An TEFL Interview – a nerve-wracking experience for any ESL teacher, regardless of experience and the number of interviews you have been through. Nonetheless, they are an inevitable part of gaining employment so the more you are prepared for them and the more techniques you can apply during the process, the better.
When applying for posts
Before you even think about applying for posts, make sure that you google yourself and see what comes up. If your social media comes up with numerous photographs of drunken parties then perhaps it is the time to take down some of the pictures and reset your privacy settings so that things are minimalised as much as possible.
Once you have applied for a variety of jobs, make sure that you keep your eye on your messages and emails so that you are able to respond in a timely manner. When you do get an interview request make sure that you take the time to write back an acceptance letter confirming the time and date of the interview. Try not to simply dash off an enthusiastic response on your phone with spelling mistakes, missing letters and grammatical mistakes.
Preparing for the TEFL interview
It is important to take the time to research the company before the interview – see how many students they have, the age of the students as well as the hours they cater for. Look up the textbooks and syllabus and try to google further so that you have at least a basic background in this area.
Make sure that you plan your route to the interview (if it is in person) and if online check the time differences (remembering that is some countries e.g. the UK there is British summer time that will alter the time difference)
If you will be having an online interview then practise where you will be sitting and what you will look like – make sure that you are central and that the camera is viewing you from in front rather than from below or above. If you are unsure about things, it is a good idea to put a chair in front of you (behind the computer screen) and tape papers with key statements / phrases / answers on etc. In this way, you can glance at these if you have a moment of total uncertainty.
Whether you are having an in person or online interview it is essential that you are presented well in professional dress. First impressions do count and if your interviewer seeing a smart person then they instantly start to feel positively towards you. For women make sure that your shoulders are covered and for both males and females make sure you are not wearing a t-shirt.
If online, make sure that you have water, pencil and paper nearby so you can make notes and clear your throat if needed. Make sure that you lock the door (or at least stick up a notice on the door to tell others you are in an interview) to avoid someone bursting in with exciting news they are keen to share with you!
The interview itself
During the interview it is important to keep looking at the interviewer and make an attempt to let them know that you are actively listening e.g. through nodding your head/ saying “aumh/ a-ha etc. “
Remember to smile and be positive – even when talking about your previous employment. An interviewer will be dubious about them being next if you come in and start moaning about how terrible your last job was.
Speak slowly and clearly – remember that you are applying for a TEFL post so your level of English is of the uppermost importance. Do not try to impress by using long words that you are not sure of the meaning of – the interviewer is looking to hire you, so it is important to be yourself ( albeit on your best behaviour ! )
One of the most overwhelming times in an interview is the end when the interviewer inevitably turns and asks you “do you have any questions? “ Your immediate reaction is to say no (so you can be finished) however it is important to show that you have researched the company and are interested in the work so make sure that you ask at least two relevant questions (making sure that these are not related to aspects which only benefit you such as holiday pay / sick leave etc.!) Find out more about exact questions to ask in the accompanying article “how to answer those difficult TEFL interview questions “
If your interview is in person then you may be also asked to carry out a demonstration lesson. This is a vital part of the interview and it is essential that you prepare and make sure that you tick all of the interviewer’s boxes. To discover the things that interviewers are looking for in a demonstration lesson section of an interview take a look at the article “ the dreaded demonstration lesson – how to pass with flying colours
After the interview
Many think that as soon as they walk out of the door it is all over. However once you have left the interview then the interviewer will start the decision process. Often there is tight competition and you may be one of two or three potential candidates.
To push yourself forwards and give yourself the edge, it is suggested that after the interview ( whether online or in person ) you send an email thanking them for the interview and reiterating the fact that having come for the interview you are now even more interested in working for the company. Remember to write specifically to the person who interviewed you by name so that it is shown that you have an eye for detail
Your interview is the first stage to a brand new future – so whether online or in person, wherever in the world, prepare well and go in with confidence – best of luck!
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