5 Simple Tips to Get Hired with VIPKid
With any job, knowing the process for getting hired is half the battle! Today, I’m giving you 5 tips that will help you breeze through the VIPKid interview, pass your VIPKid demo lesson with flying colors, and ultimately pass your mock classes, and get hired with VIPKid.
How to Get Hired with VIPKid
1. Use Google Chrome
There are only certain web browsers that will work with the VIPKid teaching platform because there are specific features that browsers like Safari (for Mac users) won’t support. So as a prospective teacher, Google Chrome is the best browser to use during the hiring process.
Using Chrome as your browser from the beginning of the application process will make your VIPKid interview and mock classes so much easier. You won’t have to try to figure out a new browser in addition to all of the new things you will be experiencing during the VIPKid Demo lesson, Mock lessons, etc.
While Chrome isn’t my favorite browser to use daily, I made sure to get familiar with it so that I wasn’t facing a VIPKid failed interview simply for my inability to use Chrome. And I definitely didn’t want to find out that I was a perfect candidate, but VIPKid didn’t hire me because of my lack of computer skills!
2. Practice with FaceTime/Skype
One of the hardest parts about applying and interviewing to be a VIPKid teacher is getting used to seeing yourself on camera. The idea of having to interact with a computer screen is very daunting to most people. In fact, this is one of the biggest deterrent for many potential VIPKid applicants.
However, there are ways to overcome this.
Simply open your FaceTime or Skype App and practice. This is the perfect way to get comfortable seeing yourself without actually making a video call.
Yes, it’s strange…especially at first!!
In fact, when I was going through the process, I was 100% “Awkward, party of one!”
But as with anything, forcing yourself to get in front of the camera will help you to move past some of the awkwardness and find more confidence. The truth is that if you want to get hired with VIPKid, you’re going to have to get used to seeing yourself on camera.
So set yourself up for success by practicing your TPR and interactions ahead of time.
3. Left is Right and Right is Left
Because your camera is projecting a mirror image, left is actually right and right is left. (This is another reason you want to practice in front of your computer camera.)
There is nothing worse than reaching for your reward system only to realize that you aren’t even using the correct hand. Yes, I’ve done it, and honestly, I still have to think about it when I’m in class.
But simply giving yourself time to practice in front of a camera without anyone critiquing you will give you more confidence when it comes time to go through the VIPKid demo lesson and mock classes.
4. Use Lots of Light
Another important factor if you want to get hired with VIPKid is appropriate lighting. If you can’t be seen by the person interviewing you, how are the kids going to see you when you start teaching classes?
The good thing is there’s an easy way to overcome this issue. For purposes of your demo and mock classes, just bring all of the lamps from around your house into the room you’re going to be teaching from.
Then, with your camera open (with FaceTime or Skype) turn on the different lamps, and position yourself as though you were in the VIPKid demo or mock class. Look for any odd shadows across your face, and be sure to notice any reflections that might appear if you wear glasses.
If you do notice any issues, you can do a few things that will help.
- Remove the shade from your lamp to provide more light.
- Wrap the lightbulb with parchment paper to diffuse the harsh light pointing at your face.
- Reposition the location of the lamp(s).
- Add more lamps if necessary.
Remember, this is just a temporary solution until you get hired with VIPKid. Then you can find better alternatives to your lighting situation.
5. Put Post-it Notes Around Your Screen
This is by far my favorite on this list of tips to help you get hired with VIPKid. Other than the awkwardness of being on camera, the most nerve-wracking part of the application and interview process is trying to remember all of the little things.
Between virtual stars, secondary reward systems, props, and nervousness, forgetting something is highly likely. So to avoid this, simply write yourself notes on little post-its and place them around your computer screen.
The interviewer won’t see them, but you will!!
This will help you remember to click the virtual stars and high five your “student.”
Before I completed my VIPKid demo lesson and mock class, I placed small post-its all around the edges of my computer. I chose to put them in order based on when I needed to remember them. By the time I actually did my mock class, I think I had about 8 or 10 notes in front of me to jog my memory!!
Yes, I know how ridiculous it sounds, but it worked! I’ve been teaching with VIPKid for a long time and I plan to continue working with them for years to come.
Ready to Apply?
Now that you have some great tips to help you get hired with VIPKid, you simply need to take a leap of faith and apply!
And if you use my referral code, JENNI0309, I will be your personal mentor throughout the entire hiring process. I will be available to answer any questions you might have and provide you with even more VIPKid demo tips and helpful hints!
Plus, I have a VIPKid starter set of FREE printables including flashcards, a reward system, and background banners that will help you stand out in your interview and mock classes.
But, you can only get them by using my unique referral code JENNI0309.
Simply the link below to get started!!
If you want to read more about VIPKid, you can check out these posts.