I applied online. I interviewed at EF (Education First) (Boston, MA) in Apr 2017
Interview
First off, I have been in the ESL field for over 10 years. I coordinate an intensive ESL program at my college and teach ESL online and at my college. I have also run ESL summer camps and taught at several abroad. I am also involved in several professional development organizations for ESL and international education. In sum, I am VERY EXPERIENCED. I applied for EF because my college, like many, has a dip in enrollment during the summer months, and EF was holding a camp at a nearby campus. I like to keep myself busy, and even though I was already aware of EF's very bad reputation in the field of ESL and international education, including a lawsuit that was brought on by former employees, I applied because it was a temporary job and a way to keep myself busy for a few weeks. I was well aware that I would be paid way under what I and most teachers are worth. The first part of the interview was a video interview and the second was a 30+ minute Skype interview. The woman giving the interview was incredibly condescending and acted like she knew so much about the field of ESL and pedagogy, which if she actually did she would not be working in the for-profit education sector, which is looked down upon in the field of education as where you get experience only. Real professionals work at a college or university. She was very know-it-all about pedagogy, and some of her statements were contrary to current theories in the field. But I was not going to contradict her, nor was I going to undersell what I knew as someone very involved with the field. Thus, EF lives up to their reputation as a company that tries to act like they know everything and treating potential candidates in a patronizing manner. I would rather get paid the same or more teaching online than be subjected to this treatment from know-it-alls who are working at a for-profit educational company.
The interview was okay, The lady was really nice. But unfortunately I did not get an offer. The interview took about 20 minutes. She wanted to know about my experience and teaching philosophy.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What are the challenges you faced when teaching young students
The ESL interview typically is Online with Academic Director. Easy straightforward questions. No teaching demo. Situational questions to assess classroom management skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Even if you don't have teaching experience, there is a high chance to land ESL job there.
I interviewed at EF (Education First) (Shanghai, Shanghai)
Interview
Easiest interview I've had, they talked more as if I already had the job. Asking questions like where in china did I want to be. Don't stress, just be relaxed and talk about why you want to teach and why you want to live in china.
