Tips for an Online English Teacher Interview

Ola Flynn

December 22, 2020

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So you want to teach English online? Once you have applied to the company of your choice, it’s time to prepare for your Online English teaching interview. Wondering what to do? Don’t worry! Check out these tips on how to nail your interview and become an online English teacher today!

Dress for the part

First things first, you need to dress for the part. This means wearing professional clothing to the interview. You want to show the interviewers that you are taking the position seriously. In addition, they want to know that you will present yourself to the students in a professional manner as well. Remember, it is better to overdress than underdress!

Do your research

Know the company that you are applying to. For example, will you be teaching young learners or adult learners? Will all of your classes be one-on-one or will you be teaching to several learners simultaneously? Is there a particular region in the world that the company caters to or will you be teaching students from across the globe? Will you need to prepare materials beforehand or will they be provided to you. Some of these questions are easily found on the company’s website and will serve you well to know the answers before the interview. Doing your research beforehand will help you stand out.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Many online English teaching companies require a short video of you demonstrating your teaching style as part of the interview process. Depending on the company, this video could be recorded beforehand or live with your interviewer. Usually, the company will send you the materials you will cover in the lesson before the interview. It is imperative that you look through it and practice it! If you do not practice and look through the material it will show in the live demo! When you go through the demo, dress professionally, use props, and if you are going to be teaching young learners, use TPR (total physical response). In addition, if you use a whiteboard, be careful that you don’t write on it so that it shows up backward for the student! Usually, the company will send you the rubric that they use to judge your demo. Be sure to read it so you know what to focus on during the demo lesson.

If you are worried about being prepared for the demo lesson, try to gain practical experience beforehand. In fact, some companies even require practical experience before becoming an Online English teacher. If you’re worried about that, we’ve got you covered with our 10-hour virtual TEFL course which includes practical teaching experience! Another great way to stand out when applying!

Use props!

If you really want to stand out in your interview, we recommend going above and beyond by using props! Having props readily available is a great way to show interviewers that you are serious about the position and ready to start. Many online English teaching companies have younger students and learn best with props. These can be puppets, posters, stuffed animals, and posters behind you in your virtual classroom.

Know your tech!

In order to be an effective online English teacher, you have to have the proper technology. This is particularly important for your interview because if you do not have the right equipment, you more than likely will not get the position. The right technology includes a working microphone, video camera, computer or phone (depending on the company), and high-speed internet.

Prepare for your teaching interview

Like most interviews, you can expect to get asked common interview questions. Therefore, it is best to research common interview questions and have an idea of your answers. Don’t have your answers written out as you don’t want to sound rehearsed but having an idea of what you will say will definitely help you.