Job Discussion Forums

[Cal_Ger]

I'm going for my IELTS examiner interview in the near future, and I was wondering if any members here (past interviewees) might have some 'tip's they would like to share, i.e. types of questions, how long the interview, etc.

Thank you.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I went through the interview process a few years ago, so my memory is a bit shaky.
However, I do recall them asking me about my approach to language teaching, my experience with teaching the exam itself (and the exam's "pros" and "cons"), and which of the three basic components of the optimality theory linguistic model I found most troubling and whether or not I adhered to the idea that they were all universal.

Ok, I was kidding about the first two.

Really, though, if you've been through job interviews before, have some IELTS experience, and have been teaching EFL/ESL for a while, don't sweat it.

Good luck.

[Cal_Ger]

Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humour (as an examiner).

I appreciate you taking the time to respond so quickly.

Cheers!

[Insubordination]

I'm sure interviews vary somewhat but I did the training in Jan 2010. Here are some random comments.

My interviewers wanted to know about 'professionalism' (confidentiality etc.) and a bit about pronunciation theory (they got that from my uni transcript) and my essay marking experience.

I was also asked what the most challenging part of the job might be (I said the procedures, such as timing while assessing) and why I would be a good examiner (I said that I have a clear speaking voice and the kind of manner that would put candidates at ease).

They might ask you how you react to feedback or why you think it's important that IELTS aims to have a standard exam throughout the world.

They also asked me if I was willing to commit to at least one Saturday per month.

Look at the job description and make sure you have examples of how you suit the examiner characteristics

Obviously, they've looked at your CV and might ask you questions about that. There are a lot of hoops to jump through to become an examiner and I can see why don't pick everyone.

The interview is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions about IELTS.

Don't say things like: "I want to be an IELTS examiner so I can teach my students/privates better".

That said, a friend of mine did the examiner interview at a different centre and was asked totally different questions. However,She was only interviewing to be a speaking examiner.

The interview was fine. It was the training that was exhausting. Good luck!

[Sashadroogie]

On top of basic teaching experience, knowledge of English etc. they basically want to be sure you are someone who can be trusted, and can/will follow exam procedure, and also follow their administrative rules, of which there are quite a few. (My favourites - you cannot advertise yourself as an examiner, nor can you accept 'gifts' from candidates.)

Procedure is everything. You must stick to it. Down to the last second. Not kidding, hee hee.

[Cal_Ger]

Wow! What great responses.

For all the information from 'Insubordination', a special thank you for that; plus, the 'sage-like' comments from 'Sashadroogie' were very enlightening.

Thank you both very much. My interview is in two weeks time or thereabouts, so I'm now beginning to get a 'feel' for it thanks to all the replies.

Some really 'good' people here ....

[Cal_Ger]

Wow! What a great responses.

All the information from 'Insubordination', a special thank you for that, and the 'sage-like' comments from 'Sashadroogie' were very enlightening.

Thank you both very much. My interview is in two weeks time or thereabouts, so I'm now beginning to get a 'feel' for it already.

Some really 'good' people here ....

[smedini]

Can I ask what you guys had to pay for the training? I'm applying now to be an IELTS examiner and I'm wondering what the other costs out there have been. Thanks!

[Cal_Ger]

I'm sorry I can't answer your question Smedini.

It is a bit of a gray area and your question is a good question, but I just can't worry about it. While I haven't done the interview as yet, to be truthful, cost for training will not get in my way; I just know I want to do it, whether free or not.

I did read (and sign) the application form that suggests the applicant might be up for 'payment'. So it'll either be a shock or a surprise when the time finally arrives!

[Sashadroogie]

Didn't pay for it at all. Some applicants do, some don't. Depends where. For example, I think, and could be wrong, that Australian IELTS centres charge for training. But this is not the norm - yet. Then again, you get paid much more for examining in Australia...