15 Steps Towards a Successful Telephone Interview for a TEFL Position

Due to the global distribution of TEFL jobs many interviews are conducted by telephone or skype.  Many people believe that telephone interviews are easier than face-to-face interviews. Whatever the truth of the matter we have to consider how we’re going to impress over a telephone line. Employers suggest that we should prepare just as we would for any other interview, but we should also take additional steps outlined below.

Before the interview:

1. As we’ve already mentioned prepare for the interview as you would for a face-to-face equivalent i.e. prepare questions, predict questions, practice asking and answering questions, etc.  For more information on interview tips see ‘10 Steps Towards a Successful TEFL Interview’ in teflhub’s blog 

2. Make sure you have the correct interview time – confirm you are using the right time-zone;

3, Make sure there are no problems with your telephone line or skype connection, and that your mobile phone’s battery is fully charged;

4. Be ready by the phone 10 minutes before the interview time – read through your notes and switch off the TV, other mobiles or PCs;

5. ‘Suit up’ – it might sound strange but many people perform better and adopt a professional state-of-mind when they are dressed to impress;

6. Have your CV, application form, notepad and pen with your notes and questions ready by the phone;

7. Have a glass of water ready for the inevitable ‘interview dry-throat’;

8. Ensure you have a comfortable chair which allows you to sit upright – don’t slouch over when talking on the phone as this can affect the clarity of your voice.

During the interview:

9. Some people prefer to stand for telephone interviews. If you are one of those people, then make sure there are no tripping hazards or squeaky toys on the floor – it happens – it’s difficult to sound professional with a toy repeating, ‘I love you, will you be my friend?’  in the background;

10. Speak clearly, concisely, and not too quickly  – your voice has to do all the work;

11. Don’t try to read your responses to interview questions verbatim from your notes as it is usually very obvious to the listener and will sound scripted;

12. Make notes – telephone interviews make it easier for you to make brief notes for later questions;

13. Focus – make sure there are no distractions as a telephone interview offers you an ideal opportunity to be 100% attentive and so provide articulate and pertinent responses;

14. Thank the interviewers for their time.

Post interview:

15. Reflect on the interview.  What will you do differently the next time you have a telephone interview?  What were your strengths?  Make some notes for future reference.  Also remember that an interview is also an opportunity for the interviewee to establish whether or not he or she wants to work for a particular employer.

For more advice on interviews, CVs and covering letters visit teflhub.com’s resources.