So, you’ve landed an interview for a TEFL position—congrats! This is your chance to show the recruiter or school that you’re not just keen to teach abroad, but that you’re the right person for the job. We’ve rounded up some practical interview tips to help you prepare (and avoid common mistakes).

Interview tips and advice

1. Just be yourself

You can never go wrong by being authentically you. It shows confidence in yourself and your abilities. 

Confidence doesn’t mean having all the right answers; it simply means being transparent, honest, and sure of yourself. Remember, recruiters are not seeking perfection, but they’re looking for someone who shows enthusiasm and commitment.

2. Focus on teaching, not travel

Schools are looking for teachers, not influencers. They want to know that you’re serious about teaching and not just chasing adventure. 

If a recruiter asks, “Why are you interested in this opportunity?” it’s best to save the travel talk for after you’ve been hired. Focus first on the job you are interviewing for, not just the perks. If your first answer is all about how stoked you are about going to a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, it could raise some eyebrows. 

3. Do your research

Do your due diligence and investigate the school, company, or program you’re applying to.

 Look at their website, mission, and what they value in teachers. Then tailor your answers to reflect those values. It shows initiative and that you care about the role, not just landing any job abroad.

4. Prepare model answers ahead of time

Being ready with thoughtful answers shows that you’re serious and helps calm your nerves. You’re less likely to be caught off guard and fumbling for words, which helps you come across as confident.

You’ll likely be asked questions like: 

• Tell me about yourself. (Watch this video for more advice on how to answer this question.)

• What motivated you to apply for the position? 

• What makes you a good fit for this role? 

• How do you plan to encourage students to speak in a foreign language without feeling embarrassed?

• Can you describe your teaching philosophy? 

• How do you handle challenges or disruptions in a classroom setting? 

• What does professionalism mean to you, and how will you demonstrate it as a teacher? 

• Can you provide an example of a situation where you took the initiative and implemented your ideas effectively?

• How would you describe your sociability and ability to connect with others? 

• How do you plan to adapt to the new culture? 
• What is your experience in teaching or working with young people? 
• Can you describe your approach to working with the main teacher and other staff members in the school?

5. Dress for success

Whether it’s a virtual interview or in person, how you present yourself speaks volumes. It’s not just a matter of professionalism, but also a sign of respect for your interviewer and potential employer. 

Countries like South Korea and Japan are very formal, so dressing smartly can help you make a strong impression. Think business casual attire. But if you’re feeling unsure, go the more formal route. Stay away from crazy patterns and bright colours as these can be distracting. Instead, go for neutral tones. It helps you come across as approachable and the right kind of serious. 

6. Test your tech beforehand

Tech glitches can put a dent in your chances. Make sure your internet, camera, and mic are all working smoothly. Tech can be unpredictable, so have a backup plan ready—like hotspotting from your phone—just in case!

If you’ll be interviewing on a platform you’re unfamiliar with—like Zoom, Teams or Google Meet—make sure you test it out to get a feel for how to use it before the interview. 

While bad internet or camera issues won’t necessarily affect your application, the interviewee would probably like to see your face!

7. Have questions ready

Don’t be scared to ask your questions. It shows you’re genuinely interested and thinking seriously about the role. Plus, it helps you figure out if the job is the right fit for you, too. Just avoid asking anything you could easily find on their website.

Those are all the things you should do in a TEFL job interview. But there are just as many things you shouldn’t do. Here are a few things you’ll want to avoid during your interview. 

Red flags you don’t want to raise

🚩 Dressing inappropriately

Showing up in hoodies or messy hair is a no-go—even if it’s just a video call. First impressions matter. Dress neatly and presentably to show you take the opportunity seriously. You don’t need a suit, but you do need to look like someone ready to step into a classroom.

🚩 Poor tech setup 

Bad internet, echoey sound, or no camera make a poor first impression, especially if you’re interviewing for an online teaching position. Test everything the day before.

🚩 Being unprepared or showing up late

Logging in late or looking rushed shows a lack of preparation and professionalism. It also makes the recruiter question how reliable you’ll be in front of a class.

Even if it’s just a 15-minute call, treat it like it’s the real deal—because it often is. That means drying your hair, running a brush or comb through it, and looking presentable like you’re ready to teach, not like you’ve just stepped out of the shower. 

Also, you may want to double-check your time zones to make sure you show up on time.

🚩 Badmouthing past employers

Keep things positive. So when asked about past experiences, focus on what went right, even if your job wasn’t ideal. Negativity can translate into unprofessionalism. It also makes recruiters think that they’re next on your complaints list. 

Preparing well for your TEFL interview can mean the difference between landing your desired role and missing out. As long as you stay true to yourself and treat every interaction as a chance to prove you’re the right fit, you’re already on the path to success. Keep these tips in mind the next time you prepare for your TEFL interview, and you’ll be packing your bags for your teaching adventure abroad soon enough. 

Good luck—you’ve got this!