Teach English Abroad
The Complete Guide
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Teaching English as a Second Language Job Interviews
Once you start applying for teaching English abroad work be prepared to receive phone calls and emails. If you are in the country be sure to get a cell phone beforehand and include the number on your resume/CV. You may get a call from a receptionist, who doesn’t speak English so if your foreign language skills are limited be prepared.
When arranging the interview check that it will be in English. It usually, but not always, will be. If not, unless you are fluent, you need to spend more time preparing. Check vocabulary, phrases and practise out loud.
It is essential you arrive on time at any interview even if it is not the local norm. Finding the interview location may well be more difficult in your new country. In hot places you might want to get to the location a little early in order to cool down, especially if you have travelled far. Formal dress is always the safest bet so dress smartly in business attire or at least smart casual depending on where you are. It is far better to overdo it than underdo it. Take along any certificate, degree or TEFL, if you have them. Even if they are not required it shows you are well-organised.
If you are not based locally yet then you may be asked for a telephone or SKYPE interview. These are convenient alternatives for assessment. They seem particularly popular with Far East employers, no doubt due to the distance and costs involved in face-to-face interviews. However there are risks for both parties not having even met one another and there is not the same level of commitment as with a traditional interview. Telephone interviews really should be a last resort.
Think about the type of questions you will be asked at an ESL job interview. Plan your answers carefully. Also make a list of your own questions to ask. Do your homework and check the website of the school to get some background info. It helps too if you can find out which text books they use. Most follow one book, of various levels, which is used in most standard English classes. Get a friend to phone up or email them enquiring about classes and ask what book or material is used. Then go to a language or English bookstore in town and familiarise yourself with it. This is certain to impress the interviewer, especially if you’re new to teaching English abroad.
Good teachers are those that can hold the interest of a large group of people. SO in interview you need to be positive and dynamic but at the same time focused on fully answering the interview questions. Consider the essential qualities that are needed by a good ESL teacher and use these ideas in your prepared answers.
Read over your application and resume again. Be able to elaborate on all aspects of it. If you need to, memorise details like employment dates so you don’t contradict yourself. Have a good look over the book “How to Teach English as a Foreign Language”.
Don’t be tempted to exaggerate your (local) language skill too much. This can backfire on you. If your level is low then don’t worry. If questioned be honest and state you are there to learn and are making progress.
For teaching job interviews confidence is especially important. Not only does it show you have faith in yourself and your abilities, it also shows you are the type of person who is more likely to be able to keep control of a class, whether it be adults or children. Being well-prepared and rehearsed will give you confidence in the interview.
Further in-depth information on interviews, including typical interview questions is given in Teach English Abroad – Guide to Jobs, Chapter 5: Applying and Getting Work.
When arranging the interview check that it will be in English. It usually, but not always, will be. If not, unless you are fluent, you need to spend more time preparing. Check vocabulary, phrases and practise out loud.
It is essential you arrive on time at any interview even if it is not the local norm. Finding the interview location may well be more difficult in your new country. In hot places you might want to get to the location a little early in order to cool down, especially if you have travelled far. Formal dress is always the safest bet so dress smartly in business attire or at least smart casual depending on where you are. It is far better to overdo it than underdo it. Take along any certificate, degree or TEFL, if you have them. Even if they are not required it shows you are well-organised.
If you are not based locally yet then you may be asked for a telephone or SKYPE interview. These are convenient alternatives for assessment. They seem particularly popular with Far East employers, no doubt due to the distance and costs involved in face-to-face interviews. However there are risks for both parties not having even met one another and there is not the same level of commitment as with a traditional interview. Telephone interviews really should be a last resort.
Think about the type of questions you will be asked at an ESL job interview. Plan your answers carefully. Also make a list of your own questions to ask. Do your homework and check the website of the school to get some background info. It helps too if you can find out which text books they use. Most follow one book, of various levels, which is used in most standard English classes. Get a friend to phone up or email them enquiring about classes and ask what book or material is used. Then go to a language or English bookstore in town and familiarise yourself with it. This is certain to impress the interviewer, especially if you’re new to teaching English abroad.
Good teachers are those that can hold the interest of a large group of people. SO in interview you need to be positive and dynamic but at the same time focused on fully answering the interview questions. Consider the essential qualities that are needed by a good ESL teacher and use these ideas in your prepared answers.
Read over your application and resume again. Be able to elaborate on all aspects of it. If you need to, memorise details like employment dates so you don’t contradict yourself. Have a good look over the book “How to Teach English as a Foreign Language”.
Don’t be tempted to exaggerate your (local) language skill too much. This can backfire on you. If your level is low then don’t worry. If questioned be honest and state you are there to learn and are making progress.
For teaching job interviews confidence is especially important. Not only does it show you have faith in yourself and your abilities, it also shows you are the type of person who is more likely to be able to keep control of a class, whether it be adults or children. Being well-prepared and rehearsed will give you confidence in the interview.
Further in-depth information on interviews, including typical interview questions is given in Teach English Abroad – Guide to Jobs, Chapter 5: Applying and Getting Work.