DEMO VIDEO
The first priority for a school is to review a demo video, so if you haven't prepared one yet, you should do so immediately.
The demo video serves as a demonstration of your teaching abilities. Schools will assess your communication skills, teaching style, planning, and overall professionalism.
Schools might provide a sample of their materials, as they want to see how you adapt to their method of presenting language.
Ultimately, schools often make their hiring decisions based primarily on the demo video. If they are impressed, the compensation package offered will reflect both the video and the interview.
Demo Video Tips
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Plan
Structure your demo video as you would a regular class. If the school provides materials, use them to align your lesson with their methodology. In the absence of a clear structure, opt for a straightforward approach such as Present-Practice-Produce (PPP).
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Keep it Simple
Use simple ideas to ensure clear communication. The viewer needs to easily understand what they are seeing. Focus on demonstrating basic competencies effectively rather than attempting advanced techniques. Schools value teachers who show potential for development.
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Practise
Don't settle for your first take. Ensure your lesson runs smoothly by rehearsing multiple times. Pay attention to setup, camera angles, and audio clarity. Aim to get everything right during recording rather than relying on editing.
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Positivity
Present yourself as a happy, smiling teacher and use positive reinforcement. Schools understand that students and parents appreciate a fun and engaging learning environment, so make sure to smile and exude enthusiasm.
INTERVIEW
Once you've reached the interview stage, you're already considered a potential team member. Your task now is to maintain and enhance that impression by showcasing the attitude, passion, and drive the school seeks.
During the interview, schools often elaborate on their systems, culture, and structure, ensuring alignment with your personality and work ethic. Cultural differences may require adaptation, so expect inquiries in this regard. Additionally, schools may offer various types of lessons across different locations and environments, which could be for marketing or contractual purposes, crucial for the school's business operations and teacher salaries. Agreement to undertake these duties is often sought to avoid conflicts and ensure departmental harmony, with such points typically emphasized in contracts.
Remember, you're also assessing the school's suitability for you. Use this opportunity to ask any questions to clarify your wants and needs before committing.
Interview Tips
​Tip 1 - Research and Taylor your Style
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Customize your interview persona to align with the specific school’s needs.
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Understand the school’s hiring preferences and requirements.
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Research the school, its students, and its curriculum to match your skills and personality.
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Prepare by exploring the school’s website, looking at the curriculum, or reach out to teachers already there.
Tip 2 -Project your Passion
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Schools value an enthusiastic and approachable personality over strict grammar expertise or rigid lesson plans. Some schools favour enthusiastic, inexperienced teachers.
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Show your passion for teaching in the interview, regardless of experience.
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Share stories about your desire to teach or how students have positively impacted you.
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Use positive body language and a genuine smile to express enthusiasm.
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Be sincere and avoid appearing overly exaggerated.
Tip 3 - Build Rapport
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Interviews online are usually one-on-one, but be prepared for panel interviews or to have someone monitoring in the background.
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Use interviewers' names to create a positive impression.
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Show strong listening skills by listening carefully and maintaining comfortable eye contact.
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Speak concisely and politely, avoiding interruptions or overshadowing others.
Tip 4-Cultural Admiration
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Be ready more than five minutes early, as punctuality standards vary by country. Being early will also allow both sides to test the internet connection and avoid disturbances during the interview.
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Respect local cultural norms in your behavior and preparation. A little research on this could go a long way.
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Have a thoughtful reason for choosing to teach in that country. Show admiration for the country and culture. Interviewers will love to hear passion for learning and experiencing their country and culture, but will be offended if any negativity is displayed.
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Avoid saying you chose the country for the abundance of jobs; offer a more meaningful explanation.
For more discussion on how to approach the interview:
WPN and
Invitation Letter
Upon agreeing a contract with a prospective employer, you will need to send your documents to them along with a signed copy of your work contract so they can apply for a Work Permit Notice and an Invitation Letter.
You will need to supply the school with legalised copies of the documents collect in Step 1. Often originals are needed, so you might have to post. Others can be scanned copies sent online.
