Assalammualaikum to dear readers. I make this blog just to put up my experience in Foundation in Tesl's interview since I realize that this experience is indeed valuable and needed to be shared to the upcoming generations that are interested in taking this course in the future. Like any other bloggers who post out about this particular topic, I'll be doing the same thing- I'll tell you about:
1) Documents needed for the interview
2) Preparations
3) Clothing
4) A place to stay for the night (for those who are going to have their interview in UiTM Pasir Gudang)
5) Writing test and also the holy interview.
I'm not sure if this will help you or not but I do hope that it will help you in someways, tho. So, let's move on.
The first thing you need to do once you are being called for the interview is preparing the documents that are requested by UiTM. Print two copies of each documents as a precaution measure. Anything can happen so it's better to be prepared then to regret it later on. For the requested documents, you do not need to put them in your clear file or any other file. Just keep and clip them together. They'll ask for these documents during the interview (just before they begin the interview session). Also for your school certificates, make a copy and please separate the original certificates from the photocopied certificates. Put them in two different files. There'll be two interviewers so it will make it easy for them to go through your certificates this way. I'm not sure if this is a mandatory rule or not but it will be wiser for you to get your school to verify the copies of your certificates (including your SPM result copy certificate). I'm going to be honest with you guys in this section- the interviewers will not flip through your certificate file one by one, only the first few pages. I swear. If your certificates aren't as many as the others, don't worry. The interviewers are not searching for those with shitloads of 'not-really-valuable-in-life' paper, they are looking for talented students who can speak and write in english. Resume? No, you do not need to prepare them unless you are required to.
The next thing I did was googling about 'Interview Asasi Tesl' to get information on what will happen on that certain day, what questions they might ask, how difficult the writing test is and I also did a little research about this course itself. Read tones of this kind of blogs, you may find some helpful while others, not so. Here, I list and give you the links of the blogs that I find very helpful.
1. Blogkarangan
2. theikhmalzikry
3. Lin O
4. Aku memang kerek.
List down all the frequently asked questions; tell me about yourself, why did you choose TESL, why did you want to be a teacher, current issues, current education issues and so on. You can get tones of such questions and perhaps sample answers through blog-walking. However, I suggest you to not hundred percent-ly copy their answers. Take the answers and improvise; add your own opinions or words. Don't forget to think about possible questions that the interviewers might ask. For example, if you say that you like to read or you are an avid-reader, there's a high chance that they will ask you about your favourite book(s). As a reminder, be honest and don't lie to the interviewers. If reading is not your hobby, don't say it is your favourite leisure time activity. You are going to regret your action when you are trapped by the interviewers' chain questions. One thing I realize is the questions that are going to be asked usually depends on your own answer on the previous question. So be wise when you are answering their first question!
Practice your speaking and writing skills, boys and girls. You may be good at writing or you may think that you can speak fluently. Like I said, anything can happen so you better be prepared. You might speak fluently when you are talking to your friends or family but do you think that you can speak that good when you are in front of the interviewers who have excellent english skills and years of english speaking practice? I'm not sure about you but I had a hard time speaking in English to my English teacher when I was in my schooling years. I can speak but because I know my english teacher's speaking skill is way better than me that I got scared and my brain went to its over thinking mode automatically. In the end, I was a stuttering mess in front of my english teacher, my grammars- oh God. So, what I did is practice writing- just write anything, a fanfic, a short story or a factual essay as long as you keep your brain working. Through this way, your hand will get use back to writing (I know, months of not holding a pen or pencil make your hands and fingers as stiff as wood) and your choice of words will not be limited as you keep your ideas flowing when you practice writing.
Find a friend who you can communicate with in english. This will help you brush up your rusty speaking skills. Or, you can create your answers for the questions you had jotted down earlier and memorise the answers. But beware, if you are using this method, make sure to memorise them perfectly or you can just memorise the important points. Memorising method are often used especially for the first question that the interviewer might (mostly) ask, 'tell me about yourself'. Reread your answers out loud several times until it doesn't sound scripted and fake.
I also used youtube to search for tips during interviews. You can search 'how to speak english fluently and confidently' and your desired video will pop out. I'm not sure if this is going to help you or not, it may be too late to tell you now but watching english speakers' youtube channel actually helps me in some aspects. It did not only train me to not depend on subtitles, it also improves both my pronunciations and listening skills. My favourite youtuber would be Conan Gray and Luke Korns. Sometimes I checked on Mikey as well. (But they all are Americans, so...) I also enjoy CSI series and Sherlock very much! Try watching them without stealing a glance at the subtitles down there.
Clothings- this is very important. People told you, us, every single one in the entire planet to not judge a book by its cover but let's face it guys, don't lie and be honest. When you are randomly searching for a novel to buy, you will pick up a book with a beautiful (according to your taste) cover, first! The same thing can be applied to this matter. First impression is very important so dress well!
Girls; wear baju kurung. For your scarfs, you are free to wear shawls or anything that you desire to wear except for too flashy clothing! Wear appropriate clothes! Remember, this is a formal interview. Formal shoes- dark colour shoes, leather if you have one.
Boys; wear your shirt and tie handsomely so. Plain tie is the best as it makes you look more serious and matured. Leather shoes, dark ones are good.
If your interview is at UiTM Pasir Gudang and you have no relative to sleep in for the night (if you come to Johor one day early like I did since my interview is in the morning), Hotel Amansari/ Amansari Resort is a good choice for you. It is just a few minutes drive to UiTM Pasir Gudang and the rooms provided are quite cheap.
Move on to the writing test! So, the writing test is divided into two sections. First, a comprehension with a number of high-level words (but if you are used to reading; novels with difficult words, informative magazines and doing MUET comprehension exercises, then you may find it moderate like I did). Next is writing a factual essay and the topic of the essay changes every year. Mine was 'ways to cope with stress' if I am not mistaken. Only two hundred and fifty words required for the essay. One hour is given to complete your writing test so use your time correctly and smartly. For writing test, I recommend you to do a few of MUET comprehension questions (if you have the time to, that is).
After writing test, interview is right a head. There were two panels and I was the first person in panel two. I was scared shitless when my name was called and was hella nervous when I felt all eyes locked on me. Before that, make sure your phone is on silent mode. We don't want any embarrassing and stupid things to happen during the interview session, do we? Next, knock the door before you open it and greet the interviewers politely with a smile. When they ask you for your files, hand them your files and sit down when they tell you so. Don't forget to bid a simple small 'thank you' after you are asked to be seated. Please don't cross your legs when you are sitting. Don't slouch or lean your back against the chair. Sit up straight, smile and look at your interviewers. I know it can be nerve-wrecking but you need to do so to show the interviewers that you are confident (although not that confident) with your abilities. Answer their questions slowly and surely! Do not rush or you'll be shitting yourself in front of them. Down here are the questions they asked me during the interview.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Assalammualaikum and a very good morning I bid to the interviewers. First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mia (not my real name, of course. I didn't plan to expose my personal life online). I'm from Muar, Johor. I graduated from Sultan Abu Bakar Girls' School. My hobbies are writing, reading, drawing and listening to music. I believe my strengths are my easy-going nature and my strong determination whereas my weakness would be solving mathematic problems (don't judge me, people. Maths hate me and I hate 'em too). Other's may find modern mathematics as an easy subject but for me, I find it difficult. However, with my extra effort in self-study, I manage to earn myself an A for this subject in my SPM, thankfully. My ambition is to be a novelist. That's all.
Q: Mia, you said that your ambition is to be a novelist. In your opinion, what are the qualities required to be a novelist?
A: I personally think that the most important quality needed to be a novelist is the ability to describe feelings through words. A novelist needs to use powerful and precise words to touch the readers' heart and to give a message to their readers through their work. Of course, if you want to be a
novelist, you must be excellent in english if you want to write an english novel and malay if you want to write a malay novel. The third quality required is the ability to create a character that is realistic and close to the targeted readers. The characters need to be 'real' so the readers could relate and understand and enjoy the story well.
Q: How do you think TESL will help you become a novelist?
A: I believe this course will help me improve my english language with it's provided subjects. (there's more but I could hardly remember what I spouted out at this moment, am sorry)
Q: Do you have any of your stories or work published online?
A: Yes I have.
Q: Do you published it on your blog?
A: No, I published my works on a website called AFF (those who knows this website, please don't look for me) for free. I have been publishing my works since 2009.
Q: So it is a fanfic?
A: Yes it is.
Q: What do you know about TESL
A: (boys and girls, I was too embarrassed to put my answer on here because I totally went blank at this question. I KNOW the answer but it's just... shit happens, okay? So I stuttered a lot and my answers are all questionable and stupid so leave it alone!)
Q: What current issues did you know about?
A: Well, of course it is about the famous GST issues.
Q: What is GST?
A: GST is a tax- Government Service Tax that requires all Malaysians to pay for the goods and services. The percentage of GST in Malaysia is the lowest among other GST oriented countries that is 6%.
Q: What do you think about GST?
A: I personally support GST (I'm being honest, this is what I truly feel about GST) because there are a lot of benefits when the government introduce this new tax yet there is a bad side of GST. The good part is everyone needs to pay for this tax which actually provides equality and fairness among Malaysians. Only 8% out of hundred thousands of Malaysian's workers were required to pay the government tax using the old tax system and I believe that is unfair and absurd especially to a democracy-system country. Next, it increase the country's income which will help in the country's development. However, GST causes some goods to experience hike in price and this will burden the poor people.
(Okay, this is exactly what I said but, I stutter during the hike in price part so, blehh)
I came out of the interview room after six minutes. Damn fast right? Everyone was like 'holy sheit, cepat gila minah ni keluar.' Hahaha. But it's good to be the first because right after the interview, I can go back, home sweet home, honey.
I passed this interview, thankfully. Thank God. Now I'm waiting to start my new life as a foundation in TESL student. Wish me luck.
For those who are planning to take Foundation in TESL, go for it! Give it your best. Boys, please, we need more males in our courses. Tell ya what, it's easier for boys to be accepted into this course compared to girls so c'mere and join TESL.
1) Documents needed for the interview
2) Preparations
3) Clothing
4) A place to stay for the night (for those who are going to have their interview in UiTM Pasir Gudang)
5) Writing test and also the holy interview.
I'm not sure if this will help you or not but I do hope that it will help you in someways, tho. So, let's move on.
The first thing you need to do once you are being called for the interview is preparing the documents that are requested by UiTM. Print two copies of each documents as a precaution measure. Anything can happen so it's better to be prepared then to regret it later on. For the requested documents, you do not need to put them in your clear file or any other file. Just keep and clip them together. They'll ask for these documents during the interview (just before they begin the interview session). Also for your school certificates, make a copy and please separate the original certificates from the photocopied certificates. Put them in two different files. There'll be two interviewers so it will make it easy for them to go through your certificates this way. I'm not sure if this is a mandatory rule or not but it will be wiser for you to get your school to verify the copies of your certificates (including your SPM result copy certificate). I'm going to be honest with you guys in this section- the interviewers will not flip through your certificate file one by one, only the first few pages. I swear. If your certificates aren't as many as the others, don't worry. The interviewers are not searching for those with shitloads of 'not-really-valuable-in-life' paper, they are looking for talented students who can speak and write in english. Resume? No, you do not need to prepare them unless you are required to.
The next thing I did was googling about 'Interview Asasi Tesl' to get information on what will happen on that certain day, what questions they might ask, how difficult the writing test is and I also did a little research about this course itself. Read tones of this kind of blogs, you may find some helpful while others, not so. Here, I list and give you the links of the blogs that I find very helpful.
1. Blogkarangan
2. theikhmalzikry
3. Lin O
4. Aku memang kerek.
List down all the frequently asked questions; tell me about yourself, why did you choose TESL, why did you want to be a teacher, current issues, current education issues and so on. You can get tones of such questions and perhaps sample answers through blog-walking. However, I suggest you to not hundred percent-ly copy their answers. Take the answers and improvise; add your own opinions or words. Don't forget to think about possible questions that the interviewers might ask. For example, if you say that you like to read or you are an avid-reader, there's a high chance that they will ask you about your favourite book(s). As a reminder, be honest and don't lie to the interviewers. If reading is not your hobby, don't say it is your favourite leisure time activity. You are going to regret your action when you are trapped by the interviewers' chain questions. One thing I realize is the questions that are going to be asked usually depends on your own answer on the previous question. So be wise when you are answering their first question!
Practice your speaking and writing skills, boys and girls. You may be good at writing or you may think that you can speak fluently. Like I said, anything can happen so you better be prepared. You might speak fluently when you are talking to your friends or family but do you think that you can speak that good when you are in front of the interviewers who have excellent english skills and years of english speaking practice? I'm not sure about you but I had a hard time speaking in English to my English teacher when I was in my schooling years. I can speak but because I know my english teacher's speaking skill is way better than me that I got scared and my brain went to its over thinking mode automatically. In the end, I was a stuttering mess in front of my english teacher, my grammars- oh God. So, what I did is practice writing- just write anything, a fanfic, a short story or a factual essay as long as you keep your brain working. Through this way, your hand will get use back to writing (I know, months of not holding a pen or pencil make your hands and fingers as stiff as wood) and your choice of words will not be limited as you keep your ideas flowing when you practice writing.
Find a friend who you can communicate with in english. This will help you brush up your rusty speaking skills. Or, you can create your answers for the questions you had jotted down earlier and memorise the answers. But beware, if you are using this method, make sure to memorise them perfectly or you can just memorise the important points. Memorising method are often used especially for the first question that the interviewer might (mostly) ask, 'tell me about yourself'. Reread your answers out loud several times until it doesn't sound scripted and fake.
I also used youtube to search for tips during interviews. You can search 'how to speak english fluently and confidently' and your desired video will pop out. I'm not sure if this is going to help you or not, it may be too late to tell you now but watching english speakers' youtube channel actually helps me in some aspects. It did not only train me to not depend on subtitles, it also improves both my pronunciations and listening skills. My favourite youtuber would be Conan Gray and Luke Korns. Sometimes I checked on Mikey as well. (But they all are Americans, so...) I also enjoy CSI series and Sherlock very much! Try watching them without stealing a glance at the subtitles down there.
Clothings- this is very important. People told you, us, every single one in the entire planet to not judge a book by its cover but let's face it guys, don't lie and be honest. When you are randomly searching for a novel to buy, you will pick up a book with a beautiful (according to your taste) cover, first! The same thing can be applied to this matter. First impression is very important so dress well!
Girls; wear baju kurung. For your scarfs, you are free to wear shawls or anything that you desire to wear except for too flashy clothing! Wear appropriate clothes! Remember, this is a formal interview. Formal shoes- dark colour shoes, leather if you have one.
Boys; wear your shirt and tie handsomely so. Plain tie is the best as it makes you look more serious and matured. Leather shoes, dark ones are good.
If your interview is at UiTM Pasir Gudang and you have no relative to sleep in for the night (if you come to Johor one day early like I did since my interview is in the morning), Hotel Amansari/ Amansari Resort is a good choice for you. It is just a few minutes drive to UiTM Pasir Gudang and the rooms provided are quite cheap.
Move on to the writing test! So, the writing test is divided into two sections. First, a comprehension with a number of high-level words (but if you are used to reading; novels with difficult words, informative magazines and doing MUET comprehension exercises, then you may find it moderate like I did). Next is writing a factual essay and the topic of the essay changes every year. Mine was 'ways to cope with stress' if I am not mistaken. Only two hundred and fifty words required for the essay. One hour is given to complete your writing test so use your time correctly and smartly. For writing test, I recommend you to do a few of MUET comprehension questions (if you have the time to, that is).
After writing test, interview is right a head. There were two panels and I was the first person in panel two. I was scared shitless when my name was called and was hella nervous when I felt all eyes locked on me. Before that, make sure your phone is on silent mode. We don't want any embarrassing and stupid things to happen during the interview session, do we? Next, knock the door before you open it and greet the interviewers politely with a smile. When they ask you for your files, hand them your files and sit down when they tell you so. Don't forget to bid a simple small 'thank you' after you are asked to be seated. Please don't cross your legs when you are sitting. Don't slouch or lean your back against the chair. Sit up straight, smile and look at your interviewers. I know it can be nerve-wrecking but you need to do so to show the interviewers that you are confident (although not that confident) with your abilities. Answer their questions slowly and surely! Do not rush or you'll be shitting yourself in front of them. Down here are the questions they asked me during the interview.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Assalammualaikum and a very good morning I bid to the interviewers. First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mia (not my real name, of course. I didn't plan to expose my personal life online). I'm from Muar, Johor. I graduated from Sultan Abu Bakar Girls' School. My hobbies are writing, reading, drawing and listening to music. I believe my strengths are my easy-going nature and my strong determination whereas my weakness would be solving mathematic problems (don't judge me, people. Maths hate me and I hate 'em too). Other's may find modern mathematics as an easy subject but for me, I find it difficult. However, with my extra effort in self-study, I manage to earn myself an A for this subject in my SPM, thankfully. My ambition is to be a novelist. That's all.
Q: Mia, you said that your ambition is to be a novelist. In your opinion, what are the qualities required to be a novelist?
A: I personally think that the most important quality needed to be a novelist is the ability to describe feelings through words. A novelist needs to use powerful and precise words to touch the readers' heart and to give a message to their readers through their work. Of course, if you want to be a
novelist, you must be excellent in english if you want to write an english novel and malay if you want to write a malay novel. The third quality required is the ability to create a character that is realistic and close to the targeted readers. The characters need to be 'real' so the readers could relate and understand and enjoy the story well.
Q: How do you think TESL will help you become a novelist?
A: I believe this course will help me improve my english language with it's provided subjects. (there's more but I could hardly remember what I spouted out at this moment, am sorry)
Q: Do you have any of your stories or work published online?
A: Yes I have.
Q: Do you published it on your blog?
A: No, I published my works on a website called AFF (those who knows this website, please don't look for me) for free. I have been publishing my works since 2009.
Q: So it is a fanfic?
A: Yes it is.
Q: What do you know about TESL
A: (boys and girls, I was too embarrassed to put my answer on here because I totally went blank at this question. I KNOW the answer but it's just... shit happens, okay? So I stuttered a lot and my answers are all questionable and stupid so leave it alone!)
Q: What current issues did you know about?
A: Well, of course it is about the famous GST issues.
Q: What is GST?
A: GST is a tax- Government Service Tax that requires all Malaysians to pay for the goods and services. The percentage of GST in Malaysia is the lowest among other GST oriented countries that is 6%.
Q: What do you think about GST?
A: I personally support GST (I'm being honest, this is what I truly feel about GST) because there are a lot of benefits when the government introduce this new tax yet there is a bad side of GST. The good part is everyone needs to pay for this tax which actually provides equality and fairness among Malaysians. Only 8% out of hundred thousands of Malaysian's workers were required to pay the government tax using the old tax system and I believe that is unfair and absurd especially to a democracy-system country. Next, it increase the country's income which will help in the country's development. However, GST causes some goods to experience hike in price and this will burden the poor people.
(Okay, this is exactly what I said but, I stutter during the hike in price part so, blehh)
I came out of the interview room after six minutes. Damn fast right? Everyone was like 'holy sheit, cepat gila minah ni keluar.' Hahaha. But it's good to be the first because right after the interview, I can go back, home sweet home, honey.
I passed this interview, thankfully. Thank God. Now I'm waiting to start my new life as a foundation in TESL student. Wish me luck.
For those who are planning to take Foundation in TESL, go for it! Give it your best. Boys, please, we need more males in our courses. Tell ya what, it's easier for boys to be accepted into this course compared to girls so c'mere and join TESL.
Hey it's me from akumemangkerek blogspot. Great article you have here on Asasi Tesl's interview & have fun being a tesl student!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I would like to thank you for the tips and all that you have posted in your blog! It's really helpful! Oh and thank you!
ReplyDelete