While a stellar CV packed with impressive qualifications is crucial to nab that dream teaching job abroad, an equally kickass intro video will arguably make a much bigger splash. A video lets employers see the real you – your sparkling personality, how you come across to others, your radiant smile, and boundless enthusiasm.
Given videos do a much better job of showcasing applicants’ English proficiency and presentation, school recruiters and hiring managers use them as fast (and effective) filters. A great CV will not necessarily get you an interview request, but it’s what sparks their initial interest. Your intro video, however, is what will bring home the goods.
Nailing that video is a must.
What’s the Goal of a Teacher Intro Video?
The main goal of a teacher intro video is to show potential employers who you are beyond your resume. Recruiters want approachable, confident, and communicative teachers—qualities that a video can showcase better than any certificate. It’s important to demonstrate your voice and clarity, especially if you’ll be teaching non-native speakers. If recruiters in China can’t understand you, they worry students won’t either. For online teaching jobs, your video really matters, so make sure to come across well.
And DON’T FORGET TO SMILE!
Video Basics
You need to nail several key elements to make a compelling teacher intro video.
How Long Should It Be?
No one likes a long-winded video, so stick to 60 to 90 seconds. This is just enough time to introduce yourself, share your key qualifications, and highlight what makes you a great teacher. Keeping it short helps recruiters stay engaged and get a sense of your personality without getting bored. Think of it as a highlight reel, not your life story—just enough info to spark their interest!
Should You Use a Script?
Instead of writing a full script, which can make you sound stiff, try jotting down key points you want to cover. Keep it handy, and practice talking through them a few times before filming, which will help you sound more natural while staying on track. It’s normal to feel nervous, so do some practice runs with the camera on. This will help you relax and develop a friendly, confident tone that makes a great first impression!
What Should You Wear?
When preparing for a video interview, think about dressing as you would for a face-to-face meeting. Check the country’s dress code—some lean towards being more formal, especially in Asia. Aim for a neat, professional look. Solid colors are a safe choice since patterns can be distracting on camera. Pick a plain top that contrasts with your background.
Feel free to add a pop of color if you’re applying for a job with kids, but keep it more neutral to look polished for other positions. On that point, dress up for every trial video run! It will not only help you feel more put-together, but it’s brilliant if you absolutely nail one of your practice runs and wish to use the video. You can’t be doing that if you’re wearing a tank top and shorts!
What Should Your Background Be Like?
If you’re applying for a kindergarten job, add fun and colorful touches, like alphabet charts or playful maps. Otherwise, keep your background clutter-free and warm—think of a bookshelf or a simple wall. Avoid filming in your bedroom or anywhere with visible personal items, as it can seem too casual. The focus should be on you, so avoid anything distracting, like your dog sleeping on a couch behind you.
Opt for natural light whenever possible and avoid having a window behind you. Instead, turn your chair to face the source of natural light for the best aesthetic outcome. Background details are also important when it comes to sound. Make sure to close all windows and doors to eliminate outside noise. If there’s any ambient distraction, like a snoring dog, it’s best to find a quiet spot or relocate them (the dog) for the duration of your video. Remember that even the slightest sounds can be captured and amplified by the camera, so ensure you have a peaceful environment before hitting record.
Where Should You Save/Upload Your Video?
Once you have “the” video, you can upload it to YouTube, Vimeo or even Google Drive. Set it to “private” or “unlisted”, so the only people who can view it are those you provide a link to. If you’re applying to jobs where these platforms aren’t accessible (like some schools in China), use WeTransfer or Dropbox instead. Always double-check the video playback to ensure the quality looks professional and loads smoothly before sharing the link.
Tip: Store a copy of your video (and CV) on your devices or cloud storage so that you can apply to jobs on your phone. This will also come in handy when interacting with recruiters over Wechat or Skype.
Do You Need Any Equipment?
No need for fancy equipment for an intro video – a good microphone and external camera can help if you’re pursuing online teaching, but a smartphone or laptop webcam works just fine. Make sure to test your audio quality, as voice clarity is vital. Since filming with natural daylight is best, you won’t need extra lighting.
And P.S. Don’t forget to smile!
Teacher Video Examples
Here are a couple of example intro videos that we think hit are pretty spot on:
These examples strike a good balance of friendliness, clarity, and professionalism.
How to Start
Creating a polished teacher intro video doesn’t have to be overly complicated. The key to sounding spontaneous is just to keep practicing.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Create an Outline – Note the main points you want to cover, like your name, experience, touch on your teaching style and what makes you passionate about teaching.
- Practice in the Mirror – Run through your introduction in front of a mirror to build confidence and check for distracting habits (like fidgeting or wandering stares).
- Set Up Your Filming Space – Choose a well-lit space, suitable background, and make sure any items in the shot contribute to a professional (not personal) look.
- Record & Review – Film yourself and play it back to ensure clarity and professionalism. Don’t worry about perfecting it on the first try; review and refine as needed.
- Edit and Finalize – Light editing (like trimming excess footage) can help polish the video. Once you’re satisfied, save it in a high-quality format for uploading.
Things to Avoid
Aside from ensuring your film with an uncluttered background and no external noise, there are a few more common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Too Much Info: An intro video is just that – a short and sweet overview of who you are, the briefest mention of your qualifications and why you are passionate about teaching. Do not be tempted to recite your entire CV – the employer already knows what you have achieved, and now they just want to see how you come across.
- Overly Fast Speech: Take your time to speak clearly and avoid rushing. All recruiters, especially non-native English speakers, must understand every word you say. Slow, clear, and precise enunciation wins!
- Not Keeping Eye Contact: Notes are helpful, but remember to skim over them only as you look and speak directly to the camera. Employers wish to see your smiling face, not the top of your head.
