Interview Questions You Could Be Asked

Interviews for TEFL positions

Which levels do your prefer to teach?

Schools generally want to hire flexible teachers who can cover a range of language levels -this makes it much easier for them to timetable and cover classes. You need to ensure that the school know that you are aware of the fact that all language levels have their own unique and interesting challenges and, ideally, that you are happy to cover all.

Do you prefer teaching adults or children?

In most cases schools are looking for teachers who can cover all age groups. However, some specific roles are for a particular age group so you do need to ensure that you bear this in mind. In general, teaching both adults and children is very enjoyable and both have different needs. Younger learners tend to need more variety and a higher paced lesson whereas adults can remain focused for longer periods. However, it is important to remember that all learners do benefit from a variety of activities during a lesson to maintain interest and to cater for all learning styles.

Do you prefer to use text books or your own materials? Which text books have you used before?

Schools around the world vary on their approach to text books. Some like teachers to follow a set course through a set text book, others prefer you to teach specific language points and use a variety of materials. There are some key text books in common use around the world and the Headway series is probably the most popular of these. Effective teaching will almost always mean combining your own materials and plans with those provided by text books and an interviewer will be looking for the ability to combine these with the focus being on ensuring that students are able to learn the main language points in the course (Your i-to-i course will have introduced a variety of text books to you so you can use this knowledge in the interview).

How would you interest a group of teenagers in the classroom?

You need to combine different interests with a clear task focus, otherwise discipline and attention can become a problem. Topic based lessons about subjects that interest teenagers often work well as the content can be directly related to their lives and interest. However, if you are thinking of using music as an activity try to make sure it is music that appeals to the group rather than just to yourself!

Have you ever taught, and do you know anything about, examination classes?

There are a variety of core exams that students around the world study for. With Young Learners the Starters, Movers and Flyers exams are becoming increasingly popular, with older learners TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS are all major internationally recognized tests. Your course will cover different examinations and we would suggest that you do a little research on the different exams being used by the school that you are applying to. As with most areas of teaching, schools are looking for teachers with flexibility and willingness to cover a range of classes and you should always make it clear that even if you haven't taught a particular exam course before that you would welcome the challenge and opportunity to add this to your range of skills.

How would you settle a group of lively (rowdy!) students at the beginning of the class?

All teachers face a rowdy class from time to time and often the reasons are little to do with you personally. However, be firm and continue with the lesson - shouting is not a good idea and tends just to make things worse. You should remember that most language schools are businesses and they depend on student fees for their existence. In many cases excluding a student may not be an option. Keeping the pace of activities high and having some optional 'warmer' activities always prepared means that you can quickly do something different to break up the rowdiness and then return to what you were teaching. Always ask the school what discipline procedures are in place and above all when faced with a rowdy class KEEP YOUR COOL.

Is this your first visit to Thailand? How will you adjust to life in another country?

Many recruiters will be concerned that you may suffer from culture shock / home-sickness and end up leaving the school / country. Be as honest as possible and don't just say "Oh I'm sure it won't be a problem". If you have prepared properly for your interview the fact that you have researched the country and can even identify some areas that people commonly feel challenging will help to re-assure the school even if this is your first time working overseas. Wherever possible cite examples from other travel experiences and how you have coped in the past.

Questions you may want to ask at your interview

• Ask about levels, books used, ages, discipline structure etc if they don't.
• How structured is the course/curriculum? How flexible is it? Is there much autonomy for the teacher in the classroom?
• Ask about the length of the contract. This could be from 9 months to a full year
• How many contact hours does the contract ask for? There are a range of contact hours expected from around 15-20 in some establishments to over 35 in others. Remember that you will have to plan for lessons as well as teach the classes.
• Ask about what sort of on-going training (INSET) and teacher development is provided for? Good schools will often host weekly or fortnightly training and development sessions which is a great way to develop your skills and learn from others.
• Ask about attire, working hours, climate, the local life and what activities you could be involved in after schools hours.
• Ask how large the school is, how many teachers there are and are there any other English teachers. Have any English teachers been there longer than one year?
• You should ask about payment in the interview (especially in a phone interview)
• Ask to see the contract before you fully commit, this should be in English. You could always take it the local consulate of that country if you needed to.
• You should also ask about the package, time off, holidays, any bonuses to cover holiday periods. Accommodation is very important; ask whether it's included in the deal, if not ask how best to find it (get contacts, web addresses etc.) and how much it might cost. If it's included check that it is furnished.