Landing an interview for a TEFL position is exciting — it means you're one step closer to living and teaching in a whole new part of the world. But it can also feel daunting, especially if you're fresh out of your TEFL course or applying for your first international job.
Unlike corporate interviews, TEFL interviews are often conducted over video from a different time zone, sometimes with language or cultural barriers in the mix. Add to that the fact that many new teachers have limited (or no) classroom experience, and it’s no surprise if your nerves kick in.
The good news? You don’t need to have all the answers — but you do need to be prepared. A solid understanding of the school, the country, your course material, and how to present yourself can make all the difference. Whether you’re applying to teach online or planning a move across the globe, a bit of thoughtful prep goes a long way.
Know the Employer Before You Speak
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people show up to TEFL interviews without a clue who they’re speaking to. If you want to stand out, you need to do more than just skim the job ad — you need to show that you’ve done your homework.
Start with the basics. Visit the school or company’s website and find out:
- What types of students they teach (young learners, adults, exam prep, business English, etc.)
- Their teaching approach (traditional vs. communicative, structured curriculum vs. flexible)
- Where their schools are located (just one city or across the country?)
- How long they’ve been in operation and what their mission is
Then dig a little deeper. Look for teacher testimonials, blog posts, social media content, or reviews on TEFL job forums. If a former teacher mentions high staff turnover or visa issues, that’s something you’ll want to consider before signing anything.
Finally, make sure you can answer — confidently and honestly — why you’re interested in working with them. Not just “because I want to teach abroad,” but “because I like your focus on immersive learning” or “because I’m drawn to your work with adult learners preparing for IELTS.”
Questions to prepare for:
- “Why do you want to work at our school?”
- “What do you know about our program or teaching style?”
- “How do you see yourself contributing to our team?”
Being able to speak to those points with confidence shows that you’re not just chasing any job — you’re pursuing this one with intention.
Understand the Country You’re Applying To
When you’re applying for a teaching job abroad, you’re not just interviewing for a role — you’re entering a new culture, community, and lifestyle. Employers want to know that you’re not only aware of that, but genuinely interested in it.
Take the time to learn about the country where you’re applying. What’s the education system like? Are students generally quiet and respectful, or energetic and expressive? How do schools approach discipline or parent involvement? These things vary more than you might think — and showing awareness of local norms can set you apart from other candidates.
But it’s not just about the classroom. Learn about what daily life is like as a foreign teacher there. What’s the cost of living? What are the typical work hours? Is it common for teachers to live in school-provided housing or to find their own apartment?
And when they ask, “Why do you want to work in [country]?”, don’t just say, “I’ve always wanted to travel.” Give a more thoughtful answer. Talk about your interest in the culture, the language, or the teaching environment. Mention a specific festival you’re curious about, a local dish you want to try, or a region of the country that fascinates you. Even a little detail can go a long way in showing you’ve done more than Google “best places to teach English abroad.”
Also, make sure you’ve done some research on the practical side of things:
- What kind of visa is required?
- How long does the process take?
- What kind of salary can you expect, and how does that match the local cost of living?
If you can speak confidently about both the lifestyle and the logistics, you’ll come across as someone who’s ready to move, adapt, and succeed — not just someone chasing a passport stamp.
Review Your TEFL Course Material
Even if you’ve completed your TEFL course recently, don’t assume everything you learned will be top of mind — especially if you haven’t taught yet. Take a little time to flip through your course notes, review key concepts, and refresh your memory on classroom strategies.
You don’t need to be an expert in advanced linguistics, but you should feel comfortable talking about basic teaching techniques: how you’d manage a classroom, structure a lesson, or support shy students. Review the key acronyms (PPP, TTT, ESA) and think about how you’d use them in a real setting.
Employers might ask you something like:
- “How would you explain the difference between the present perfect and the past simple?”
- “What would you do if students weren’t responding to your lesson?”
- “How do you correct students without discouraging them?”
Don’t stress if you can’t answer perfectly — most interviewers just want to see that you understand the fundamentals and can think on your feet. If you don’t know something, it’s okay to admit it, as long as you follow up with how you’d handle the situation or where you’d look for help.
It also helps to have a few go-to activities or warm-ups you can mention. For example: “In my TEFL course, we practiced a game that helps learners review vocabulary in a fun and interactive way. I’d love to adapt that for younger students.”
The more you can draw clear connections between your training and the role you’re applying for, the more confident and prepared you’ll seem.
Get Comfortable With the Tech
In the TEFL world, most interviews happen online — and how you show up on screen can make as big an impression as what you say. Whether it's Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or a region-specific app like WeChat or KakaoTalk, you need to feel confident navigating the platform.
Start by confirming which software the interview will be on, and download or update it well in advance. Don’t wait until five minutes before your interview to realize you need to create an account or restart your laptop.
Then, test your setup. Make sure your camera is at eye level, your microphone is clear, and your background is tidy and distraction-free. Good lighting helps too — natural light is best, but a desk lamp positioned behind your screen works well if needed.
Do a practice run with a friend or record yourself answering a few sample questions. Watch the replay to check your pace, posture, and whether you’re smiling naturally. This kind of self-feedback can make a huge difference.
If the job might require a demo lesson (even just a mini one during the interview), be ready to screen-share, hold up props, or adjust your camera. Know how to share a PowerPoint or document smoothly — fumbling with buttons can break your flow and confidence.
This might seem like small stuff, but tech issues are one of the fastest ways to derail an otherwise strong interview. A calm, professional setup says a lot about how you’ll handle a real classroom — especially if you’re applying to teach online.
Prepare Strong Answers to Common TEFL Interview Questions
You don’t need to memorize a script, but walking into an interview with no plan is asking for nerves to take over. Most TEFL interviews include a mix of personal, practical, and scenario-based questions — and having thoughtful answers ready will help you stand out.
Start by reflecting on your motivations. Why do you want to teach English? What draws you to this country, this school, or this student demographic? Go beyond “I love travel” — tell a story or share an insight that shows genuine purpose.
Next, be ready to talk about your teaching approach. Are you more structured or spontaneous? Do you like incorporating games, visual aids, or real-world materials? Have you taught (or practiced teaching) kids, teens, or adults — and what did you learn from that?
Then prepare for classroom scenarios. One common question is how you’d handle a disruptive student. You don’t need the “perfect” answer — just something that shows awareness, patience, and adaptability. Think about what you learned during your TEFL course and how you’d apply it.
You might also be asked:
- “What’s your biggest strength in the classroom?”
- “What area are you working to improve?”
- “How do you motivate students who struggle?”
When answering, try to link your ideas back to real examples — even if it’s from your TEFL practicum, tutoring experience, or a role in another industry (like coaching or public speaking). Concrete stories leave a stronger impression than vague statements.
The goal here isn’t to be perfect — it’s to be clear, thoughtful, and honest about what you bring to the table.
Be Honest About Your Experience (or Lack Thereof)
If you’re brand new to teaching, don’t panic — most TEFL employers understand that many candidates are just starting out. What matters isn’t having years of experience, but how you talk about your potential and your mindset.
Instead of trying to oversell, focus on your enthusiasm to learn. If you’re excited about growing as a teacher, discovering new methods, and adapting to your students’ needs, say so. Employers value openness and eagerness to improve far more than bluffing expertise.
It also helps to show that you’re self-aware. You might say, “I haven’t taught in a formal classroom yet, but I know classroom management will be a learning curve — I’ve been reading about different techniques and plan to observe and reflect often.”
Highlight soft skills that translate well into teaching, like patience, adaptability, creativity, or cultural sensitivity. Maybe you’ve worked with kids before, led group workshops, tutored a friend, or navigated a multicultural team — all of that matters.
You can also talk about what you took from your TEFL course — how it prepared you to manage lessons, keep students engaged, or build confidence in shy learners. If you’ve done a practicum or volunteered in any teaching capacity, draw from those experiences too.
Remember, every great teacher started somewhere. Your goal in the interview is to show that you’re ready to learn fast, work hard, and grow into the role — not that you already know everything.
Prepare Your Own Questions (and Use Them Wisely)
A lot of candidates forget that interviews go both ways. When you ask thoughtful, well-informed questions, you’re not just gathering useful info — you’re also showing that you care about doing the job well and finding the right fit.
Start by thinking about what you actually want to know. What matters to you in a workplace? What kind of teaching environment will help you thrive?
Good questions might include:
- “Is there a set curriculum, or do teachers create their own lessons?”
- “Are there resources or mentorship available for new teachers?”
- “What’s the typical class size and English proficiency of students?”
- “How would you describe the teaching culture here — collaborative or more independent?”
These types of questions show that you're thinking seriously about your role and how you’ll succeed in it. They also help you spot red flags — like vague answers, unrealistic expectations, or lack of support.
One thing to keep in mind: don’t jump straight into salary questions unless the employer brings it up first. There’s a time and place for discussing pay and benefits (and it should definitely happen), but leading with “How much does it pay?” can come across as transactional if you haven’t built any rapport yet.
If you want to impress, end the interview with a question that makes them think. Something like:
- “What qualities do your most successful teachers have in common?”
- “What do new teachers often struggle with in their first few months?”
These not only give you deeper insights — they show you’re committed to doing the job well.
Be Ready for a Demo Lesson (Even If It's Informal)
Don’t be surprised if your TEFL interview includes a short demo lesson — especially if you’re applying to teach online or at a private school. Even a basic demonstration helps employers get a sense of your teaching style, energy, and ability to explain ideas clearly.
Usually, you’ll be told the target age group, English level, and lesson focus in advance — like teaching colors to a group of 5-year-olds or introducing past tense verbs to beginners. If not, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
The key is to keep it simple and well-structured. You don’t need to impress with fancy materials or advanced grammar — what matters more is your ability to break things down, stay organized, and connect with learners. Aim for a clear beginning, middle, and end: introduce the topic, practice it, then wrap up with a review or quick activity.
Here are a few things to focus on during your demo:
- Use visuals, gestures, or realia to explain new words or concepts
- Speak slowly and clearly, adjusting your tone for the learner level
- Keep the pacing upbeat — don’t rush, but avoid dragging things out
- Include some form of student interaction, even if imaginary (“Let’s practice together! Can you say it with me?”)
Even if the interview doesn’t require a live demo, you might be asked to walk the interviewer through how you’d teach a specific topic. So have a lesson idea or two in your back pocket — just in case.
And don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Most employers aren’t expecting a polished performance. They’re looking for potential, clarity, and a sense of how you’ll show up in front of students.
Master the “Tell Me About Yourself” Moment
It’s one of the most common interview questions — and also one of the most misunderstood. When an interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself,” they’re not asking you to read your CV back to them. They’re giving you the stage to introduce who you are and why you’re here — so make it count.
Think of your answer as a short, engaging story. It should be personal, relevant, and focused on your journey to TEFL.
Start with a quick intro: where you’re from, your background, and what led you to pursue teaching English. Then move into what excites you about teaching — maybe it’s the cultural exchange, the satisfaction of seeing students grow, or your love for language learning.
You can also highlight parts of your personality that would benefit a school environment. Are you patient? Creative? Organized? Do you bring experience from other areas — travel, coaching, customer service — that would make you a better teacher?
Here’s a rough structure to guide you:
- “I’m originally from [your country], and my background is in [relevant experience or study]. I recently completed a TEFL course and have been drawn to teaching because [personal reason or story]. I’m especially interested in working with [student type or country] because [genuine motivation]. Outside of teaching, I enjoy [hobby or personality trait], which I think helps me connect with students in a unique way.”
The goal is to sound like a real human — someone the interviewer can imagine in front of their students. Keep it natural, smile, and let your personality come through.
Look Professional — Online or In Person
First impressions matter — even through a screen. Whether your TEFL interview is happening in person or over Zoom, showing up looking polished and professional sets the tone for everything that follows.
Dress the way you’d expect a teacher to dress in front of a classroom. That doesn’t mean a full suit and tie, but aim for clean, modest, and put-together. A collared shirt, blouse, or smart top with neutral colors usually works well. Avoid loud prints or casual wear like hoodies or tank tops.
If your interview is online, your setup matters just as much. Make sure your background is tidy and quiet — a messy bed or cluttered kitchen doesn’t exactly scream “organized educator.” Sit at a desk or table, and position your camera at eye level to maintain natural eye contact. Never hold your phone in your hand for a video call — the shakiness looks unprofessional and distracting.
Body language still counts, even virtually. Sit up straight, smile occasionally, and show you're engaged by nodding or reacting naturally to the conversation. Turn off background apps, silence your phone, and minimize interruptions.
Punctuality is crucial too. Log on a few minutes early to make sure everything works — the last thing you want is a tech hiccup making you flustered right at the start.
Looking professional doesn’t mean hiding who you are — it means showing you respect the opportunity, the interviewer’s time, and the position you’re aiming to fill.
Avoid Common Mistakes
A few small missteps in an interview can leave the wrong impression, even if you’re well-qualified. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you come across as focused, sincere, and ready to teach.
Don’t wing it. Employers can tell when you’ve put in the prep — and when you’re making it up as you go. Review your TEFL course, research the school and country, and think through your answers in advance.
Avoid generic answers. Saying “I want to travel” or “I just love working with people” isn’t enough. Make your answers personal, thoughtful, and connected to your teaching goals. What excites you about this particular role, or this country, or this age group?
Never badmouth anyone. Even if you had a bad experience with a past job or course, keep it professional. Complaining about old employers, other students, or different cultures is a huge red flag.
Don’t ramble. It’s easy to go off on tangents when you’re nervous, but try to stay on point. Answer the question clearly, then pause. A focused answer shows confidence and self-control.
Don’t fake it. If you don’t know something — whether it’s a grammar rule or a visa detail — admit it honestly and explain how you’d find the answer. Employers respect candidates who can stay calm and adaptable under pressure.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid mistakes is to approach the interview as a conversation — not a test. Be prepared, be real, and show your potential without trying to be someone you’re not.
Clean Up Your Online Presence
Like it or not, employers will likely search your name online — especially if you’re applying from overseas. What they find can influence their decision just as much as your interview answers.
Start by Googling yourself. What comes up on the first page? Are there old social media posts, public photos, or profiles that don’t reflect the professional image you want to present as a teacher?
If anything questionable pops up — sarcastic tweets, messy Facebook albums, half-finished blog projects — either delete it or change the privacy settings. Even if you think it’s harmless, remember that cultural norms differ, and what seems funny to you might not land the same way elsewhere.
Next, consider creating or updating your professional online presence. A clean LinkedIn profile, a polished teaching résumé on a platform like TeachAway or Dave’s ESL Café, or a short intro video (if applying for online jobs) can help you stand out for the right reasons.
Also, make sure the little things match up. Use a professional-sounding email address (yourname@gmail.com is better than traveljunkie88@...). If you're using Skype, Zoom, or another video tool, double-check that your username and display name look clean and appropriate.
Your online presence doesn’t have to be flashy or impressive — it just needs to show that you’re serious about teaching and respectful of how you present yourself to the world.
Send a Follow-Up Email
Once your interview is over, you’re not quite done yet. Sending a short, polite follow-up email can leave a lasting impression and reinforce your interest in the position.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just thank them for their time, mention something specific you enjoyed about the conversation, and let them know you're happy to answer any further questions. This shows professionalism, courtesy, and genuine interest — traits every school wants in a teacher.
Here’s a basic structure you can use:
Subject: Thank you for the interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the teaching position at [School/Company Name]. I really enjoyed learning more about your approach to [mention something specific — e.g., curriculum, student support, training programs].
Our conversation reinforced my enthusiasm for joining your team, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your school and community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
It’s a small gesture, but it can tip the scales in your favor — especially when employers are choosing between equally qualified candidates.
Use Interviews to Build Confidence
The first TEFL interview you do might feel nerve-wracking — and that’s completely normal. But the more interviews you do, the more natural it becomes. Think of each one as practice, not just pressure.
Even if you don’t get the job, every interview gives you insight into what schools are looking for, how different programs operate, and how you can present yourself more clearly next time. Over time, you’ll get better at telling your story, answering questions smoothly, and asking the right ones in return.
After each interview, take a moment to reflect:
- What felt strong?
- Where did you stumble?
- What questions caught you off guard?
Use that feedback to refine your prep for the next one. Keep a document or notebook of notes — common questions, phrases that worked, or new ideas you want to include next time.
And most importantly, don’t get discouraged. The TEFL job market is big, diverse, and full of opportunity. With each conversation, you’re getting closer to the right fit.
Final Thoughts
The best TEFL interviews aren’t about having all the answers — they’re about showing who you are, how you think, and how well you’ve prepared. Employers aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for teachers who are curious, committed, and ready to learn.
By taking the time to understand the role, the country, and your own motivations, you give yourself a major edge — not just in landing a job, but in finding one that genuinely matches your goals and the kind of life you want abroad.
So prepare well. Be honest, stay curious, and show up as yourself. You’ve got more to offer than you think.
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