120 hr. TEFL Course Module 10-Getting a TESOL Job (Pt.11 Interview Techniques cont'd)

Module 10: Getting a TESOL job

Pay attention to the person interviewing you: The interviewer will certainly be listening to your answers, so listen to their questions carefully. Not only will this ensure that you don’t seem uninterested, but it will also help you understand what they are looking for. You can tell a lot about what an employer is looking for by the questions he or she asks. Pay attention to the details and try to tailor your answers to what they are trying to get at. 

Be specific: Many people come out of interviews happy with their performance because they gave good answers to the questions they were asked. But, if you are not specific, the employer might forget you by the time the next candidate walks in. Answer with as much specificity as you can so that the interviewer remembers your answers and can quantify your responses.

Ask questions: Be smart about the questions you ask, though. Many interviewers will end the interview by giving you the opportunity to ask questions. Ask questions that show you are interested in the job and the company or school. Do not ask how many vacation days you get.

Be cognizant of your body language: The interviewer is going to be evaluating everything about you, including your body language. Make sure you are projecting confidence, passion, interest, and enthusiasm. Do not act overly comfortable, but try to stay loose and appear that you belong there.
Anticipate questions: Many interviewers have prescribed questions to avoid legal issues, so searching the Internet for common interview questions and preparing answers could really pay off. You may even find that you end up with the same source that the interviewer used. 

Practice: Being prepared is important, but don’t be afraid to practice. If you have someone who will help you out, ask him or her to run through scenarios (such as an argumentative interviewer or an interviewer who is intentionally trying to cause you anxiety to see how you react). It seems like a lot, but if this is the career you want and the job you want, is there really such a thing as too much preparation?

Follow up: Lastly, follow up with the interviewer after the interview. Do not ask if a decision has been made yet; simply thank him or her for the opportunity to interview for the position and say that you look forward to hearing from him or her. Be pleasant and grateful, and you will make sure your name remains in their mind.