How To Interview For A TEFL Job In China

No one likes interviews. They're a required part of the recruitment process, however with preparation and an idea of what to anticipate they don't have to be too frightening!

TEFL interviews aren't all that various from any other kind of interview, however there can be a couple of differences. Unless you're currently in a nation and making an application for tasks then it's likely your interview will be held over a video call. And, provided the substantial number of entry-level chances, you might be in a scenario where you have no previous mentor experience. Getting ready for an interview when you've just completed your TEFL course and haven't yet taught can not surprisingly feel a bit difficult.

With insight from companies, we've created this guide about how to get ready for a TEFL interview. We cover the typical concerns, what companies look for, and some leading tips to help you ace any interview.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Preparation is key. Don't ever believe you can wing an interview, it will almost certainly backfire!

Research study the company

You can bet on being asked why you want to work for the business you're talking to with. You need to comprehend who they are, their trainees, their ethos, what makes them distinct from other companies/schools, and for how long they've been running for. Not comprehending the company is going to make it extremely challenging to properly prepare for an interview and increase the opportunity of making a major faux pas.

Research the country

If you're requesting a task abroad then employers are going to want to understand your inspirations for relocating to that nation. Do not be unclear and talk about how you wish to travel and see the world. Talk about what specifically draws you to that country.

Review your course product

A TEFL interview is not likely to include a thorough grilling of your knowledge of English grammar and teaching approaches-- it's not a test. There will be some concerns related to the job at hand, of course. Reviewing your course material will assist keep whatever fresh and you'll have the ability to pull out examples from it throughout the interview.

Get to grips with the tech

Interviews for TEFL positions-- both abroad and online-- are likely to occur over video conferencing platforms, such as Skype, WhatsApp, and WeChat.

If you're unfamiliar with the platform that an employer demands you to use, ensure to set a long time aside prior to your interview to acquaint yourself with it. Try video calling a buddy prior to your interview. This way you can adjust your settings and get a good feel for the platform at the same time.

What companies need to know

Marlene from Click China informed us what she looks to discover from each candidate:

Why do you wish to live and work in the nation?

What is your profession goal?

What is your understanding of teaching?

Compile a list of likely concerns and write up reactions for them. The point of this isn't to learn them by heart and recite them during the interview, just to ensure you have actually thought through the likely topics so you're not scrambling for responses.

You can't get ready for every question imaginable, however you can cover the broad locations that are most likely to come up. Like your experience, your mentor style, and those related to the company and country.

Mark over at Crossroads Languages told us that they tend to ask candidates about TEFL methodology, English grammar and vocabulary in interviews. While these type of questions can seem difficult shot not to stress, interviewers do not intentionally try to catch you out! Going over your TEFL course product will assist prepare you for them.

Remember, as a newly-qualified EFL teacher you won't understand everything. If you don't know the answer to a concern it's much better to confess and show how you deal with such circumstances (which are most likely to occur in the classroom!) than make something up. Great teachers require to be able to believe on the spot and adjust when things get hard or don't go as planned, so your interviewer will value you being able to demonstrate this.