Virtual UK Job Interviews- Making a Good Impression

How do you make a good impression in a teaching interview

Making a great impression in a teaching interview, as an overseas trained teacher is about showing that you’re competent, caring, and confident—but not arrogant. At Teach in we are teacher and so we are in the perfect position to help you prepare and do well when you are speaking to British schools. Each vacancy we present to you will have information about the school, area, teaching subject and then you are given a comprehensive 1:1 prep session and lots of helpful written information and links to review.

When you are interviewing via video link with a British school leader we suggest the following:

Make sure you have tested your equipment, and it is set up so you are sitting squarely in the frame and not down at the screen. Interviews generally happen via Teams or Zoom.
Make sure you have a clean, quiet space to interview in. It needs to be quiet and a plain wall is best as a backdrop.
Make sure you are wearing formal interview-wear and know the names of the people who will be interviewing you. Make sure the computer is level with your head and you are not looking down at the camera.
As you are not face-to-face it is even more important to show a genuine enthusiasm for your interviewers and the job you are going for. Keep the energy high.

Before you interview, you will be offered a school-specific one-to-one interview preparation session with an experienced UK teacher/ consultant. We want to help you really make a great impression.

When interviewing for a UK teaching job, you want to demonstrate that you’re someone who will contribute positively to the school, engage students effectively, and fit well into the team.

Here’s how to do that:

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Research the School

Check the website, Ofsted report, values/vision, curriculum, and recent news. We will send you this information prior to interview.
Know what makes them unique (e.g., a focus on SEN, diversity, the arts, or behaviour systems).
Prepare for Key Questions

Be ready to answer:

“Why do you want to work here?”
“How do you manage behaviour?”
“How do you differentiate for varying needs?”
“How do you assess learning and progress?”
“Describe a successful lesson you’ve taught and why it worked.”
“Why are you planning to come to the UK?”
“How do you think you will cope working in a new education system?”

Practice answers that are clear, specific, and include examples.
Prepare Your Questions for Them

Good ones include:

“What support do new staff receive here, especially those from overseas?”
“How does the school encourage professional development?”
“How does the school handle pastoral care or wellbeing?”

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Make a Strong First Impression
Be warm, professional, and polite to everyone you meet (including receptionists and students).
Maintain open body language, make eye contact and SMILE!

Show Passion for Teaching

Speak positively about students and learning.
Show you care about inclusion, growth, and supporting all learners.
Show you have a real interest in working in the UK.

Be Real, Not Rehearsed

Structure answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Avoid rambling. Stick to clear, relevant points with examples from your practice.
Use real world examples from your time in the classroom.
Demonstrate Reflective Practice
If asked about a lesson that didn’t go well, own it and explain what you learned.
Show you’re teachable, not defensive.
Speak Like You’re Already on the Team
Use “we” when referring to schools, e.g., “We need to ensure students feel safe before they can learn.”
Refer to the school’s values and how you’d contribute to them.
Don’t be afraid to let them know if you would like to be part of the school and have the job. You can also ask when you may hear if you have been successful?

IF THERE’S A TRIAL LESSON

Make it student-centred, active, and differentiated.
Start with a clear objective and finish with a recap or mini-assessment.
Keep transitions smooth and behaviour expectations clear.
Use names if possible (have a seating plan or name tags).
Have a backup activity in case timing changes.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Reflect on what went well and what you could do better.

If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback—it shows maturity and helps you grow. We will always give you the support you need.

While good teachers come in many forms and styles, they tend to share some core qualities that consistently lead to strong relationships with students and effective learning environments. Here’s what good teachers typically have in common:

Professional Competence

Strong subject knowledge – They know their material inside and out and can explain it in different ways.
Skilled pedagogy – They understand how students learn and how to break complex ideas down clearly.
High expectations – They believe all students are capable of growth and push them to meet their potential.

Relational Strengths

Genuine care for students – Students feel seen, safe, and respected in their classroom.
Emotional intelligence – They can read the room, manage conflict, and adapt to emotional needs.
Cultural awareness – They respect and reflect the diverse backgrounds of their students.
Classroom Management
Consistency – They set fair, clear boundaries and routines.
Calm authority – They maintain control without shouting or intimidation.
Responsiveness – They can redirect behaviour quickly without disrupting the flow of learning.

Reflective Practice

Self-awareness – They reflect on what’s working, seek feedback, and adjust.

Lifelong learners – They’re always trying to get better, whether through CPD, collaboration, or research.

Problem-solvers – They adapt quickly when things don’t go to plan.

Practical Habits

Organisation – They plan lessons thoughtfully and manage their time well.

Clear communication – They give instructions and explanations that are easy to follow.

Adaptability – They adjust content and approach to suit different students’ needs and levels.

Student-Centered Mindset

Empowerment over control – They build independence and confidence in learners.

Engagement – They make learning relevant, interesting, and fun.

Feedback – They give timely, constructive feedback that helps students grow.

We help all our teachers prepare for their UK teaching interviews. We offer lots of information on the school, area and teaching area. Our service for teachers is free!

Back to news