In the first part of this three-part guide on landing your first ESL teaching job, we explored where your TKT certification is recognized, how to find promising job opportunities, and ways to craft strong resumes and cover letters. In the second part, I’ll guide you through the application process—from researching potential employers and tracking your applications to succeeding in both in-person and virtual interviews.
- The Application Process
- Preparing for Interviews
- Common ESL Teaching Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
- 1. “Tell us about yourself.”
- 2. “Why do you want to teach ESL?”
- 3. “What is your teaching philosophy?”
- 4. “How would you handle [specific classroom scenario]?”
- 5. “What do you know about our school?”
- 6. “Describe a lesson you would teach.”
- 7. “How do you handle classroom management?”
- 8. “What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?”
- 9. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
- 10. “Do you have any questions for us?”
- How to Prepare a Successful Demo Lesson for Your ESL Teaching Job
- Tips to Master Your Virtual ESL Teaching Job Interview
- What Should You Do After the ESL Teaching Job Interview
- Common ESL Teaching Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
The Application Process
You’ve found promising positions—now let’s make sure your applications for your ESL teaching job stand out.
How to Research Employers for better ESL Teaching Job Opportunities
Before applying anywhere, do your homework:
What to Look For:
- School website professionalism and information completeness
- Clear contact information and physical address
- Information about their teaching philosophy and curriculum
- Professional social media presence
- Accreditation or affiliations with recognized organizations
Check School Reviews:
- Google “[School Name] review” or “teacher review”
- Check glassdoor.com for employer reviews
- Search Reddit threads about teaching in that country
- Look for mentions in Facebook teaching groups
- Contact current or former teachers if possible
Red Flags:
- No physical address or contact information
- Brand new school with no track record
- Overly ambitious promises (huge salaries for minimal work)
- Pressure to apply immediately
- Requests for money upfront
- No clear information about contract terms
- Numerous negative reviews citing similar problems
Tailoring Your ESL Teaching Job Applications
Generic applications rarely succeed. Customize each one:
For Your CV:
- Adjust your professional summary to match the position
- Reorder skills to prioritize what they emphasize
- Use keywords from their job description
For Your Cover Letter:
- Research the school and mention specific details
- Address their stated needs directly
- Show you understand their student population
- Explain why you want to work for THEM specifically
Examples:
Generic: “I am interested in teaching English at your school.”
Tailored: “I am particularly drawn to [School Name]’s focus on communicative language teaching and your innovative use of project-based learning for young learners. Your commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention aligns perfectly with my student-centered teaching philosophy.”
How to Do a Strategic Follow Up
Strategic follow-up demonstrates enthusiasm without being annoying:
Timeline:
- Application submitted: Wait 1-2 weeks
- First follow-up: Brief, professional email
- If no response: Wait another 1-2 weeks
- Second follow-up: Very brief, final inquiry
- After that: Move on to other opportunities
Follow-Up Email Template:
Subject: Following Up – ESL Teacher Application
Dear [Name/Hiring Team],
I wanted to follow up on my application for the ESL Teacher position submitted on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity to join [School Name] and contribute to your English language programs.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I would be happy to answer any questions or provide further materials.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t call repeatedly
- Don’t email more than twice
- Don’t express frustration or impatience
- Don’t demand updates
- Don’t send follow-ups more frequently than every 2 weeks
How to Keep Track of ESL Teaching Job Opportunities You Applied
As you apply to multiple positions, stay organized:
Create a Tracking Spreadsheet:
| School Name | Position | Date Applied | Location | Salary | Follow-up Date | Status | Notes |
| ABC Academy | ESL Teacher | Oct 15 | Seoul, SK | $2000/mo | Oct 29 | Applied | Need to research more |
| XYZ School | Online Teacher | Oct 16 | Online | $18/hr | Oct 30 | Interview scheduled | Interview Oct 25 |
Information to Track:
- School/employer name
- Position title
- Date application sent
- Contact person and email
- Salary and benefits mentioned
- Required start date
- Application deadline
- Follow-up dates
- Current status (applied, interviewed, offered, rejected)
- Notes about the position or your research
This prevents you from accidentally double-applying, missing follow-ups, or losing track of promising opportunities.
Preparing for Interviews
You got an interview—congratulations! This is your chance to shine and show who you are beyond paper credentials.
Common ESL Teaching Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
1. “Tell us about yourself.”
What they’re really asking: Give us a professional overview and explain your journey to ESL teaching.
How to structure your answer:
- Start with your educational background
- Mention your TKT certification and what drew you to teaching
- Briefly touch on relevant experience or skills
- Express enthusiasm for this specific opportunity
- Keep it to 2-3 minutes
Example: “I hold a bachelor’s degree in [field] and recently earned my Cambridge TKT certification, achieving Band 4 in all core modules. What drew me to ESL teaching was [specific reason—perhaps your own language learning experience, or passion for cross-cultural communication]. Through my TKT studies, I developed a solid foundation in language teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management. I’ve been building practical experience through [tutoring/volunteering/online teaching], and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to [School Name].”
2. “Why do you want to teach ESL?”
What they’re really asking: Are you genuinely passionate about this, or is it just a job? Do you understand what teaching involves?
How to answer effectively:
- Be authentic—share your genuine motivation
- Connect to personal experience if relevant (learning languages yourself, cross-cultural experiences)
- Show you understand the impact of language teaching
- Avoid clichés like “I love working with people”
Example: “I’ve always been fascinated by how language opens doors—not just to communication, but to understanding different cultures and perspectives. When I was learning [second language], I experienced firsthand both the challenges and the incredible satisfaction of becoming fluent. That experience made me want to help others on their language learning journey. Through my TKT certification, I’ve gained the theoretical knowledge to understand how people learn languages, and I’m excited to apply that knowledge to help students achieve their goals, whether that’s studying abroad, advancing their careers, or simply connecting with others.”
3. “What is your teaching philosophy?”
What they’re really asking: Do you have a coherent approach to teaching? Have you thought seriously about this profession?
How to answer:
- Reference your TKT knowledge and specific methodologies
- Give concrete examples of what this looks like in practice
- Show you understand student-centered learning
- Keep it practical, not overly theoretical
Example: “My teaching philosophy centers on communicative language teaching—the belief that students learn best through meaningful interaction and authentic language use. I believe in creating student-centered classrooms where learners are actively engaged in their own learning process. This means balancing accuracy and fluency, providing structured practice while also creating opportunities for creative expression. I also believe strongly in creating a supportive learning environment where mistakes are viewed as natural steps in the learning process. Drawing from what I learned in TKT Module 3, I aim to use varied interaction patterns—pair work, group work, and individual tasks—to keep students engaged and maximize speaking opportunities.”
4. “How would you handle [specific classroom scenario]?”
Common scenarios they might present:
- A student who won’t participate
- Mixed-ability classes
- A disruptive student
- Students speaking L1 instead of English
- A lesson that’s going too quickly or too slowly
How to approach scenario questions:
- Use the situation-action-result framework
- Reference TKT knowledge where relevant
- Show you consider multiple factors
- Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving
Example (for reluctant participant): “First, I’d try to understand why the student isn’t participating—is it anxiety, lack of confidence, cultural factors, or genuine disengagement? If it’s anxiety or confidence issues, I’d create low-risk opportunities for participation, like pair work before whole-class sharing, or written responses before spoken ones. I might also assign them a specific role in group work where they must contribute, like timekeeper or note-taker, which gradually builds their confidence. I’d also speak with the student privately to understand their perspective and work together on strategies. If it’s a pattern of disengagement, I’d examine whether my materials are appropriate for their level and interests, and adjust accordingly.”
5. “What do you know about our school?”
What they’re really asking: Did you bother to research us, or are you mass-applying?
How to answer:
- Mention specific details from their website
- Show you understand their teaching philosophy or unique programs
- Explain why those aspects appeal to you
- Ask intelligent follow-up questions
Example: “I was really impressed by your school’s emphasis on project-based learning and your integration of technology in the classroom. I noticed on your website that you offer specialized exam preparation courses for Cambridge exams, which particularly interests me given my own Cambridge TKT certification—I understand the Cambridge framework and assessment criteria well. I also appreciate your commitment to small class sizes and personalized learning, which aligns with my belief that effective teaching requires understanding each student’s individual needs. I’d love to learn more about your teacher development program that you mention on your website—ongoing professional growth is very important to me.”
6. “Describe a lesson you would teach.”
What they’re really asking: Can you actually plan a lesson? Do you understand the ELT lesson cycle?
How to answer:
- Choose a specific level and skill/language point
- Walk through the stages logically (warmer, presentation, practice, production)
- Mention materials and interaction patterns
- Show you’ve thought about timing and objectives
Example: “I’d like to describe an intermediate-level speaking lesson on giving advice. The lesson aim would be for students to use various advice structures—should, could, why don’t you, how about—in natural conversation.
I’d start with a 5-minute warmer showing pictures of people with problems and eliciting what advice students might give, activating prior knowledge.
For the presentation stage (10 minutes), I’d present a listening dialogue where two friends discuss a problem and give advice, using different structures. Students would identify the advice phrases used, and I’d clarify form, meaning, and pronunciation on the board.
The practice stage (15 minutes) would include controlled practice—matching problems with advice using different structures—followed by freer practice in pairs where they role-play giving advice about provided situations.
For production (15 minutes), students would discuss real problems they face in small groups and give each other authentic advice, using the target language naturally. I’d monitor and note errors for delayed feedback.
Finally, a 5-minute cooler would involve feedback on good language use and addressing common errors, and students would reflect on which advice structures they find most useful.”
7. “How do you handle classroom management?”
What they’re really asking: Will you be able to maintain control and create an effective learning environment?
How to answer:
- Show you understand prevention is better than reaction
- Mention establishing routines and clear expectations
- Demonstrate you consider cultural and age factors
- Show flexibility in your approach
Example: “I believe effective classroom management starts with prevention—establishing clear routines, expectations, and a positive learning environment from day one. Drawing from TKT Module 3, I understand the importance of good lesson planning and pacing to keep students engaged, which prevents many behavior issues before they start.
I’d establish consistent routines for common activities, use clear signals for getting attention, and ensure instructions are always clear and checked. For younger learners, I’d incorporate movement and variety to match their energy levels. With adults, I’d create a professional but comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels respected.
When issues do arise, I’d first use non-verbal signals—eye contact, proximity, gestures—before verbal interventions. If a problem persists, I’d speak privately with the student to understand the root cause. I also believe in positive reinforcement—acknowledging and praising good behavior is more effective than only focusing on negative behavior.
Of course, I’d also familiarize myself with the school’s specific policies and seek guidance from experienced colleagues, especially when starting in a new cultural context where classroom norms might differ from what I’m used to.”
8. “What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?”
What they’re really asking: Are you self-aware? Can you honestly assess yourself?
How to answer strengths:
- Choose 2-3 genuine strengths relevant to teaching
- Provide brief examples or evidence
- Don’t be arrogant but don’t be falsely modest
How to answer weaknesses:
- Choose a real but not disqualifying weakness
- Show what you’re doing to improve
- Demonstrate growth mindset
Example: “My strengths include strong organizational skills and attention to detail, which I believe are crucial for effective lesson planning and materials preparation. I’m also genuinely enthusiastic about language learning, which I think is contagious—students respond well to a teacher who loves what they’re teaching. Additionally, my TKT studies gave me a solid theoretical foundation that helps me understand why certain approaches work and troubleshoot when they don’t.
In terms of areas for growth, I’d say classroom presence and confidence will develop with experience. While I have solid theoretical knowledge from my TKT, I’m aware that managing the dynamic, real-time aspects of a lesson—like knowing when to extend an activity versus when to move on, or thinking on my feet when something doesn’t go as planned—these skills will strengthen as I gain more practical experience. That’s why I’m eager to begin teaching in a supportive environment where I can learn from experienced colleagues and receive constructive feedback to accelerate my growth as an educator.”
9. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
What they’re really asking: Are you serious about this career? Will you stick around?
How to answer:
- Show commitment to the profession
- Mention professional development goals
- Balance ambition with loyalty
- Be honest but strategic
Example: “In five years, I see myself as an experienced and confident ESL teacher, possibly having earned additional qualifications like the Cambridge DELTA to deepen my expertise. I’m particularly interested in [specific area—exam preparation/young learners/materials development], and I’d love to develop specialist knowledge in that area. I also hope to be in a position where I’m mentoring newer teachers and contributing to curriculum development. Of course, my immediate goal is to establish myself as an effective teacher, learn from experienced colleagues, and really master the fundamentals of classroom teaching. I’m looking for an organization where I can grow long-term, and from what I’ve learned about [School Name], this seems like that kind of place.”
10. “Do you have any questions for us?”
What they’re really asking: Are you seriously interested? Do you understand what matters in this job?
Always have questions prepared. Never say “No, you’ve covered everything” even if they have.
Great questions to ask:
- “What does a typical day/week look like for teachers here?”
- “What kind of professional development opportunities do you offer?”
- “How do you support teachers in their first year?”
- “What are the biggest challenges your students typically face?”
- “Can you tell me about the teaching team I’d be working with?”
- “What resources and materials are provided versus what I’d need to create?”
- “How is teacher performance evaluated?”
- “What do you wish you’d known when you started teaching here?”
- “What makes your most successful teachers successful?”
Questions to avoid:
- Anything that was clearly stated in the job description
- Focusing only on benefits and time off
- Negative questions about problems at the school
- Questions that suggest you haven’t researched them
How to Prepare a Successful Demo Lesson for Your ESL Teaching Job
Many interviews include a teaching demonstration—typically 10-20 minutes where you teach a mini-lesson to the interview panel acting as students.
What to Expect:
- You’ll usually be given advance notice (a few days to a week)
- They may specify the level and topic, or let you choose
- The “students” (interviewers) may play their roles genuinely or just observe
- You’ll likely be asked to explain your rationale afterward
Planning Your Demo Lesson:
- Keep it simple and achievable
- Don’t try to cram too much into limited time
- Choose a clear, specific objective
- Ensure you can complete the full lesson cycle
- Make it engaging and interactive
- Include a variety of interaction patterns
- Use visual aids or realia (real objects)
- Get “students” actively involved immediately
- Show energy and enthusiasm
- Demonstrate your TKT knowledge
- Use clear stages (warmer/presentation/practice/production)
- Give clear, concept-checked instructions
- Use appropriate terminology
- Show good board work
- Prepare thoroughly
- Practice your lesson multiple times with friends/family
- Time yourself carefully
- Prepare all materials professionally
- Have a backup plan if something doesn’t work
- Common demo lesson topics:
- Present simple for routines (beginner)
- Comparative adjectives (elementary)
- Giving directions (pre-intermediate)
- Making suggestions (intermediate)
- Past perfect for storytelling (upper-intermediate)
- Functional language like apologizing, making requests, etc.
Demo Lesson Structure (15 minutes):
- Warmer (2 minutes): Engage and activate knowledge
- Presentation (4 minutes): Present target language clearly
- Practice (5 minutes): Controlled practice activity
- Production (3 minutes): Freer practice
- Wrap-up (1 minute): Quick review and praise
After Your Demo:
- Be prepared to explain your choices
- Discuss what you’d do differently with more time
- Accept feedback graciously
- Ask clarifying questions about their feedback
Common Demo Lesson Mistakes:
- Running out of time without completing the lesson
- Teacher talking too much
- Instructions unclear or not checked
- No interaction—just lecturing
- Materials unprepared or unprofessional
- Losing confidence and rushing
- Not adapting when something isn’t working
Tips to Master Your Virtual ESL Teaching Job Interview
Many first interviews are conducted online, especially for international positions.
Technical Preparation:
- Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone 24 hours before
- Use a professional background or blur your background
- Ensure good lighting (face the light source, not away from it)
- Close unnecessary programs to prevent notifications
- Have the interview link and any materials ready 15 minutes early
- Keep phone handy with interviewer’s contact info in case of technical failure
Professional Presentation:
- Dress professionally from head to toe (yes, even if they can’t see below the waist)
- Sit at a desk or table, not on a couch or bed
- Make “eye contact” by looking at the camera, not the screen
- Have notes handy but don’t obviously read from them
- Minimize hand gestures (they can be distracting on video)
- Sit still and maintain good posture
Environment:
- Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted
- Inform household members you’re interviewing
- Remove pets from the room
- Clear background clutter
- Consider a professional virtual background if your space is less than ideal
What Should You Do After the ESL Teaching Job Interview
Send a Thank-You Email Within 24 Hours:
Subject: Thank you – ESL Teacher Interview
Dear [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the ESL Teacher position at [School Name] yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about your programs and teaching philosophy, and I’m even more excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Our discussion about [specific thing mentioned in interview] particularly resonated with me, and I’m confident that my TKT certification and enthusiasm for student-centered teaching would allow me to make a positive impact.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing about the next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What to Do While Waiting:
- Continue applying to other positions (never put all eggs in one basket)
- If they gave you a timeline, wait until that date passes before following up
- Prepare yourself emotionally for either outcome
- Reflect on the interview—what went well? What would you improve?
That brings us to the end of Part 2 of this 3-Part series. Stay tuned for the next and final part where we will be diving into gaining work experience before and during the job search, negotiating job contract, and getting the teaching job offer.
Missed part 1 of the series? Read it here.
AceTheTKT helps thousands of trainee and experienced teachers with free TKT lessons to get qualified in Cambridge TKT. You may start with TKT Core Modules.
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