JOB INTERVIEW

By Jie LaoShi

I wrote this guide when I was given the task to interview prospective teachers.
I am adding it on this blog to guide interviewees on what they might expect in a job interview.

2006-11-09

Interview guidelines (Oral Interview)
The Interviewer starts the activity by saying:
“This interview should be a “two-way” learning activity.
You learn from me, and I learn from you.”

1. Background
- What made you decide to become a teacher?
- Do you like it? What are the “ups” and “downs” of teaching?
- How long have you been teaching?
- Were there changes in your former students?
- How are they different now?

2. Knowledge in English
- Which is correct?
“The team is worried” or “The team are worried”
“Westlife is a well-known band” or “Westlife are a well-known band”

Rephrase sentences in order to avoid the singular/plural decision.
Proper nouns in plural form take a plural verb in both AmE and BrE.
Use of the singular verb is not wrong in BrE provided it is consistent on the same document.

Situation
a) If you are given a “zero” English student, where/how will you start? How about a student with Intermediate proficiency?
b) How would you handle a child out-of-control? One with a temper tantrum. What should be your course of action? How will you discipline?
c) What if the child shows no interest in what you are teaching? What is your course of action? What should you do?


n.b.
Our school, the ENL Program-Shanghai is in need of English Language Teachers from the Philippines. In case you are interested, please e-mail: enlprogramshanghai@yahoo.com
Subject: English Language Teacher Applicant

Requirements:
1. Two years relevant experience
2. TEFL Certificate or Graduate of any Education Course
3. Very good Oral and Written English
4. Must be in Shanghai at the time of application