Interviews will generally take place over the phone (a landline is preferable due to the connection clarity). Typically, school supervisors, owners, recruiters, or directors from the hiring school will interview you first. A second interview may follow, but isn't often necessary. Interviews last about 5-10 minutes and may not be as formal as in the States or western countries. Nevertheless, employers are looking for the same traits as any other employer: friendliness, good manners, clear voice (as is fittings for this type of work), any relevant experience, and certainty. By certainty I mean, employers in the ESL industry want candidates who are ready to commitment- right away- to at least a one year contract. If you're really hesitant about a time frame, they may not pursue you further. Generally, employers choose applicants ready to start processing their visa paper work within a month. Here are some general tips:

1. Be nice.

2. Speak clearly.

3. Offer all teaching related experience.

4. Don't be afraid to ask about money, but don't make it the whole conversation.

5. Set aside at least 5-15 minutes of uninterruptable time for the interview.

6. Show some excitement and enthusiasm about teaching and learning about the culture.

7. Have a clear departure date in mind. "I want to leave on or before March 1st- for sure."

8. Be patient with the interviewer because English may be their second language.

9. Have a few questions of your own ready and ask to speak with a foreign teacher presently working with their school if possible.

10 .Review the questions below and have at least one short answer in mind for each.

Example Questions:

1. What do you consider to be your strengths and how will you use them in your teaching?

2. What contributions can you make to our school?
3. What are your plans for continuing your professional growth?
4. Describe your personality.
5. How would you handle a class that consists of students with varied levels of English skills and capabilities?

6. Are you excited about teaching in Asia (Poland, etc.)
7. Tell me about three people who have most influenced your own education and career choice.
8. What kind of students do you enjoy working with?

9. What age group do you feel you’re most effective in teaching?
10. You give an assignment to your class and one student ridicules the assignment saying it doesn't make sense. What’s the best response?

11. What would you do if a student threw a pen at you?
12. How would you help students feel successful and motivated?
13. What methods and techniques do you use to evaluate students progress besides using tests? (If you have no experience then just let your employer know- I don’t know yet).
14. How would you challenge the slow learner and the advanced learner in the same class?
15. What kind of co-teachers would you prefer to work with? Why?
16. What activities would you like to participate while teaching aboard?
17. What quality or qualities do you have that would enhance our teaching staff?
18. What are some personality characteristics you find undesirable in people?
19. Who should be responsible for disciplining children at school? Why?
20. What needs and/or expectations do you have of the school administration?
21. Describe any school experience you have had, particularly in student teaching (or in another teaching position) that has prepared you for a full-time position at our school.
22. What rules do you (or will you) have for your classroom?
23. Do you love kids?

Don't worry. These interviews are probably the easiest you'll ever have.