10 Steps Towards a Successful TEFL Interview

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but we can get a confidence boost by being suitably prepared.  Spend the same amount of time preparing for your interview as you would a regular lesson and you can walk into that interview confident in the knowledge that you have done everything possible to impress the interviewer(s).

1.   Getting the interview

First of all we have to get the interview.  The employers may have been inundated with CVs so you should ensure that your CV ends up on the shortlist – get advice for creating the perfect CV in teflhub.com’s resources or from the host of other pages of CV advice available on the internet.

Once you have sent your CV follow it up a few days later with a phone call to ensure they have received it – this will make you stand out positively from other applicants.

Before the interview

2.   Find out who is interviewing you

When you are offered an interview it does no harm to ask who will be present.  The response should help: prepare you for a one-to-one or panel interview; give you an idea of how long the interview will be and therefore how thorough; and provide you with the names of the interviewers and their role in the interview which may indicate the range of questions you will be asked.

3.   Prepare for questions they may ask 

You should examine the job advertisement and circle the key skills they desire – prepare examples of where you have proven the successful application of these skills.  Have a look at teflhub’s resources to see some common questions asked at an interview.

4.   Prepare questions to ask at the interview

You must prepare some questions for the interview – around three is fine.  If you don’t ask questions, then it shows a lack of interest in the position.  Avoid questions about holidays and sick pay.  Try to reflect your professionalism, positive attitude, and enthusiasm.

5.   Practise your answers and questions

The more you practise your questions and the answers to anticipated questions, the more confident you will be at the interview.  Even though it is unlikely that you will repeat the answers and questions at the interview word-for-word, this doesn’t matter as you will be able to relay the key points.

6.   Plan for the interview day

What do you need to take to the interview?  How will you get to the interview?  Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your interview and double check the times of buses or trains.  Polish your shoes and hang up your nicely laundered clothes in your wardrobe ready for the next day’s interview and then relax and get an early night.

The interview

7.   Be punctual and presentable

Arrive 10 minutes early; switch off your mobile; and check yourself in the mirror – is your tie straight? Is your shirt buttoned up?  There’s a printable interview checklist in teflhub’s resources.

8.   Go through your interview checklist

It has been suggested that what you say makes up at most only 50% of the interviewers’ first impressions of you.  Steps which can help you present a positive impression include: eye contact - it reflects confidence;  a warm smile - creates a friendly atmosphere and combats a tense one; a firm handshake; take a seat once you are invited to do so; focus on what the interviewer is saying; don’t waffle; be positive; show appropriate enthusiasm; don’t fold your arms or cross your legs; ask questions; leave as you entered; thank them; and stay in ‘interview mode’ until you are out of sight of the premises.

9.   Reflect on the interview

What will you do differently at your next interview?  What did you do well?  Remember that the interview is not only for them to assess whether you are a good candidate, but also for you to determine whether you want to work for them.

10.   Post-interview follow-up call

This is another opportunity for you to stand out - phone a day or two later and ask if there is anything you can do to clarify any points and/or ask follow-up questions from the interview.

If you have been unsuccessful, then you could phone them to thank them for their time, and ask if they’d be kind enough to offer advice as to what you can do to become a better candidate next time.  Also, ask them to keep your details on file just in case another more suitable role becomes available. Even if you were unsuccessful, you may be the first person they think of when another opportunity arises.

For more detailed interview advice, and help with your CV and covering letter, visit teflhub’s resources.