TEFL Job Interview Tips: Part 1

I previously wrote about what to expect in a TEFL job interview. Now I want to tell you how to succeed! We have previously covered successful job interviews in a generic setting in this article. This blog is tailored towards TEFL interviews, though, so read on.

1.      Tailor your experience

Here’s your chance to tailor your history with the requirements of the job. Show how your previous jobs have given you skills that relate to teaching, even if they weren’t teaching jobs. For example, if you are applying for a job teaching business English, relate how your business experience has given you the vocabulary and language associated with that field.

This is also your chance to show them that you are a professional person and a hard worker. It might sound odd, but make sure you are familiar with your own history before the interview – dates, places, duties etc.

2.      Speak clearly and use English well

You are expected to be a fluent English speaker and so you will want to use the language properly. This is a language job, after all. Speaking clearly is also a sign of thinking clearly, so be sharp. Of course, we all get nervous in interviews so don’t worry if you slip up a few times.

3.      Dress appropriately

Knowing what to wear to job interviews has perplexed people since Neanderthal times (possibly). The general rule is to dress up rather than dress down though. Your goal is to mimic the interviewer – if you find you are looking more casual than they are then you may have gone a bit too far. You want to be comfortable, so wear something you feel confident in. Check the job description or even contact the company’s HR department beforehand if you are really unsure.

I’ll be back soon with more tips on succeeding in TEFL interviews. Until that time, read up on more tips here.