Job Discussion Forums

piscean21 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Houston, TX

I am currently applying to take the CELTA here in Houston, but need some advice on the interview process. What types of questions should I expect? What qualities are they screening for in their candidates? I've completed their pre-interview task, but any other preparation advice would be appreciated.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

I think we need to know more about your background to give you a good answer.

piscean21 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Houston, TX

I graduated from college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering/Spanish. I recently quit my job as a management candidate at an industrial supply distribution company to pursue this as a possible career option. I worked for a year as a buyer and then for another year as a supervisor for about 50 employees -developing training programs, training new employees, scheduling, and acting as an internal operational consultant. I didn't really like dealing with the politics of management, but I did enjoy developing and training people. I've also always wanted to live and work overseas for an extended period of time. The only significant time I've spent overseas was on a study abroad program for 4 months in Madrid.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

In my interview, we were given a grammar test and then we had to give a quick demo on how we'd teach a grammar point. It was something simple thatt you really can't prepare for. They just want to see if you are suitable for teaching and if you have a thick skin. Don't seem put off if they criticize you for something. That is just the beginning if you do end up doing the course.

Spinoza · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 194 Location: Saudi Arabia

SaiBaba · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Baltimore

If they gave you some of work to do before the course, they may expect you to know grammar.

Otherwise, I think they want to see some maturity and earnestness and enthusiasm on your part.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

piscean21 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Houston, TX

Thanks for the all the advice everyone! Now I don't know whether to be frightened or excited...Such is the learning process...

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

From your background I think the interview is just going through the motions. I did take two courses in grammar each a full semester. I don't talk any differently. Don't worry!

TRCourage · Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 29

momworld · Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: soon to be Korea

ahh I see you are going to get to take the CELTA in Houston (at North Harris Montgomery Community College or Cy-Fair I suppose)...The interview is easy. They will ask you questions about your motivation for taking the class and a bit about your background. Also, you will be asked questions about your willingness to drop things (commitments if you are tied up in anything) to do this 24/7 during the month that you are enrolled. It is not easy as you will be graded on almost everything you do, but it is very rewarding and if you are taking the course at the above place Mr. Jeff Mohamed is the greatest. He has so many experiences to draw from as well as stories of teaching ALL over the world. He will also assist his students with job placement. But he does mean business, expects promptness and correct procedures to be followed.
Jan Henderson, a proud CELTA certificate holder