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Interview Tips

 
Before we help you improve your chances of securing and international teaching job we should inform you of the 3 types of interviews that could take place:
1. Telephone
2. Video Conference
3. Face to face
 
Now before we help you understand how the interview process works there are some key tips you should know and do from the very onset!
 

Prepare

When a Consultant works hard enough to help you secure an interview the first thing you need to do it prepare! Ever heard the saying, "fail to prepare, prepare to fail"?  So finally you get an interview and now you have to get yourself ready, but where do you even begin.  Remember there are hundreds if not thousands of teachers looking for an international teaching job so what sets you apart?  Based on the type of interview,prepare yourself as follows:
 

Telephone

  • Due to the various time zones around the world, know the date and time of your interview and use a meeting planner to help you not get your times confused
  • Know the name or try to find out the name and the title of the person
  • Go over buzz words and interview pointers before the interview so you do not look like you are reading
 

Video Conferencing/Skype

Let's face it, we can't run from technology even if we tried.  Using a video Conferencing tool like Skype is considered bread and butter for international education, to the point we have had clients inform us, if the teacher cannot even use Skype today do not bother to arrange the interview!  Skype is the main video conferencing tool to arrange an interview. Best of all its Skype is FREE to download and use. Many schools use Skype as the means to interview a candidate if they cannot interview the teacher in person.  It gives the employer and your recruiter a chance to see you and your body language to see if you are the right person for the job.  If you haven’t used Skype yet or need a little more experience in using this amazing video conferencing tool then click here . Skype allows for calls to be made by phone, video as well as it being an instant messenger and you can also share files and your screen.  Here are some pointers when preparing for a Skype interview:
 
  • Ensure you know how to use Skype. If you do not have an idea what this is how it works, review our blog about learning how to use Skype
  • Know the date and time of the interview as you have to remember your future employer may well be in another time zone
  • Ensure you know who is interviewing you and his/her job title
  • Dress smartly - yes that is right, even when sitting in front of a camera, treat it as though you are sitting in front of the person for real.  How you look on a camera counts so make sure you have practised a bit before and have your best smile ready
  • If you are asked to prepare anything prior to the interview find out so you are ready
  • You can also read the Dos and Don'ts of Skype

Face to Face

  • It’s a given that you are up nice and early and freshen yourself up prior to he interview
  • Be sure to set the alarm and know the date, time and venue of the interview
  • Know the name of the person interviewing you and their position
  • Plan enough time to ensure you arrive early to your interview. If you know there will be traffic, plan for it
  • Dress smartly - The last thing you want to do is make an effort to turn up for your interview looking like you have just come from the gym or from a social night out with your friends. Dress smart and professional for your interview. Males should be in a suit or a shirt, trousers and tie and females should be in business attire or smart casual where you are not too revealing.  First impressions count!
  • Perfume/Aftershave - Most teachers get nervous during interviews and sweat a lot. We recommend for you to put a fresh smelling perfume or after shave on to lighten the air
  • We highly recommend for you to prepare a portfolio to bring with you to the interview. It is better to come over prepared than underprepared especially in case they ask to see some evidence. Examples of what to gather and bring can be found here.
 

Do your Research

Believe it or not we get asked on the day of the interview, what is the name of the school or where is it located? Yes that is right. In a modern age where information is all around us there is no excuse or reason for a professional teacher to not take the time to do some homework before doing the interview.  To show you are serious about teaching abroad, once you have an interview; take the time to do some research. Review the location and its surroundings, go over the school website, ask your Consultant any questions about the organisation that will bring you to the limelight and prove they should hire you. You should even go over interview questions and also review the interview prep document that SeekTeachers provides you, during our screening phase.
 

Body Language and Tonality

This is a big one that teachers get wrong so often. In fact most do not even know they are doing it wrong.
  • So you have all the knowledge in the world but if you can't present yourself so that you are personable how are you ever going to be liked so that you stand out.  
  • Try and relax before the interview, find what makes you tick and feel confident and ready for the interview
  • Be well mannered and use positive words
  • Speak slowly and get to the point. Do not waffle on and forget what you were talking about.
  • Smile - it sounds obvious but try talking with a smile on your face versus a s straight face or frown and you will feel the difference in the energy you radiate out.
  • If you are interviewing in person, have a firm handshake and make good eye contact so you can make the employer feel you are a positive person
 

Question Time

Depending on the time of position you are applying for, questions from employers could fall into the following categories:
  • General questioning - about you, you CV/Resume history to date, your character, your beliefs
  • Academic questioning - planning, assessment, differentiation, teaching ability
  • Pastoral - behaviour management, form tutor duties, handling parents
  • Technical - your use of ICT in the classroom and in your daily tasks
  • Aptitude questioning - questions that are likely to throw your mind-set but are designed to see your focus and what makes you tick. Often your answers should be related to what you are applying for, in this case for the passion of children and "educating the world".
For more interview tips on the type of questions asked in international teaching job interviews click here.

Your Turn

Ok so you do an interview and have some questions to ask the employer. Based on experience, we find teachers get carried away with going overboard. Yes we know, you want all your questions answered but ask too many and you will sound like a stressful person to hire and that’s off-putting to employers.
 
SeekTeachers recommends you keep your questions limited to a maximum of five and they should be related to your professional development and career path. Do not talk about salary at this stage as that is found to be offensive, especially when you haven't been given the job yet.  When it comes to money speak to your Consultant who will help you get the salary you deserve based on your qualifications and experience as well as market trends in salaries.  Here is is a guide to some of the questions to ask an employer
 

Finishing up the Interview

Much like a lesson plan always finish off your interview on a positive note.  There is no harm to ask when a decision is likely to be made. You should also be proactive and inform your Consultant at all times of any updates and follow up with your Consultant on the progress of the job application.  Always thank the employer for their time and do show or state your keenness in the job opportunity.
 
Fortunately for you, here at SeekTeachers we want to see you succeed. When you register with us, we help you every step of the way so that we can best prepare you prior to the interview as well as help you understand what it takes to put you in the right limelight to your future employer.   Even after you have secure your job we are still here to answer your questions and support you until you reach other side and begin your teaching job abroad.  Register for FREE today and start your journey of "educating the world"