarding software, it is recommended to have the latest version of web browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, installed. These browsers are used for online teaching platforms like RareJob and provide optimal performance.

An anti-virus program is also recommended to protect tutors’ and students’ devices from potential security threats. This ensures a safe learning environment for everyone involved.

Lastly, creating a quiet and well-lit environment for teaching is essential. Consider setting up a dedicated workspace free from distractions where you can focus on teaching students.

Overall, having the complete equipment necessary for applying as an online tutor shows your commitment to providing quality education to your students. It ensures you are equipped with effective communication and instruction tools in the virtual classroom setting.

Requirements

Here is a checklist of RareJob’s requirements to help you know if you’re already fully equipped to become an online English tutor.

  • Laptop or desktop 
  • Headset with an external microphone 
  • Stable internet connection (LAN connection is a plus)
    • Speedtest Requirements:
    • Download Speed: Must be at least 3 Mbps 
    • Upload Speed: Must be at least 1.5 Mbps    
    • Ping: Must not be greater than 100 ms 
  • Active Skype and email accounts 
  • Built-in or external web camera 
  • Updated antivirus software

Did you tick all the boxes? Are you equipped with everything you need? If yes, then why not register and be a tutor!

Payment

How do I compute my Tutor Fee?

Your Tutor Fee is computed by multiplying the number of booked lessons (lessons with students) you conducted in a month by the rate per lesson. If you qualify for one or more incentives, these will be added to your total Tutor Fee for the month.

How and when do I get paid?

You must have an account with either BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) or PNB (Philippine National Bank) for your Tutor Fee to be transferred to you. If you do not have an existing account with either bank, we can provide you with an endorsement letter to help you open an account.

The Tutor Fee is distributed every 10th of the month. If the 10th of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday, the Tutor Fee will be released either on the last working day before the 10th or the first working day after it.

Can I use my existing BPI/PNB bank account instead?

We recommend that you open a separate payroll bank account; however, if you prefer to use your existing account, you must coordinate with your bank branch’s personnel-in-charge to tag it as a payroll account.

Is my Tutor Fee taxable?

Yes, the Tutor Fee is subject to tax. Under the Expanded Withholding Tax rule of BIR for independent contractors, RareJob is obligated to withhold 10% as withholding tax every month. The amount will then be forwarded to BIR.

NOTE: You may qualify for a lower tax classification, provided that you meet the requirements set by BIR. Further details will be provided as you go through the application process.

Will RareJob file my taxes?

You are responsible for filing your own ITR. RareJob will only remit the amount and send you your BIR Form 2307. You will then submit this form to the BIR quarterly. If you are employed elsewhere, you will attach this form along with your BIR Form 2316 to your BIR Form 1701 when you file your ITR.

Still need help? Send us a note!

For other concerns, write to us at tutor.application@rarejob.com.ph.

For our complete contact information, click here.