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July 13, 2005
Interview Anyone?
Ah yes, the new school year is upon us, and we all know what that means--interviews!
Does anyone else hate them as much as I do??
If you're preparing for a change in your ESL position, or are a newbie going for your first interview, here are a few simple tips to help get you through it.
•Be certified. Although some schools will still hire teachers just because they are native speakers, those days are quickly passing. (I had a reader ask this week if certifications are a waste of time. My answer is a resounding NO! While it is possible to still get a job without one in some areas, it's important to remember that "getting a job" isn't the only reason to get certified. By attending one of these programs, you'll be better prepared to walk into a classroom full of students who don't speak your language, yet expect to!) Honestly, it takes more than "knowing the language" to be a successful ESL teacher.
•Dress appropriately. Just because you’re applying for a school located on a beach, that doesn’t mean you should wear shorts and sandals to the interview!
•Be confident. If you are well-trained, you should reek of confidence. Schools will usually question whether a shy teacher can take control of a class.
•Follow Up. There are scores of stories about a teacher following up on an interview, and being offered the job on the spot. Sometimes, a well-timed contact is just what an interviewer needs to make that final decision!
Do you have a funny interview story that you'd like to share? If so, drop me a line, and if I get some good ones, I'll post them here. It can only help to alleviate everyone's nerves in the interview season!
Until next time,
Michelle
Posted by msimmons at July 13, 2005 02:26 PM
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Comments
Hi,
I'm a kiwi born 1/2 English 1/2 Nuiean person but I'm gearing up to head over to China for my first teaching expedition if you will. I have been teaching digital media this year with audio engineering and digital filmmaking yet went for a holiday via Japan, Beijing, and Hong Kong from Brisbane. However, as they say-I have a funny tale. I went to a job interview once and walked up to the manager who was having a conversation with a construction worker and stood there for approximately 5 minutes in a crowded working quiet office in busy Sydney at the time. I began listening in on the conversation and agreeing with them all the while we all nodded heads up, down, left, right, etc...they both thought I was a part of it. At the end of the conversation the manager asked me 'you right'. I said 'yes, I was just waiting for you so we could have my interview about the current job vacancy'-oops:(... The whole office cracked up laughing. I don't know why that was funny but I got the joke then. We went into his nice office and he wanted to interrogate me so I let him have his fun. If you can dish it out you should be able to take it as they say. I didn't get the job because I didn't want it, plus I don't think he liked me much after that. So we got to know each other well. Funny thing isn't it? When I left the office was quiet again and I thought one joke a day should do them. Sometimes we can make people laugh and we don't even try :)) -Express to China..bye bye for now, gotta study, wanna get to China by the end of next month-you know how it is :)- PS I must take my guitar, some blue tac, and some gaffa tape, and probably some vegemite from down under. Head down, bum up, Bye and Ciao!
Posted by: Len Carter at August 17, 2005 07:49 AM
you DON'T need to be certified. No one I know is certified and we are all making great money. And, my approval rating are 90%+ with students and employer. You need certification ONLY if you have poor personal relation skills or deathly afraid of public speaking. Then you can rely on your certification lessons. If you have an ounce of personability, certification is TOTALLY useles. The days of teachers not needing certifications are NOT quickly ending. The opposite in fact is true. The demand for teachers is increasing constantly, and the supply isn't there.
Posted by: reid at April 17, 2007 01:48 AM
