So I just completed another Skype interview and I thought I'd give some tips and tricks I've learned in the last few months.
When I first started applying to recruiting agencies and companies, I didn't know what to expect. I thought the recruiters gave me the job? I thought they had a say in what I'd be doing and who would pay me, etc. I wish I had known more, even if I had already done a ton of research. My first interview was a Skype interview with a Canadian recruiting company, Footprints Recruiting. This was my first interview that had not been done in person and I was even more nervous for it. The person doing my interview made me fill out a questionnaire prior to our interview and that helped me prepare. The questions were things like "Have you ever experience cultural differences and how did you overcome them?", really mind blowing stuff. All in all, I appreciated that because it allowed me to get an idea of what people would be looking for, no just this company. During the interview, which I did not know that it was only going to be a voice interview (I had done the top half of my body up) I felt at ease instantly. It was very laid back, during recruiter interviews they just want to get a general idea of the person you are. A resume does not give all the details about a person, there are just some things you have to hear from the horses mouth, so to speak. So here are some of my tips for a great Skype interview for any person looking into Teaching English.
- Wear business on top and look nice. Even though they won't necessarily see you or be looking at you, wearing formal attire shows that you are somewhat committed to doing a good job. Sometimes these interviews will be at a time of day when you're going to be winding down for the day (case and point my interview at 10pm EST) so it's important to look good and feel good! You will be trying to sell yourself to the school. You can wear pyjamas underneath but always wear something in case you have to get up. You don't want to risk flashing your potential employers.
- Don't stress about recruiter interviews. They are your middle man for getting a job, yes you want to be nice to them because they'll be finding you the positions but they aren't the be all and end all. They are actually looking out for themselves in the first place because they get paid for every teacher they send over. Recruiter interviews are just to get a general idea of who you are and why you want to teach English as a foreign language. I'm speaking from experience here as I've interviewed with several recruiting agencies.
- If possible, determine if the interview will be a video interview or a speaking interview. Nothing is more awkward than putting up your cam when they aren't, or them putting up theirs without yours there.
- Have a stable internet connection and make sure you don't have laggy programs running. You can pause everything else for the 15-45 minutes it will take for the interview. You want to be able to have them hear you and you hear them clearly.
- If possible, purchase a microphone. A new microphone will allow for your voice to be heard clearly. You're going to need a good microphone if you're going to Skype your family/friends from Korea anyway and the one built into your laptop is not the greatest. I purchased a headset one from Walmart for ~$10 CAD.
- Always use headphones. No one wants to hear echoing of their voices back and forth online. It is a good way to keep your interview private and allow for no distractions.
- If your interview is with the current teacher ASK THEM EVERYTHING. They have the insight on the job you'll be doing. Don't be afraid to ask them if they have had any issues or if they don't like anything. They will be the greatest asset.
- If your interview is with a Korean teacher, ask them for contact information of the current Western teacher. If they don't give it to you willingly, this may be a red flag.
Good luck!
We all need it.
