How to interview a tutor – 5 key questions

We know that hiring a new tutor can be overwhelming. There are a lot of services out there, offering tutors with a variety of academic backgrounds and teaching experience, not to mention different pricing models and deals. But no matter whether you’re interviewing a college student or a PhD,  its important to know whether they’re serious, thoughtful and engaging. Here are some questions to help you find out!

1. What is your tutoring philosophy and style?

This open ended question is great for figuring out whether the tutor has thought seriously about teaching. Here’s a similar question – “What would a lesson with you look like?”

2. How do you see tutoring as different from teaching in a classroom?

A tutor may be a subject expert and be able to deliver a great lecture, but tutoring requires more than that. For example, a good tutor will engage their student in a dynamic back and forth discussion, both to get the student thinking actively about the subject and to unearth any gaps in knowledge or misconceptions they might have.

3. Can you give me an example of how you've helped one of your previous students?

We think a concrete and detailed example here really speaks to a tutors credibility. 

4. Do you explain concepts from this subject a lot?

Also good to ask – “have you explained the subject to students at this level?”
Practice makes perfect – somebody who has spent a lot of time explaining concepts from a subject likely has some really good explanations up their sleeve!

5. Here's an exercise I find difficult. How would you help me understand it?

A promising sign here is the tutor doesn’t just show the student how to do it but rather guide them to the answer, say by asking questions or drawing their attention to relevant concepts and ideas. 

We hope these questions make your interview process a little easier. We think they will help no matter the student’s level or subject.