1. Tips to be a professional and successful interview candidate

Prepare for the interview

This is the first step for candidates. You should read some school- or language center documents and make notes of important things. Show the interviewer that you are serious about the job by referring to information that you’ve found out during your research about the school. Find out what kind of questions could be asked and prepare suitable answers.

Switch off your cell phone or leave it in another room

This makes you less distracted and prevent you from doing something silly, like answering a text or phone call. You have to stay focussed and be ready to answer any questions. None of interviewers want to see their candidates use their cell phones during the interview.

Dress professionally and look presentable

The way you dress doesn’t mean you’re qualified or not but it’s better if you dress formal. A suit as well as a blazer and a shirt are good ways to create a professional look. You should brush your hair, wash up, put on light make-up (if you’re a girl) and try not to look like you just rolled out of bed.

Remember to keep smiling

During an interview, you’re usually nervous about the impression that you’re making on the interviewer. This could make your body language more tense and could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable. During the first second of the interview, a friendly smile will tell the interviewer that you are ready and happy to answer any questions.

Do not fake a smile—whether we realize it or not, our fake detector is always on. An interviewer will be able to tell if you are faking a smile, which wouldn’t create a good impression. Find out what makes you excited about the job position, so your enthusiasm and energy come from a genuine place.

Do not smile too much during the interview. It may show a lack of understanding or focus. Pick appropriate times during the interview to flash a smile.

2. Most common interview questions and how to answer

“Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?”

Most of the interviews in Vietnam will start with this question. It seems like a straightforward question to answer but you have to understand that your interviewer probably doesn’t want to hear about your favorite singers or your astrological sign. The only think they want to know, when asking this question, is your personality and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. By asking this question, the interviewer really wants to know about the skills you have that are relevant to the job

In this situation, you should give them more information about your education or ESL teaching certificates and make sure you show all of your passion for this vacancy.

For example:

If you are interviewed for an English center in the south of Vietnam, you can answer the question this way:

• I graduated from ***** University in America, so I love to plan my classes logically.
• I’m an active and motivated person, that’s why I’ll always try my best to create good curriculums and use good teaching methods.
• I love exploring new things and new cultures. I will spend a lot of my free time to learn about the traditions of Vietnam and how to adapt properly.

“Why did you become an English teacher?”

This question allows the candidate to explain their decision to become an English teacher. Each answer will be unique for every individual and will give insight into their motivation for choosing the career path that they have chosen. Teaching is one of the most challenging profession so you need to show all of your passion while teaching English. Sharing some stories about how successfully you taught a mini lesson in the past or explain how an inspiring teacher changed your life. You can also talk about the reality for English learners in Vietnam and your expectation to help them in order to improve their 4 English skills.

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Many teachers discovered that their love for children draws them to teaching, or that their own love for learning makes them passionate about teaching. Others are inspired by a teacher who had a positive impact on them. You have to be honest and show the interviewer your true feelings by the way you talk.

“Why did you choose to teach in Vietnam?”

The interviewer wants to know your feelings about choosing to live in Vietnam. They want to know these things to make sure that you will stay here for a longer time.

You have to show your interviewer how big your love is for Vietnam. You can share your memories or experiences of exploring Vietnamese landscapes and places, tell them about your Vietnamese life (friends, relationships and network) or talk about the demand for ESL teachers in Vietnam. Other topics can be: talking about the lifestyle (low cost of living, relatively high salary, amazing food, attractive teaching benefits, etc.)  or about the fantastic travel opportunities in Vietnam and around Asia.

“What successful teaching methods do you use?”

Your interviewer is interested in how you would handle a classroom, particularly if class sizes are very large or very small. You should share some kind of simple teaching methods such as: role-playing exercises, in-class debates and presentations, the English-only approach, the total physical response, the use of music and games, etc.

“What’s a challenge you’ve faced in the classroom?”

This question is for ESL teachers who have experience. As an experienced English teacher, you’ll not only need to teach your students well but you will also face some teaching problems. Heres the link to refer you to some types of problems you have to face while teaching in Vietnam.

See other related articles here:

• How to make an impressive self-introduction video?
• 5 ways to search for English teaching jobs in Vietnam