Hints & Tips


Stay in School

The selection team at Teach For Qatar approaches applications in a holistic manner. Academic information and responses to competency based questions are carefully read in their entirety and all carry the same weight towards the outcome of an application.


We are looking for people who exhibit a strong commitment to the Teach For Qatar mission and vision as well as knowledge and understanding of the Leadership Journey. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you learn about who we are and what we do. Our website is a great resource for learning more about Teach For Qatar. You can also visit Teach For All’s website to learn about the network and its partners.


Below are some general hints and tips we recommend you read before you start your application.


Prior to completing your application form please read the following carefully:

  • Please make sure you have read and understood the Entry Requirements and the Who We Look For sections on our website.
  • Have your transcript(s) on hand to enter your undergraduate cumulative GPA and other details from your academic history.
  • On your CV, you should highlight your academic and professional achievements and leadership experience. Academic achievements include your cumulative GPA, participation in honors programs, inclusion in dean’s lists, or other notable awards. Leadership can be displayed through a variety of experiences including extracurricular activities, work experience, managing teams, and more.
  • Don’t lie or exaggerate the truth: Never lie on your application form. You are likely to be discovered in the interview or later in the assessment process. If you are offered the role you will have to provide references and original certificates of your qualifications.

The Online Application

Remember, your application form is the first reflection we will have of you. Therefore, it is important to make your application stand out.

  • When answering the Online Application Form, clearly identify achievements. Use dates and numbers to support your answers and give sufficient detail.
  • When answering the short-answer competency based questions make sure you answer the questions with as much detail as necessary to illustrate your point. The word limit is 300 words, please try to reach this limit.
  • Remember, this is the first opportunity for you to tell us more about who you are. To ensure your answer is in line with the question, once you have written your answer, re-read the question. The question will clearly outline the competency or competencies we are looking for you to demonstrate so make sure to speak about these in your answer.
  • Teach For Qatar is looking for you to clearly illustrate any examples and task(s) you have personally undertaken. For this you need to clearly demonstrate the skills you developed in each role as they relate to the Teach For Qatar Leadership Journey. A useful tool is the STAR method:
    • S – Clearly explain the situation
    • T – Detail clearly the task(s) involved
    • A – Tell us about the actions you took and the skills you developed
    • R – What was the result of the actions you took or skills used?

Listed below are characteristics of ‘Not Acceptable’ versus ‘Exemplary’ answers. These may guide you to best answer the competency-based questions.

Not Acceptable

Exemplary

Responses are characterized by any of the following:

Does not answer the question and does not stay on topic

No clear point, there is no overarching argument or story line

Inadequate reasons, examples or details to explain ideas

Contains multiple errors in word usage, grammar, and sentence structure

Responses are characterized by all of the following:

Clearly answers application questions, makes a profound point, stays on topic

Has a logical and insightful flow of ideas

Clearly explains key ideas, supporting them with well chosen reasons, examples, or details

Chooses words carefully and correctly

Contains no errors in word usage, grammar, or sentence structure

Before you submit your application, make sure that there are no spelling mistakes in your application form or CV. We advise you to write your answers in a word document before copying and pasting them on to the form. Remember – read through each one of your answers at least twice before submitting the application.


The Phone Interview

The phone interview is an opportunity for you to speak with a representative of the Teach For Qatar selection team about your experiences and your interest in becoming a Fellow. During the interview you may be asked similar questions to those you answered in the online application. When possible, expand the answer you had previously provided.

For a smooth telephone interview we suggest the following:

  • Find a quiet space to conduct the interview.
  • Print your CV and keep it in front of you during the phone interview, so you can refer to it if needed.
  • Be on time for your phone interview appointment.
  • Applicants who are offered a phone interview will receive an email with further information and advice on how to prepare for this step of the application process.

The Assessment Day

The final step of our selection process is the Assessment Center. Assessment Centers run for a full day, and you will be informed of the date of your Assessment Center when appropriate.

The Assessment Center is composed of a number of activities that are designed to test different skills based on our core competencies. Make sure you are well rested, so you can be at your best throughout the day.

Although it may seem obvious, it is important to remember to be professional throughout the Assessment Center. For a reference of appropriate attire for the Assessment Day please refer to the lists below:

Men's Interview Attire

Women's Interview Attire

Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)

Neat, professional hairstyle

National Dress

Suit (navy, black or dark grey)

Conservative shoes

Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)

Professional hairstyle

Light makeup and perfume

National Dress

 

Make arrangements to arrive at the Assessment Center site on time, it is advisable that you be there 10 minutes before the start time.

Be yourself! When you’re relaxed and prepared, you’re most likely to put your best foot forward.

A week before your Assessment Center you will be emailed detailed information and guidance regarding the sample teaching lesson you are required to teach on the day. Once you know the subject of your lesson, make sure you give yourself time to prepare by doing your research, preparing any materials needed beforehand and practicing your lesson on friends and family to get an idea of your timings. When planning your lesson try to put yourself in the shoes of the students and think about what would make an excellent lesson from their perspective.