ESL Interviews

Perhaps the most valuable piece of ESL interview advice comes from Shakespeare's character of Polonius: “This, above all else: to thine own self be true.” Authenticity is the key to not just landing a job in ESL, but in landing the right job.

There is no use in a candidate presenting any false information about their education, qualifications, or history; in this age of Google and Facebook any falsehoods can be easily revealed. By realistically and positively displaying their true abilities, job hunters can find a position in the ESL field that both matches their abilities and provides opportunities for growth.

Presenting Positively

There is another popular expression: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” While qualifications on a resumé should never be inaccurate, the physical appearance of the job seeker should not be the same as their everyday attire. Dressing up is never a bad idea. It shows the employer that the potential employee is serious about the position. It implies a sense of priority that would be carried into the actual job itself.

While some might think that "business casual" is sufficient, especially in a more informal workplace, over-dressing simply shows the level of appearance to which the aspiring ESL teacher is capable of reaching.

If the end of the interview comes with the remark "When you come in next time, you don't need the tie," it can be assumed that the interview went well. On the other hand, while an interviewer may not directly reveal their opinion of a person's outfit, the sense of slovenliness will permeate the rest of the interview no matter how good the resumé.

Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance. A strong perfume or cologne can be a dangerous thing to wear to an interview, on the chance that the host doesn't like it and has their perception of the entire session colored by that distaste. Deodorant is usually a good idea, however, especially if one is nervous about the interview.

Wearing small items representing the culture where the ESL job is located may be appropriate, but this should be subtle. For example, a lapel pin with a small flag of the country or jewelry that is native to the culture might be a good idea. However, it should be up to the interviewer, not the interviewee, to mention it. If the wearer brings it up, it is too much like bragging, an immature way to show off.

Body Language and Interaction

To try and give advice on ESL interviews about body language is a tricky subject. Different cultures have different rituals of greeting and levels of body contact, ranging from a formal bow to a bear hug. It is certainly safe for the applicant to rely on the fact that English-speaking greetings are obviously appropriate. However, taking the time to learn and then correctly execute the native greeting of a culture can make a very positive impression on the potential employer.

Regardless of the greeting used, it should be done with an air of confidence, with eye contact (unless proscribed by the culture) and a calm but enthusiastic demeanor. Practicing the greeting in a mirror or with friends can be very useful in making sure that the initial meeting goes well.

Other Interview Advice for ESL Jobs

  • Sit and stand with a straight spine, shoulders back.
  • Avoid fidgeting or putting hands in pockets.
  • Answer questions in complete but concise sentences.
  • Avoid personal anecdotes unless invited to share, i.e. "Tell us about your favorite ESL teaching experience."
  • Regardless of how the interview went, thank the interviewer for their time and follow up a day or so later with a note or phone call thanking them and offering to answer any further questions.

The best way to really prepare for an ESL job interview is to practice the interview, preferably with friends who play the role of the interviewer. This allows the applicant to practice answers while giving the entire process the aura of a game. These guidelines help the aspiring ESL teacher start on the path towards a fulfilling ESL career.

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