For families out there planning to hire a tutor, we’ll give you an outline of our process. It’s been modified over the years and has built on my experience hiring as a supervisor in a different job.
- Post job ads on boards frequented by tutors. These may be physical bulletin boards at grocery stores, community centers and cafes. These also include online boards like Indeed, Nextdoor, or neighborhood blogs.
- Send a similar job ad via email and text to folks in your professional and personal network, especially those who have older kids
- Make sure the job ad includes pay range, estimated hours per session and frequency of sessions. Include specific tasks you are looking for. Examples include reviewing grades in each course , reviewing grades assignments, demonstrating how to show work in algebra, patient demeanor or setting firm expectations with the student.
- The more applicants the better. We average about 1 hire per 120 applicants.
- Review candidates experience, prioritize paid positions and experience tutoring, babysitting, coaching athletics.
- Interview with no more than 8 questions, and included at least one hypothetical of difficulty situations the tutor may encounter. These range from distracted students to frustration and anxiety.
- Don’t lead candidates responses if the interviewee is struggling with a response and don’t ask leading questions.
- Check at least 2 references, ideally one will be paid. Do this within 24 hrs of interview because there can be a delay in hearing back. Give polite reminders if no response.
- Have a professional background check service check local county databases and national databases. These should take at least 24 hrs if they are checking county databases. Ensure the checks are being done for both felonies and misdemeanors. Do a search of social media platforms and web search engines of the candidate name to find any open allegations and cases. Follow all relevant laws in hiring.
