GUIDES

How To Conduct Interviews With Korean Schools

Conducting a great interview is an absolutely critical part of the overall process. Because the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, schools are becoming more selective with the candidates they hire. As a job candidate you’ll need to impress the schools you interview with by showing them your fantastic personality and genuine interest in teaching. 

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Enthusiasm & Passion

Showing schools you have a passion and enthusiasm for teaching is paramount! Korean schools are not interested in hiring foreigners who place too much emphasis on the travel or monetary aspects (over the teaching aspect). If your interviewer senses that you’re applying for a working holiday, they won’t make a job offer.  It’s extremely important to let the interviewer know you have a sincere interest in TEACHING and working with kids.  Don’t leave the interviewer with any doubts about your interest and enthusiasm for teaching English!

You Speak Clearly

The interviewer will carefully listen to your pronunciation, speaking speed (do you talk too fast or too slow?) and your overall ability to communicate effectively.  Don’t worry about being too articulate, how you speak and communicate is more important to the interviewer than fancy words!  Try not to answer questions with one line responses.

Overall Personality

Keeping students engaged day in and day out is more difficult than many first-time teachers assume. The interviewer will want to know you have a ‘likable personality’ that’s suited for the English teaching field. In addition to preferring candidates who are friendly and likable, schools also tend to gravitate towards people who are confident and to some degree, talkative.

Teaching in Korea Interview Questions

Preparing for your interviews is a must

Questions you may be asked to answer

  • Why do you want to teach ESL and why did you choose Korea?
  • Why do you think you’d make a good ESL teacher?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • How would you handle a difficult situation in the classroom, like if a student doesn’t listen to you or don’t do the homework, how would you handle the situation?
  • How do you handle criticism and stress?
  • What would be the most important thing when you’re teaching ESL to younger children in a foreign country?
  • What would be the difference between teaching kindergartners and elementary/middle school students?
  • What do you expect from your future employer?
  • Do you want to continue your teaching career in the future?

Top reasons for failing an interview

  • The candidate wasn’t prepared for the interview
  • The candidate seemed too ‘carefree’
  • The candidate lacked the necessary communication skills
  • The candidate lacked enthusiasm
  • The candidate didn’t have personality to work with children
  • The candidates voice was too soft or monotonous for teaching in a classroom setting
  • School sensed the candidate was more interested in traveling than teaching
Interviewing Summary

Don’t speak too fast when you’re answering questions. You’ll be teaching English as a Second Language, not an official language, so try and speak in a clear but steady and confident voice throughout the duration of the interview.

Be professional but friendly and likable at the same time.  Don’t act carefree, it’s the last thing an employer wants in an employee.

Lastly, and most importantly, make sure the interviewer knows you have a genuine interest in teaching and working with children.

Why stop now.
Learn more about teaching in Korea!
Ridiculously Thorough Guide

Everything you need to know about living and teaching English in Korea as a foreigner.

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See The Application Process

See what the application process looks like, from start to finish!

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Benefits You Can Expect

See what benefits you’ll receive. International airfare, furnished apartment and more.

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