Whilst there are many ways to apply for a teaching job overseas, the interview may vary from phone or Skype to face-face. When you apply directly to hiring schools, you can expect a face-to-face or in-person job interview. On the other hand, if you apply to recruiters within your country, the interview will be more likely to be held via Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts or whichever application preferred by the employer.
First things first, you need to earn that TEFL certificate because most schools, employers, and recruiters will look for it. Enroll in an online TEFL course such as MYTEFL, ITTT TEFFL, Premier TEFL or i to i TEFL. These are our highly recommended 120-hour courses which are composed of modules that will enhance your language skills, teach you effective classroom management and curriculum planning. You can also do a 4 week onsite TEFL class within the country you will work in.
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TEFL Skype Interview Tips
Like many of your other interviews, you need to prove that you are the most suitable applicant for the job, sell your qualifications and present yourself as professional as possible since first impression last. In order to accomplish this, we have prepared some tips that will help you ace your online interview.
- Create a personal email account preferably two in case the other one will not work as expected. Make it sound professional by just using your full name. In this way, the interviewer/employer will know that email belongs to you at a glance. Also, don’t forget to check the ‘junk’ or ‘spam’ folders because sometimes emails are directed to this folder.
- Most of the time online interviews are done with a video so they can see your face and how you dressed more like a real face-to-face interview. The ideal outfit for men is a coat and tie while office attire for women – slacks pants and a nice blouse.
- Be in the most peaceful place in your home with a good lighting. Prepare a tip-top headset with a noise reduction feature if possible. Don’t forget to check for time zone differences because you don’t want to miss this interview of a lifetime.
- Talk using a professional tone, set up your Skype account with a professional-looking photo and be online at least 10 minutes before the interview to prepare. Test your headset and mic if they are properly working.
- Prepare to answer the questions from the interviewer/employer confidently. These questions are basically about your teaching experience, educational background and the reason why you apply for this job. You can also shoot some questions about the job description, contract, number of working hours and days, etc.
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TEFL in-person Job Interview Tips
Face-to-face interviews may put more pressure on you but with ample preparation, self-confidence and keeping in mind the following tips from us, you will definitely nail it!
- Do a research. Find as many information as possible about the school or university you are applying to before you show up in the interview.
- Monetary preparation. You will need to invest a quite sum of money to travel in the country for a face-to face-interview with the employer. Employers and schools who require an in-country interview have the intention to hire immediately so no need to fret about going home afterward.
- Arrive on time. Allot a few hours as you will need to travel from one location to another. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your resume/CV and credentials like a TEFL certificate as well.
- Look well-groomed. Wear professional attire, trim hair for men and pull together a long hair using a ponytail for women. Wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants to cover areas with tattoos.
- Prepare your answers to potential questions. Some of the most common questions include work expectations, past teaching experiences, salary, and educational attainment.
Regardless of how you are going to attend a TEFL job interview, preparation and confidence are the keys. Hope you can pass the interview and get the job with these interview tips.
