TESL INTERVIEW

Hi! I’m back with another entry about my interview’s experience. (janganlah bosan aku asyik duk cakap pasal interview je ye xD)

So this was my very first ever interview (before interview IPG) so I remembered how agitated I was. The interview was divided by two parts: writing and speaking test. For writing test, basically it is the same with SPM format but after months of not having any rigorous mental exercise, oh mann my grammar were all messed up. 

Every candidate was given 2 foolscap papers to fill in objective’s answers and an essay. The question paper consists of 15 objective’s questions and one essay question.

Alhamdulillah the questions were not that tough. Objective’s question must be answered based on news or articles. There are few of bombastic words that I can’t recall at that time but oh well I just try my best huhu while for essay question I got a topic on ‘what to prepare before going to a University’ I was so glad when I read the question. Everything went well in an hour time.

After the time has finished, our papers will be collected. All candidates will go to their respective interview room according to their panel number. We were also given our number’s turn. Having my name starts with a ‘W’, I was one of the last candidates :'(

Skip the waiting part, there comes my turn (finally). When I entered the small room, I smiled awkwardly and headed toward my panel. My panel was only consisted of 2 persons. Both are female. Okay so here is the rule: PLEASE DO SIT ONLY WHEN THE INTERVIEWER ASKS YOU TO DO SO. My chair is quite distance from the panel’s desk so I must be very formal and act politely. Every movement I made was being judged hardly.

So here are some of the questions I was being asked during the intense session (at least that I remember):-

1.       Tell me about yourself (as cliché as it might sound)

2       Why do you take TESL

I told them about my passion in learning English, I want to become an English teacher just like my mother blablabla

3.       What is your plan in your future

I gave them a brief chronology event that will happen in 5 years’ time

Then one of the interviewers who looked up on my certificates asked “you said that you are into English so much, but how come you did not enter the English Club at your school?’’

Bang. I feel like wow I have been attacked. She sounds so sarcastic though haha. I took a deep breath and explained slowly. I really love to do calligraphy and I would like to sharpen my passion more. I learned a lot during my tutorial class and I got the chance to attend much calligraphy competition and even won some of them. She smiled and seemed satisfied by my answer.

4.       What is the current issue?

At that time, Malaysia was still shocked about the missing flight MH370 and Alhamdulillah I read that day’s news about it and the contents were still fresh in my mind so I get to answer this question fluently.

Again, from my certificates, one of the interviewers asked me “you seemed like you have read a lot of novels and books. Mind sharing with us one of your favourite novels?”

So I picked a novel entitled ‘Left Overs’ by Stella Newman and gave a brief summary about what the novel has left an impact on me.

As far as I remembered, I think that were all the questions that have been asked. Honestly, I was glad that they focused more on what I presented on my certificates rather than asking me about minister, education and government stuff. Last but not least before I went out, I asked them a question (this is one of the tricks too to gain their attention more and to show our determination)

So to finalize this, the interview just took time about 15 minutes (for me), but the long wait makes you nervous. Don’t be introvert, talk to others and do share some ideas or tips that might help them and you as well.

Results were out and Alhamdulillah I was accepted for Foundation of TESL in UiTM Shah Alam for a year (one of the best moments in my life)

Hope your interview will go out smoothly and I pray nothing but the best for you J