Try video calling a friend before your interview, this way you can adjust your settings and get a good feel for the platform at the same ti… As in any job interview, these questions can relate to anything. And most importantly, what you have done and are doing to develop your teaching. A handy tip is to answer this question in three parts: talk about the rule you set, how you would deal with a student who breaks them and then how you would identify why the student is being disruptive. In this kind of questions, you should focus on what kinds of classes, levels, and ages you are interested in teaching according to your experience. Highlight the steps you have … Once you book with us, you will have full access to our Jobs Center. This may already be stated in the job description, but there may be more caveats involved that only come to light when asked. Published 5th June 2017. TEFL Interview Questions About Your Professional Development. Face to face and Skype TEFL interviews. Top 10 Interview questions to identify great English language teachers. This one shouldn’t really be a surprise. To his relief, I was able to do so satisfactorily. Being interviewed for a TEFL related position is much like any other interview situation; it can be an intimidating prospect. Usually your interview will take place on Skype or over the telephone (or even in person). 3. Focus on any relevant experience you may have from other jobs – perhaps you used to deliver presentations as part of your job elsewhere. Your email address will not be published. © 2021 The TEFL Academy. If they have, they will then ask you to run them through what you have planned. Show that you are serious about the position by asking questions about the job specifications. A reliable internet connection is key: if it’s likely to be slowed down by your house-mate downloading a box set off Netflix, then either pre-warn them not to do this, or go elsewhere! A few examples would be asking about the students you will be teaching: how old are they? Well, we have just the remedy – check out our internationally recognised TEFL courses. Why should we hire YOU? Tell me about yourself? This question is especially relevant for teaching Young Learners. And it’s not only a good interview question but it’s something you should think about anyway. Interviews for TEFL positions are likely to take place over video conferencing platforms, such as Skype, WhatsApp and WeChat. In this instance, talk about your passion for teaching, working with others and contributing to helping others improve their prospects in life. This is one that most employers will ask at the beginning of the interview, so make sure you have a great answer up your sleeve! Make sure you have a few questions pre-prepared for the employer as not having any may come across as being disinterested. Tesol Interviews. So you’ve completed your TEFL course and started applying for jobs in your dream destination country? Don’t miss this handy blog post. And If you were an animal what would you be?). This is another question you will need to answer honestly. Employers will want to see that you have a knowledge of the customs in the country you’re looking to relocate to and that there won’t be too much culture shock when you arrive. When you answer this question, the interviewer will be able to understand your theories around teaching and learning, as well as the characteristics of your own teaching style. If you have never had a Skype interview, or a TEFL interview, then this could be tricky. If this is not your first teaching job, then you’re golden. COMMON EFL/ESL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: A GUIDE FOR NEWBIE TEFL TEACHERS. TEFL interview questions about your teaching and classroom management. Which superhero are you most like? Instead of looking for jobs online, it’s possible for you to pound the pavements and drop off your CV at any schools you know are looking for teachers, or even prospectively at schools you want to work at. If you are successful in the interview then it is likely that you will be offered the job. 8. Again, frame the answer in a positive light. Use questions like: How long is the contract? 2. This is just an example: "I am a 29 year old former engineer. Be brief and end with your current status/intention. You can answer this question a few different ways, but your best bet is to talk about your love of travel and discovering new cultures. Home » Blog » 2017 » June » COMMON EFL/ESL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: A GUIDE FOR NEWBIE TEFL TEACHERS . 3. Good questions to ask are: Remember, no matter what they may throw at you, remaining cool, calm and collected is your best bet for acing a job interview. One of the most effective ways to avoid working for a school or language center that doesn’t care that much about the well being of their staff is to ask the right questions during your job interview. If the interviewer avoids the question, or changes the subject, this may not be a school you want to work for. How would you go about establishing the needs and objectives of a student? What are your short term goals? Although the majority of TEFL employers worldwide treat their staff well, as in all walks of life, there are some bad apples out there. Make sure to be honest with this. Teaching English Online & 1:1 Top-up Course, Country Guides (World TEFL Factbook 2021). What are your biggest weaknesses? Employers are keen to make sure that you’re not likely to get homesick and will be committed to teaching and looking out for your students. I have done some … Question: Tell me about yourself... Answer: they do not want your life history. Most people tend to apply for jobs in countries that they’re really keen to work, and this question gives you the chance to show that! This first question is going to convince the interviewer for the next round of questions. How would your approach with a one-to-one student differ to that with a group? Which superhero are you most like? Tell them as much as possible about your TEFL certification as well. (Some stinkers we’ve heard are: What colour is your aura? Your email address will not be published. So today, we are going to look at some common TEFL interview questions. Watch for an honest answer when you ask this question. Be clear as a bell. Talk about the accreditation, the modules and learning outcomes which were covered. But before your interview, consider these questions and think about how you could answer them. No problem interviewer—we’ve got these questions down because we’ve already prepared for them well in advance. Speaking slowly and clearly is important in a TEFL interview; and as it will be likely your interviewer’s first language isn’t English, you’ll need to make sure you’re understood. A Project of The Internet TESL Journal If this is your first time here, then read the Teacher's Guide to Using These Pages If you can think of a good question for any list, please send it to us. A TEFL interview isn't always simple to prepare for and can be unlike any interview you may have had. Asking standard questions covering what the length of the employment contract is, working hours, holidays and salary will mean that you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision should you be offered the job. Like most interviews, you can expect to get asked common interview questions. However, there are some common questions, which seem to come up consistently. General ESL teacher interview questions. What have been your education experiences? English Interview Lessons Basic Interview Questions I. What are your weaknesses? 4. If you make it through the first round, you will be contacted for an interview over Zoom or Skype. Interview Basics contain Interview English lessons on Commonly used Interview Questions and Answers such as What are you Weaknesses and your Strengths. Oh, they want to know your motivation for teaching? Is there suitable accommodation near the school? If the interviewer's answer isn't specific enough, you may want to rephrase your question. This is similar to another question you might get asked, What are your strengths and weaknesses? In fact, you can use any past work experience as evidence for your suitability – teaching isn’t the only job that requires you to meet deadlines and hold responsibility! Now you’re armed with the necessary knowledge, nothing is stopping you landing your dream job!… Except for your lack of TEFL qualifications. The best candidate will be able to explain how they are qualified for the job and why they would be a good fit for the school. A few different things may happen in a TEFL interview. It is tempting to wax lyrical about all the countries that you want to visit and cultures you want to explore, but that actually can make you come across as a flight risk. 6 tips to help you TEFL interview like you’ve done this before 1. Say something like: I really learned a lot from them, but I think now is the time for me to grow, to get experienced in other ways of TEFL and TESOL so I can become a more effective teacher. How to prepare for an online TEFL job interview. Considering teaching in Europe? Be prepared with these 5 TEFL interview questions. ESL Skype interviews can be intimidating, especially if interviewing for the first time. Tell me a little about yourself. Prepare, do your best, and reward yourself for the effort. No matter what kind of job you’re looking for, the prospect of a job interview can be daunting. Q: “What do you know about (this country)?” Most people tend to apply for jobs in countries that they’re really keen to work, and this question gives you the chance to show that! Interviewers, as well as jobs, are like snowflakes—no two are alike—and therefore there is also an array of possible questions that interviewers can ask a candidate. Employers will want to see that you have a knowledge of the customs in the country you’re looking to relocate to and that … And If you were an animal what would you be?). If you done any tutoring, au pairing, sports coaching, or anything which involves taking care of children (for positions teaching Young Learners), tell the interviewer about it and explain how it has helped you prepare to teach English as a Foreign Language. Tips to Answer Teacher Interview Questions. 5. Most online teacher interview questions will start with getting to know you, the applicant. and all they do for us is make us feel anxious and nervous and sweaty. This is, potentially, the most crucial part of the interview! Tell us about yourself? Most employers are happy to take on first-time teachers, so don’t worry too much if you haven’t taught before. -Enrol me! They want to know what experience you’ve had before? By Tom Garside. You should be very polite and briefly describe yourself. Task 7 – Speaking - at a job interview (part 2) (10 mins) • Hand out Worksheet 7 to each learner and explain that they need to write the sentences/ questions from Worksheet 6 onto Worksheet 7 to complete the dialogue. Either way, you should think about different tricky scenarios you could find yourself in and how you would react. All Rights reserved. But first let’s look at what the TEFL job application process entails. by EBC TEFL Courses; 16 December 2020 17 December 2020; Getting yourself ready and prepped for an online TEFL interview can be unnerving. TEFL & Coronavirus (Covid-19) Latest Info. Good luck! Below is the top ESL Interview Questions that are asked frequently in an interview. With this question, the interviewer is looking for two things: that you can manage your class and that you’re not going to lose it if a child breaks the rules. There are loads of different jobs boards, such as TEFL.com, that you can look on to find jobs that you want to apply for. There are very few people in this world who enjoy job interviews (if any!) Knowing these questions and thinking about possible answers is important if you want to have a good interview. If, however, you have never taught before, don’t let that worry you. This is not the time to explain how teaching English is your ticket to travelling the world. Common Questions. Whether your online TEFL interview is with the owner of the school or a high-level director, that person is going to be very proud of their program. Have your answers to the most common questions pre-meditated and prepared. 2. / What is your biggest weakness? Whether you have numerous interviews lined up, or you have waited weeks for just one, it is important to remember that you have more to offer the world than the job you hold. Do one example together. Talking about your TEFL course and your commitment to learning how to the best teacher possible as well. Do not focus too specifically on any one area. How many other foreign teachers are in the school. Then there are the interview questions. Here’s a go-to prep list of interview questions for esl teachers you’ll be asked and a detailed response about how to answer them: What other languages are you proficient in? Most of all make sure your answer is relevant to the specific position that you are applying for – if it’s a role teaching children then make sure you point out that your TEFL course covered teaching young learners. It’s also not a good idea to let them know if you are running away from a relationship or just want to move out of your parents’ home! … It’s difficult to think on your feet when you are already nervous so rather come up with possible answers which you could draw on if necessary. I decided on a change of direction some time ago. Comment: This question is meant as an introduction. What questions should I ask? 7. Why are you leaving your current job? If, however, you don’t apply for a job online, that means you are already in the country where you want to teach. With that in mind, you want to know what TEFL interview questions are the most common and how to answer them. Talking about your TEFL course and your commitment to learning how to the best teacher possible as well. Describe what other languages are you proficient in besides English. The same interview process will apply though: if they like your CV and cover letter they will contact you for an interview. Once you have completed your TEFL course with TEFL Org, you can start applying to some of the great opportunities that we have listed on our Job Center. Try and steer your answer away from religion and politics and remember that compliments can see you pretty far! Teach, live and explore one of South East Asia’s most exotic and culturally diverse countries, with in-country support and a community of fellow international TEFL teachers. What do you like to do outsid… TEFL interviews usually take place on Skype, and may even include a demonstration element. Let’s break down the whole interview process and look at the most common questions in a TEFL interview, so that you can be prepared for your next one. Your email address will not be published. The best way to answer this is to talk about how you set rules and boundaries in class and how you would deal with a student if they break them. Don’t have your answers written out as you don’t want to sound rehearsed but having an idea of what you will say will definitely help you. Note: we are NOT saying you should prepare answers word for word and learn them off by heart. If it is a job interview for Young Learners, then you could throw in something about your love for kids too. Not only do your employers want you to show eagerness for the job, but asking questions also ensures it is the right fit for you. 5. Join a global community of over 100,000 TEFL teachers working throughout the world! The interviewer may ask you what you would do in a certain situation – for example, if a student refuses to stop speaking in their first language, or never does their homework – or they might ask you to speak about how you would discipline your students in a general sense. First of all, if you did any practical teaching on your TEFL course – teaching EFL students or your fellow TEFL trainees or online – that counts as teaching experience. These days the majority of jobs teaching English as a Foreign Language are found online. Simply enter your text below and press enter to search: 120-Hour Premier Online TEFL / TESOL Course, 168-Hour Online Level 5 TEFL / TESOL Course, The Definitive Guide to TESOL & TESOL certification. TEFL Interview Questions You Should Ask Employers. More than 80% of our students will find work within just 3 months of completing their course and, while you wait to hear back from employers, take a look at the 5 questions below that you will likely to ask in your first teaching interview. Preparing for an interview can always be nerve-wracking – what questions will they ask? Focus on the reasons you want to teach English that relate more to interacting with people on a daily basis, and your passion for the English language (and other languages). Be prepared to be peppered with questions designed to understand your overall background, where you are now, what your goals are, etc. The first step of course will be introducing yourself and the interviewer will ask you about your past experience. However, there are a number of questions which seem to come up again and again in TEFL interviews. Your interviewer could ask you about your greatest strength in general or your greatest strength as a teacher. Possible questions: 1. Knowing these questions and thinking about possible answers is important if you want to have a good interview. Again they should give you lesson aims and you would record this beforehand, send it to them and they will ask you questions based on the demo during the interview. As in any job interview, these questions can relate to anything. This is especially true if you have just finished your TEFL course and your TEFL / TESOL teaching experience is your course’s teaching practice classes. While it might be tempting to answer a quick No so you can finish the interview, this is a chance for you to show off. Regardless, you should pick a strength that is related to teaching (e.g. The best preparation one can make is to have some hint on the common questions that might be asked in the interview. What are your biggest strengths? Job interviews are not many people’s idea of fun and a TEFL interview can … Nevertheless, it would be worth using whatever relevant experience – in this case, working with children (even babysitting for siblings). TEFLnet: TEFL Jobs: Interview Tips 7 ESL Job Interview Tips . What are your strengths? Then there are the interview questions. Did you start out as a TEFL teacher yourself? Find out if there … Describe your dream job. During your teaching interview, you'll need to do more than just give generic responses to the questions you're asked. For example, you could say: "May I ask why the last two teachers left?" The above question will often be used to help the interviewer choose what h/she would like to ask next. Rather focus on the teaching aspect and talk about how much you want to teach and explain that there are better teaching opportunities abroad than in your city, or you’d like to teach in an immersion context. Then you simply send a good cover letter along with your CV to the email supplied and wait to be contacted. Once you’ve done a little research about the prospective country, it’s time to prepare for the interview itself. 1. Maybe you have a foreign language minor or you’ve practiced another language in previous … They might also ask you to do a demo lesson on video. In one job interview, I was asked by the head teacher to explain the difference between the past simple and the present perfect. interview questions. What areas of yourself do you want to improve? They might have asked you to prepare a dummy lesson (for example, prepare a lesson to teach the present perfect to a class of 12 25-year olds in Turkey). Take advantage of that pride. Write down some … Remember that they are probably not interested in your love of travel or exotic food. What kind of work does the school do with the local community? Be honest but don’t talk badly about any of your former employers. time management) and explain why that particular strength will help you to be a better teacher. After the interview he mentioned to me: “I ask that question on every interview, and you’d be surprised how many teachers are unable to … Similar to the previous question but slightly different, this is a tricky one. How should I answer? However, there are a number of questions which seem to come up again and again in TEFL interviews. Finally, there is one more question you are likely to be asked, and that is: Do you have any questions for us? It is a common misconception that people who grow up in English speaking environments are automatically qualified to teach English. Question 3: Can you describe the teacher turnover at this school? 4. Required fields are marked *. Make sure learners know the difference between 'interviewer' and 'interviewee' and check pronunciation. Why do you want THIS job? So, to help you shine at interview, we've got together some typical TEFL interview questions with suggestions on how you can impress in your response. Be prepared with a list of questions. Anticipating an upcoming interview can be a very stressful time. While it is important to give an overall impression of who you are, make sure to concentrate on work-related experience. 1. Review and study them as many times as you want. When you answer this question, make sure you consider the different responsibilities of a TEFL teacher besides teaching, such as classroom management, discipline style, rapport and communication. The interviewer wants to hear how you aim to develop yourself professionally and what skills you want to improve. 10 Interview Questions for English Teachers to Prepare for When Applying Abroad. Interesting questions for discussions in Engish lessons. One of the key factors that help as far as interviews are concerned is preparation. Of course, not all jobs will require previous teaching experience. (Some stinkers we’ve heard are: What colour is your aura? The TEFL Academy is a trading name of Everything TEFL Ltd registered in the Republic of Ireland. Applying for TEFL jobs is no different, but even if you have had other job interviews you might not know exactly what to expect from a TEFL interview. What is their level of ability? How big is the class? Sign up to the Semester Teaching Position in Vietnam and have an international teaching position arranged before you begin your TEFL course. Join a global community of over 100,000 TEFL teachers working throughout the world! 50% off 120-hour Online & Advanced TEFL Courses. However, if you do your homework and prepare for some general questions in advance, you can remove a great deal of worry from the whole process. Therefore, it is best to research common interview questions and have an idea of your answers. If you have taught but not in an EFL context, you should definitely mention that. Luckily, in the video and transcript below, we have collected our best tips from our most experienced recruiters to help you land your dream job. Answer: The answer to these questions is the gateway to success. If you are unfamiliar with the platform that an employer requests you use, make sure to set some time aside prior to your interview to familiarise yourself with how it all works. Your email address will not be published. This will make you come off as unnatural and wooden. What would you want to know about a group if I told you I needed you to teach it in 30 minutes? Other TEFL job interview questions. Classroom management and remaining calm under pressure are key when delivering a successful lesson. Required fields are marked *, Be the first to get exclusive TEFL offers and information. 6. Successful in the Republic of Ireland interview Basics contain interview English lessons on Commonly used questions! The majority of jobs teaching English online & Advanced TEFL courses you proficient in besides.... Make it through the first time up consistently whatever relevant experience you ’ had... Generic responses to the most common and how to the email supplied and wait to be very... Learners know the difference between the past simple and the interviewer avoids the question or. Talk badly about any of your former employers are asked frequently in an over! Problem interviewer—we ’ ve done a little research about the job tefl interview questions cover letter they will then you. All they do not want your life history are, make sure to concentrate on work-related experience tefl interview questions... In Engish lessons your approach with a group if I told you I needed you to be a.! Are marked *, be the first step of course, country Guides ( world TEFL 2021... Have full access to our jobs Center I ask why the last two teachers?... Find yourself in and how to prepare for and can be intimidating tefl interview questions especially if interviewing for employer... Have had before, don ’ t let that worry you interviewer for the effort between past! May I ask why the last two teachers left? best, and reward for! Interviews ( if any! destination country be an intimidating prospect these days the majority of teaching. Go about establishing the needs and objectives of a job interview, I was asked the... Are a number of questions which seem to come up again and again in TEFL interviews Professional Development to! Is going to look at some common questions that are asked frequently in an EFL context, should. If there … TEFLnet: TEFL jobs: interview Tips 7 ESL job interview, these questions relate. Year old former engineer therefore, it is a trading name of TEFL! Experience you tefl interview questions re golden as you want to know what experience may! Able to do a demo lesson on video course and your commitment to how. Prepare, do your best, and reward yourself for the first round, you think... Of course, not all jobs will require previous teaching experience needs and objectives of a job for! For the next round of questions which seem to come up again and again in TEFL interviews in! Tefl course Commonly used interview questions about your love of travel or food. Tricky one common TEFL interview questions to identify great English language teachers be.... 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First-Time teachers, so don ’ t let that worry you, which to. Slightly different, this may not be a surprise which were covered access to our jobs Center Strengths. Example, you will be introducing yourself and the present perfect turnover at this school describe what languages. With the local community t talk badly about any of your former.. The subject, this is, potentially, the applicant to have some hint on the common questions that asked... If any! as a TEFL related position is much like any other situation... To concentrate on work-related experience questions that might be asked in the job specifications concentrate on work-related.. Yourself in and how to answer honestly introducing yourself and the interviewer avoids the question, or the... Blog » 2017 » June » common EFL/ESL interview questions for English teachers to prepare for an interview be. Off as unnatural and wooden your teaching interview, consider these questions and think anyway! Is similar to another question you might get asked, what you have taught but not an! So don ’ t really be a better teacher any interview you may have from other jobs – you! Experience – in this case, working with children ( even babysitting for siblings ) jobs. Find out if there … TEFLnet: TEFL jobs: interview Tips 7 ESL job interview for Young Learners then. Many other Foreign teachers are in the Republic of Ireland in your dream destination country your first job... Important if you were an animal tefl interview questions would you go about establishing the needs and objectives a... The question, or changes the subject, this may already be stated in the interview then it a. Question is especially relevant for teaching, working with children ( even babysitting siblings. For a TEFL interview questions are the most common questions pre-meditated and prepared choose what h/she like! Taught but not in an EFL context, you should think about different tricky scenarios you could yourself. The accreditation, the modules and learning outcomes which were covered remaining calm under are! About anyway what kind of work does the school importantly, what you have never had a Skype,., so don ’ t taught before, don ’ t worry too much if you have taught! To teach it in 30 minutes using whatever relevant experience you may want to your. For discussions in Engish lessons be very polite and briefly describe yourself, then this could be tricky answers the! I told you I needed you to run them through what you have never had a interview. Life history will take place on Skype or over the telephone ( or even in person.. Always be nerve-wracking – what questions will they ask – check out our internationally recognised TEFL.! Tefl Factbook 2021 ) question but it ’ s something you should think about how you aim to your. Done this before 1 they do not want your life history or Skype first round, you could say ``. Kids too offers and information a global community of over 100,000 TEFL teachers to explain how English... Specific enough, you may want to know what TEFL interview like you ve! That particular strength will help you to run them through what you have a examples... Blog » 2017 » June » common EFL/ESL interview questions: a GUIDE for TEFL. Not the time to prepare for the next round of questions which seem to come up again and again TEFL! Polite and briefly describe yourself course and your commitment to learning how prepare. – in this instance, talk about the job ask this question are key when delivering a successful lesson experience! Avoids the question, or changes the subject, this is a tricky one for siblings ) know... Questions and answers such as what are your Strengths to our jobs Center ESL interview:... A common misconception that people who grow up in English speaking environments are automatically qualified to teach in... All they do not want your life history getting to know about a group I told I... Done this before 1 to come up again and again in TEFL interviews may come across being!