1. Asasi TESL UiTM: Interview
oleh saya, Liyana Othman at 10:41 PM
UPDATED: 14th April 2012, 7.46AM
Now that all applicants have successfully completed their applications, it is time to worry bout the
interview! Haha! No la juz kidding, don't get yourself too worked up only worrying bout it. Chill! ;D
So, since many people (with applicants topping the list) have been asking me for tips and advices
regarding the coming interview, I've decided to save your time asking me anymore and post this
entry. I'll tell you the little that I know about this stressful long-awaited day; Dos an Don'ts in attire
and self presentation, what are commonly asked, and how do you get yourself picked.
Basically, the interview is carried out to filter out the applicants who meet the SPM grade
requirements on paper but fail to bring themselves in communicating orally using the English
language. However, don't think that spoken skills in this case means that you're expected to speak
super fluent without a single grammatical error. No. The Asasi course is after all a preparatory
program and there's still plenty of time to learn. :)
What is important however is that you have a basic command of the language, enough to engage in
everyday conversations and this is what shall be tested in the interview. Please understand that this
interview is not specifically aimed at testing your knowledge on certain aspects of the language, but
rather a wholesome check to see if you can converse or otherwise. Simple.
Before I proceed, I'd like to apologise if any of my points here are outdated due to changes that
took place AFTER my batch (2008) (cuz it's 1.48am and I'm yawning like a cow, I can't do any
research in this condition so I'm just writing down what I experienced before). Happy reading!
Attire and Self Presentation
Before I proceed with the dos and don'ts, I'd like to remind you that you have applied for a course in
the Education faculty of UiTM (if you had applied for this course in other universities, though most
of the points here may apply there as well, there might still be slight differences, perhaps in the
dressing code and stuffs) and regardless of whether or not you want to be a teacher, the faculty
remains as one of the many platforms for measuring the level, mindset and personalities of teachers
all over Malaysia. Therefore, even if you don't have the slightest bit of interest to persue a career in
the teaching field, please respect the profession and adhere to the standards that apply.
Dos & Don'ts
1) Wear something formal
girls: the safest and best choice would be baju kurung.
guys: long-sleeved shirt with a nice formal tie and slacks; remember, no skinnies and no cartoon
ties. Two big no-nos there)
2) Shoes
girls: get something with a bit of heel. Nothing too bare, but peep toes are fine.
guys: any leather work shoes (I've no idea what you call those :p) Choose dark colours, avoid white.
x)
3) Hair
girls: Pin your fringes nicely and do anything to keep you looking tidy and clean. If your hair is
coloured, you should either decolour it or wear a scarf.
guys: It's not the time to test out your new Gatsby hair dye as well, keep your hair nice and tidy,
don't look too greasy.
4) Bags/Extra Luggage
girls: Use something that won't bother you; something not too big nor heavy, easy to carry around

2. and avoid accessories too striking; you wouldn't want your bags and loop earrings to stand out more
than you.
guys: it's better to keep your wallet in your pocket and leave everything else at home (except for
your documents, plz don't forget)
Self-Presentation
There really isn't a necessity for me to break this up into girls and guys categories cuz it pretty
much applies to both. Just use your common sense and things should be okay ;)
1) Be friendly; you might bump into your interviewers in the toilet or around the parking lot or
whtever, and you wouldn't want to leave a bad first impretion now would you? Talk with your fellow
interviewees if you think you're sweating too much, get to know each other, you guys might end up
being lifelong friends. :)
2) Please wear perfume (enuff is said)
3) Don't be too competitive, I know everyone's fighting for a spot.
4) Work on your voice projection prior to the interview. Don't get the idea that a loud voice and
clear articulation mode can be switched on whenever you wish. It might just cost you your chance.
Common Questions
Everybody wants a clue ea? If you have a personality then there's no real need of clues, but I'll give
you guys anyways; just in case. :p
1) Tell me about yourself. (It usually starts with this; tell them about your hobbies, ambitions,
working experience if you've had any. Avoid stating the facts they already know - full name,
birthplace, age)
2) What does your family do? (Keep it short and simple, don't go blabbering bout your uncles and
grandparents.)
3) Do you like to read? (DON'T LIE! These people are trained to twist your words around till they
GET the truth. There are two choices you may make if you rly don't like to read: 1. Tell them about
what you do read, anything at all - magazines, blogs, web reviews, tutorials etc. 2. Tell them you
don't read at all and be rdy to hit the road.
4) Do you think you can be a good teacher? (Avoid giving them craps like "I love to teach" or "I was
born to be a teacher", they ain't stupid; unless of course you have sold proof - acknowledged
teaching experience, certificate, etc. Tell them about your good values, how would it help you in
teaching, and tell them also about what you plan to do if you're a teacher. It would really add up to
your chances).
How to get yourself picked!
Well, actually everything above are tips on how to get yourself picked as well; but here, I would like
to give you some extra tips that your interviewees won't request for but instead, would be waiting
for.
1) Just be yourself; it is always easier to get tongue tied and look stupid if you start lying about
yourself, stating bogus facts about yourself and stuffs cuz unless you're a great lier, you would most
likely get caught. Besies, if you think you're worthy a spot in the course, then whatever for would
you need to lie? It's easier to be yourself, much safer thats for sure and you know exactly whether
or not you are fit for the course. It's that simple. Plus, they're gonna be asking you about yourself

3. anyways.
2) Don't degrade or put down any of your fellow counterparts during your interview. It would
automatically send you off course.
3) Talk with confidence, but stay humble. (Again, voice projection is largely important)
4) Telling them about your interest to be a teacher is not enuff, let them know you're willing and
able to learn well.
5) Tell them what advantages you might have; vocational skills or wtever.
6) Stay calm, don't cross your legs, don't get fidgety, sweating is fine but don't show it.
Yes, these are some normal things expected out of an interviewee, but then again, you can't play
any of these right without practice. Therefore, get your friends or neighbours or pets to watch you
practice and you'll be fine. ;D
Good Luck applicants! xD
Oh one more thing, if you have any further questions, please check out my FAQ page before posting
me your Q ye. Thx!