Job Discussion Forums

[nickpellatt]

and any interview tips?

I had my first interview for a 'real' teaching job this week, and as she promised to the successful applicant with a decision today and my phone hasnt rung, I guess I havent got the job. The college closed today for their Xmas holiday, so Im sure if the job was mine, I would have been told by now. I mention this as my first 'real' interview in reference to the fact it was at a college with a good reputation that is British Council accredited, and offers class in IELTS etc rather than just conversation classes (which I have done, but dont want to do forever).

This was the college where I completed my Trinity TESOL cert, and I had a good report from them and a B grade. (There was one A grade given, one B grade, 3 failures and the rest were C graded)

I wasnt asked any specific grammar questions, but I was asked the following;

How would I prepare for the job, what would I do prior to starting?

How would I deal with classes of young teenagers?

What was the most relevant thing I learnt on the course that I could take to class?

How would I handle a grammar question in class, if I didnt know the answer?

Also, I was very honest with her about the fact this job was extremely exciting to me, but also it made me nervous, and I admitted I was looking for support and further training/assistance....and that I was aware my grammar and language awareness is still only that of a trainee......was this wise? I realise each school / job will be different...but just keen to get some pointers really. This was initially only a 3 week contract for 4 classes a day. Do the employers out there amongst you really want applicants with limited experience for this type of job, as I assume the employer input will be high with a newly qualified trainee?

I do have experience in China, as I worked there for almost 4 terms as an Oral Teacher, I have also worked two summer camps in the UK, and currently volunteer with a charity working with immigrants.....none of these experiences are so relevant to the IELTS type classes or ESP classes that this school, and other similar ones teach. Is it a risk to take on teachers/trainees with my level of experience, or is it something you actively seek to do in order to train people in your own schools methodology?

Its a big blow for me really....Its this type of work I am looking to move into in the future, so any pointers or hints for me to learn from in the future are much appreciated.

It goes without saying of course, that should I receive the 'thanks but no thanks' letter, I will ask the DoS for some advice on what I can do to improve my resume/interview etc.

[spiral78]

Also, I was very honest with her about the fact this job was extremely exciting to me, but also it made me nervous, and I admitted I was looking for support and further training/assistance....and that I was aware my grammar and language awareness is still only that of a trainee......was this wise?

I think likely it was not wise...if the job was teaching teenagers, as you mention, the DOS may well have felt that your admitted nervousness could very likely have led to the teens being too challenging for you in terms of classroom management.

Further, the resources of most working schools in terms of support and training/assistance for practicing teachers is limited - she may have been afraid that you'd require a level of support that would be onerous for whomever would be required to supply it.

New teachers generally have to take a high level of personal responsibility for development of their grammar and language awareness.
YOu'll need to take the initative on this.

You may be better off to try to cultivate a stronger level of confidence somehow...more volunteering? Some self-study as well, possibly.

[nickpellatt]

Thanks Spiral.

She did say she would be alarmed if someone only recently TEFL/TESOL qualified wasnt nervous, and that as a DoS she would actually contract me for one hour per day outside of lessons to run over lesson plans etc. That would have been her responsibility.

Good point about the teenagers, I hadnt really considered that, the classroom management element in light of my relative inexperience. I answered her question about that by suggesting I would continually seek examples and contexts that would hopefully be stimulating and interesting according to their age, but still relevant to the course material.

I used an example in one of the text books I used in China which featured folk music, and suggested I would try to include music they may be more familiar with. I thought I answered that quite well. Most of my conversational work has actually been with young teenagers, and I reminded her of that too.

I really am aware of my weakness with grammar and LA. I have a lot of university work to cope with which does limit my ability to study grammar, although I am actually starting another university course in February actually called 'grammar in context'. I hope that course will allow me to brush up my skills and help me in class at a later stage. I know it sounds terrible to say I would prefer to learn in class with students, but I have found it the best place to learn grammar, as I get to see it from their perspective, and note their difficulties.

Since applying I have been acutely aware of the support I would need, especially if I had experienced competition. Im just feeling a bit down about it really. As (arguably), one of their best graduates, I wonder what I really did wrong, or more importantly, really need to do in the future, to make sure I can secure this type of employment.

In honesty, this exact college was where I hoped I would work a few years down the line when I have completed my BA, and got the travel bug out of my system. I had started to look a bit too far ahead of myself prior to the interview......landing a job there, now...was perhaps two years sooner than I thought it could be possible.

have you taken newly qualified teachers on before? How are they in classes in taking IELTS type classes very early on in their teaching careers? I do have Easter/Whitsun and Summer work lined up in a summer school program again....but this experience, like my volunteer work, isnt really conducive to helping my understand a more demanding class in a better school.

Feels a little like a catch 22 situation really.

[Glenski]

Anything you are told in an interview is likely going to be polite, not negative, so don't think that by telling you about going over lessons, you are ensured the job.

[spiral78]

Nick, I understand that the interviewer probably knows you a bit, from your TESOL cert course. I'm sure she felt confident about your level of experience, and wouldn't have interviewed you otherwise.

I am currently working with a newly-qualified teacher (CELTA) who is working with pre-med Saudi students. This is a demanding project, with students who experience significant cultural challenges studying in the Netherlands, along with the demands of their pre-med studies and English on top of this. The teacher is doing a fine job.

I think you can try to project a little more confidence in yourself with full justification. You do have some useful experience, and you're clearly highly motivated to do the best possible job. If possible, you could even try again when another opening comes up in this particular school. Polite perseverence shouldn't be perceived as negative in any way.

[Mike_2007]

You've had some good advice here, especially regarding confidence and attitude.

Personally I would always look for experience. Qualifications tell me someone is probably smart enough to do the job, but tell me little about their attitude, staying power, ability to cope with the pressures of living in another culture, communication skills (T-S), interpersonal skills (T-T) and the many other attributes vital to a good teacher. Experience backed up by verifiable references tells me that he can do the job, not just that he 'might' have potential.

If you're lacking in experience, you'll need to demonstrate to your potential future employer that you have the right attitude, and that'll you'll be/already are working hard to develop your skills. If you look like you are in need of a lot of time and support, and look a bit shaky regarding your self-confidence, the employer's instincts will probably flag you as a flight risk or at best a burden.

This industry is very rarely one where employers nurture their staff or are willing to invest a lot of time and money in supporting and training them.

From what you've told us it seems likely that you haven't got this particular job, but don't take one rejection to heart. You're already on the right track by posting here to get other people's opinions and if you take people's advice on board you'll be better prepared for the next interview.

All the best!
Mike

[Glenski]

Confidence is one thing, but from someone with little to no experience, it can come off as false bravado or even foolhardiness.

Confidence in one's abilities, even untested ones, is ok, but an employer will probably want to hear an inkling of craftiness, cleverness, intelligence, and perhaps even a whisper of theory as foundation for what you plan to do in situation X. Giving a definite answer is something to be wary of, too. "I might" is a good starter.

[nickpellatt]

Once again, thanks for the replies. All contain something positive I can think about/work on.

I have woken with a spring in my step, and will continue to look forward rather than view this as a setback. As mentioned, this was a 'dream opportunity' for me as it was in a school I hoped I could join sometime in my teaching future. The interview opportunity came earlier than I expected, but that doesnt mean there wont be a similar chance at a later date.

Completing my BA is really my priority for 2009, and the finishing line for that is almost in sight now. I have confirmed work for Easter and Summer schools, and I think I will use that as opportunity to experiment and apply what I have learnt from the TEFL course, rather than just continue along the conversation/games and activities vein.

I have been looking at IH schools in East Europe, and they seem to invite applications from newer teachers. Whilst they are oft-maligned on the boards, it would appear they would be a better choice for me in terms of support and learning, and might be a better bet long term than another conversational type post in Asia. Not that I am against the role of an Oral Teacher, but I do realise ONLY that experience isnt going to stand me in good stead for future work in a British Council school in future years.

Interesting that I sounded lacking in confidence, normally this isnt a characteristic that people would associate with me. Im quite driven to succeed in my EFL career, so perhaps the fact I knew this DoS meant I was a little more open than I would be normally, and was confident enough to discuss my weaknesses rather than just blag on about my strengths.

We live and learn!