Most teaching abroad interviews have a similar structure, with interviewers asking a set of common questions.
This is great news, because it means that you can prepare for your meeting ahead of time!
Feeling confident in your answers is incredibly important, as it also leaves a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Above all, everyone wants to leave their interview feeling proud and professional in the way they presented themselves.
If you can answer these 11 common interview questions for teachers, you’ll be ready for your interview.
So you’ve set your sights on a rewarding career teaching English in China? Congratulations! But before you pack your bags and head to the Great Wall you’ll need to navigate the crucial step of acing your school interview.
Don’t worry. we’ve got your back!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the secrets of successful Chinese teacher interviews providing you with valuable insights and tips to help you shine.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Interview Landscape
Chinese schools prioritize certain qualities in their English teachers. To impress your interviewers, you need to demonstrate:
- Passion and Enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement for teaching and working with children. Avoid giving the impression that you’re primarily interested in travel or adventure.
- Strong Communication Skills: Speak clearly and confidently, with good pronunciation and pace. Don’t focus on using fancy vocabulary; focus on effective communication.
- Friendly and Outgoing Personality: Chinese schools value teachers who can engage students and create a positive learning environment. Be friendly, approachable, and confident.
Top Interviewing Factors
Here’s a closer look at the three key factors that will influence your interview success:
1. Passion and Enthusiasm:
- Why it matters: Schools want teachers who are genuinely passionate about teaching and making a positive impact on students’ lives.
- How to demonstrate it: Express your love for teaching, share your teaching experiences, and highlight your enthusiasm for working with Chinese students.
2. Communication Abilities:
- Why it matters: Clear and effective communication is essential for successful teaching.
- How to demonstrate it: Speak clearly and confidently, with good pronunciation and pace. Answer questions thoughtfully and provide detailed explanations.
3. Overall Personality:
- Why it matters: Schools seek teachers who can create a positive and engaging learning environment for students.
- How to demonstrate it: Be friendly, approachable, and confident. Show your enthusiasm for interacting with students and creating a fun learning experience.
Common Interview Questions
Prepare for your interview by anticipating these common questions:
- Can you describe your personality?
- What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you handle stress and criticism?
- Why do you want to teach English in China?
- What are your key strengths for working in the English teaching field?
- What are your expectations for living and working in China?
- Is TEFL teaching a short or long-term goal for you?
- How would you handle problematic students in the classroom?
- What are the most important deciding factors (student age, location, salary, etc.) to you?
By understanding the interview landscape, focusing on the key factors, and preparing for common questions, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your interviewers and land your dream job teaching English in China.
Remember, be yourself, showcase your passion, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Good luck!
Additional Resources:
- Chinajobr School Interviews: https://www.chinajobr.com/china-guides/school-interviews/
- Top Teacher Interview Questions & How to Answer: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hNUNpOxMQg8
Do you have any questions for us?
You can always ask the interviewer a number of questions that show you are interested in and committed to the job.
It shows that you are curious to learn more!
You can ask about the company culture, the city and country where you will be living, money, medical care, help with housing, and a lot more.
Two specific question could be:
- Why do you need to hire a teacher right now?
- What kind of opportunities for advancement are there?
How have you handled conflicts at work in the past?
Work-related conflict is not always present, but it is inevitable.
You could become involved with a dispute without even provoking it. Or, you could help mediate disputes between co-workers.
The person interviewing you will want to see proof that you are good with people and know how to handle your relationships with coworkers.
If you have never been involved with a work conflict in the past, that’s great!
You can tell your interviewer that you’ve never had to handle a conflict.
You can also tell them how you plan to handle a disagreement like how you might ask a manager to mediate.
