Online Teacher Job Interview Questions (+ Answers) [2024]

Our golden tip to ace any teaching interview is to anticipate the questions and prepare your responses ahead of time. Even better, rope in a friend to conduct a mock interview, allowing you to practice answering these questions aloud.

If you've taken the time to prepare, it demonstrates that you're a candidate who truly cares. While the questions might seem standard, they aim to reveal your personality, passion, and suitability for the role. You don't need elaborate or complicated answers. Honest, straightforward responses highlighting your enthusiasm for teaching English online will hit the mark. So, get prepping, and step confidently into your next interview!

Top 10 Teacher Interview Questions

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How to Answer:

Online teaching recruiters seek more than "I've always loved kids." Take some time to give your answer some depth and thought. Highlight some specific examples and be authentic and honest.

Considerations can include anecdotal stories about your experience and how it influenced your decision to pursue this career path, what being a teacher makes you feel like when you know you've helped a student succeed, and what teaching has taught YOU.

You could answer with:
"I chose to teach because I believe in the power of education. I see teaching as a way to change the world—one student at a time. It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about building confidence, instilling a love for learning, and helping students discover their potential. This ability to make a real difference in someone's life inspired me to become a teacher."

You aren't just being asked to rattle off your resume or a laundry list of your teaching gigs. The interviewer wants insights into your teaching experience. They’re eager to understand how deeply you care about your students' success and your strategies to propel them forward.

How to Answer:

They’re keen to know about your:

• Unique teaching approach
• Personal teaching philosophy or style
• Techniques for handling diverse student personalities
• Skills to manage online classroom scenarios

You might answer:
"I'm an ESL teacher with [X] years of experience under my belt. Throughout my teaching journey, I have developed a teaching approach that combines communicative language teaching and student-centered methodologies. I firmly believe in creating an interactive and engaging learning environment where students can actively participate and apply their language skills.

My teaching philosophy is empowering students to become confident and effective communicators in English. I believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom culture where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks in their learning."

Online teaching is very different from an in-person, in-classroom experience. Recruiters want to see that you clearly understand these unique differences and how you're prepared to manage them.

How to Answer:

The allure of online teaching lies in its flexibility and convenience—benefits that both you and your students share. The question is: How do you anticipate managing this newfound flexibility and convenience? How does working from home complement your lifestyle?

Highlight your understanding of the unique aspects of online education and how it aligns with your lifestyle and teaching goals.

You might answer:
"Teaching online appeals to me because it intersects my passion for teaching with the conveniences of modern technology. It allows me to connect with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, which I find incredibly rewarding. Its flexibility aligns perfectly with my lifestyle, providing a balanced blend of work and personal time."

Education recruiters seek teachers who can navigate the digital landscape with ease and creativity. They’re eager to hear about your familiarity with different online teaching tools and, more importantly, your ability to use them – and potentially unfamiliar ones - effectively to enrich your students' learning experience.

Remember to provide specific examples of how you have successfully adapted to these tools and techniques in your previous teaching experiences to demonstrate your technical knowledge and effectiveness in online instruction.

How to Answer:

Here's your chance to showcase your tech-savvy side and appreciate technology's pivotal role in education.

Make it clear how thrilled you are about the advancements in online education, and discuss the programs, apps, and prompts you prefer to use in the online classroom to engage your students truly.

Describe how you create dynamic interactions beyond answering emails or reading off a PowerPoint slide. Showcasing your familiarity with the unique dynamics of online teaching will give you an edge.

You might answer:
"In my online classrooms, I love to leverage a mix of tools to create a vibrant and interactive learning environment. I use platforms like Zoom for live classes and Google Docs for collaborative work. I also like incorporating videos and interactive games to cater to different learning styles. These tools help keep my students excited and engaged."

The interviewer wants to hear: "When obstacles pop up, how do you tackle them?" They want to see your problem-solving skills in action.

How to Answer:

Recruiters aim to assess how you manage stress and troubleshoot teaching online. We all know many challenges come with online teaching, from tech glitches to maintaining concentration or even trying to connect with disengaged students. How do you handle these situations?

So, show an example of a challenging situation and how you overcame it.

You might answer:
"Keeping students actively engaged is crucial in online teaching. I had a student once who seemed disinterested from the get-go. To combat this, I decided to kick off my classes with a game, giving her something to look forward to. This strategy grabbed her attention and set a positive tone for the rest of the classes."

In a remote teaching scenario, interviewers are particularly interested in how you inspire students to meet their educational goals. Encouraging others over video requires a dash more creativity than when you're teaching in person.

How to Answer:

Motivating your class hinges on personalizing your approach. You must demonstrate that you can engage in a virtual classroom while catering to students' needs and motivations. As our expert, Marika Boje, Global Recruitment Director at The Really Great Teacher Company, says, "You have to know your students, their strengths, and their weaknesses." So, your answer should reflect an individualized approach.

You might answer:
"Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for motivating students. I love rewarding students for their stellar performances. The rewards could be as simple as a compliment, a digital star, or a virtual sticker, depending on what each student enjoys receiving. These little moments of recognition keep them enthusiastic and eager to learn in the virtual environment."

This question gives the recruiter an insight into how others perceive you professionally. It's a chance to highlight the qualities that make you a great teacher and show the recruiter how you stand out.

How to answer:

These can mix your professional skills, personal characteristics, and teaching style that paint you as a team player amongst peers and a role model for students.

Prepare these and write down 3 traits for each category and have them on hand to list when asked the question – i.e.. 3 personal, team player, and role model traits. Ideas here could include being hard-working, solution-oriented, empathetic, and creative.

You might answer:
"Based on the feedback I've received, they would likely describe me as 'innovative,' due to my ability to incorporate new teaching methods and technology in the classroom. 'compassionate,' because I strive to understand and respond to the unique needs of each student. Lastly, 'resilient' as I have a proven track record of maintaining a positive attitude and finding solutions, even in challenging situations."

In an online setting, helping a shy student to participate can be a unique challenge. A recruiter wants to see your understanding of this situation and your methods of handling it effectively.

How to Answer:

Dealing with shy students requires a gentle and patient approach. Your answer should reflect your understanding of the importance of building trust, fostering a positive learning environment, and providing various opportunities for participation that suit different comfort levels.

You might answer:
"For a shy student, I'd aim to create a safe and supportive learning environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I believe in offering positive reinforcement to boost their confidence and gradually help them come out of their shell.

I would ensure that the activities and assignments are tailored to their interests, making participation less intimidating and more enjoyable. My ultimate goal would be to help the student understand that their voice and contributions are valuable.

This question allows you to connect your past experiences, skills, and achievements with the expectations and requirements of the role you're applying for.

How to Answer:

Here teaching recruiters are looking to learn more about your qualifications and experience, particularly in online teaching jobs you've previously had. Give examples of situations from your experience that demonstrate your skill set. Use examples that you're proud of and can show that you understand the online teaching environment and know how to excel in it.

You might answer:
"Throughout my career as an online teacher, I've developed various strategies to ensure I truly understand and support my students. For instance, I have consistently used (insert a real-life example here) to help my students grasp complex concepts. In addition, I've adopted various tools like (mention the online technology tools you use) to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. My ability to connect with students personally, combined with my technical skills, has proven successful in promoting student engagement and achievement."

Believe it or not, this is often the most revealing part of the interview! It's a chance to show that you've done your homework on the company and express genuine interest in the role.

How to answer:

After doing proper research, prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Aim for a mix of questions about the specifics of the position, the company culture, and the broader industry landscape.

Here are a few examples, but be sure to tailor your questions to your interests and the specifics of the job:

1. What qualities make an online teacher successful here?
2. What drew you to work here and keeps you motivated?
3. How does the company support professional development and growth for its online teachers?
4. What's the company's philosophy on integrating technology into the learning process?
5. Could you share any insights about parent involvement in your online learning program?
6. How much flexibility do I have in using my own unique teaching methods vs what’s prescribed?

Remember, the goal is to engage in a meaningful conversation and better understand what working in this role and for this company would be like.

Over here, we do things a little differently. Our hiring managers look beyond the usual qualifications and experience. Landing an interview with us means we've checked out your qualifications and reviewed your application with a completed questionnaire and short introduction video, collectively revealing your potential to us.

In our 30-minute initial interview, we dive deeper, looking for the real you and, crucially, seek teachers who align with our purpose and embody our unique leadership DNA.

In addition to this, we assess:

• Your interpersonal skills
• Teaching and tech prowess
• Motivation for teaching
• Why you specifically want this work-from-home job with our company

1) Language Proficiency & Communication Skills

Our recruitment team expects ESL teachers to have a native level of English proficiency to teach. During the interview, we'll assess your overall command of the language and communication skills.

"We're looking for positive people to explain concepts clearly and concisely," says Sooprayen.

2) Teaching Skills & Experience

While a background in ESL teaching will get you noticed. We're also scouting for fresh talent brimming with passion for the English language. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just earned your teaching stripes, we're excited to hear your story!

Our hiring managers are keen to uncover your experience in:

• Past teaching roles
• Private tutoring
• Age groups taught
• Virtual classroom experience
• Sports Coaching
• Mentoring

Your secret weapon? A proven ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles and creative tactics to keep students on the edge of their seats. Think about:

• How do you manage and problem-solve in online classrooms?
• How organized are you and adept at managing your time efficiently?
• How have you demonstrated cultural sensitivity in previous work experiences?
• How will you support student growth and achievement?

3) Tech Skills

Online teaching requires general computer literacy, and you'll need to master:

• Different online learning platforms
• Video conferencing skills
• Organizing your timetable
• Troubleshooting tech issues

We want to know what types of software you're skilled with. So, share examples of your tech prowess. For instance, have you ever solved a student's tech issue on the fly?

4) Positive Attitude

A positive can-do mindset is your superpower in online English teaching. We want to learn about your reasoning and logic and how you approach potential hiccups. Our teachers can work independently and form a rapport with their students.

It starts with strong interpersonal skills. Active listening, empathy, and patience are essential when connecting with students of different backgrounds and learning stages.

Adaptability and flexibility are your dynamic duo. They'll set you apart as you:

• Tailor lesson plans according to students' needs
• Utilize a range of teaching methodologies
• Navigate tech glitches

Time management skills are your compass. Being punctual for classes, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks is crucial to your success in online teaching.

Finally, your problem-solving skills and adaptability make you a true online teaching superhero. Meeting unexpected challenges head-on and innovating creative solutions show your strength and capability.

"At The Really Great Teacher Company, we believe we can guide you to become a more effective teacher, but genuine care for students—now that's something innate. We want to see you shine with it!" Boje shares.

Remember these themes when you prepare for your teaching interview and look for opportunities to communicate them whenever possible—especially when answering these frequent questions. Your authenticity, backed by these skills, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Our step-by-step recruitment process ensures we select the best for our teaching team. Here's an overview of our hiring steps:

1. Pre-Interview Questionnaire: Kickstart your journey with a questionnaire that’s submitted along with your qualifications. This step gives us insight into your qualifications, experiences, aspirations, and if you meet the minimum technical requirements.
2. Personal Introduction Video: Your platform to introduce yourself, showcase your personality, and express your passion for teaching. Submit a short introduction video of 60 seconds and let your enthusiasm shine through.
3. Application Review: We give a thorough assessment of each application. Only those candidates who align with our qualifications and experience criteria make it to the interview phase.
4. Initial Interview: If your application ticks all the boxes, you'll be doing an initial 30-minute interview with our recruitment team. We get to know you better to understand your compatibility with the position you applied for, as well as our teaching approach.
5. Live Lesson Demonstration: It's showtime! Conduct a live teaching demo to let us observe your teaching style, student interaction, and command over the subject matter, as well as putting all the technical requirements to the test.
6. Secondary Language Interview (if applicable): A secondary interview in that specific language will occur if you're applying for a foreign language teaching position. This step assesses your language proficiency and teaching capability in the target language.

Each step of this journey offers us a clearer picture of your potential role in our company.

We seek candidates armed with the following relevant education and qualifications:

• Typically, a bachelor's degree is a must
• Along with a completed 120-hour ESL certificate: TEFL, TESOL, TEYL, or CELTA
• Must be computer literate
• Cannot have a criminal record

Our recruiters will also do their due diligence during the interview process to see if you meet the minimum technical requirements to teach English online. Come prepared with the following:

• Fiber - minimum 20 Mbps upload and download speed
• PC Specs - minimum Processor 2Ghz, 4CPU
• PC Specs - minimum RAM 8GB
• Backup power supply to mitigate any power failures (in countries with inconsistent power supply)
• HD Web Camera
• Noise-cancelling headset

With your dynamic personality and our interview tips, you're set to conquer the world of online teaching! We're not just looking for teachers; we're scouting for digital trailblazers ready to shape minds across the globe. So, practice those interview questions, and get ready to inspire us with your passion for online education.

Finally, don't forget to review our English teacher interview tips to ace it truly—best of luck with your application!