Language Tutor Hiring Checklist

Define your target language and your specific goal (travel, business, heritage reconnection, exam, relocation)

Goal clarity shapes curriculum, pacing, and the type of tutor you need.

Identify your current level using the CEFR scale (A1–C2) if possible

A standardized level description helps tutors accurately assess fit before the first session.

Decide how many hours per week you can realistically commit to study

Language acquisition requires consistent exposure — a good tutor will ask you this upfront.

Research the target language's writing system, tonal patterns, or grammatical structure

Knowing what makes the language challenging helps you ask better questions during vetting.

Clarify whether you need a native speaker, a trained instructor, or both

Ask how they structure lessons for your current level and learning goal

A well-structured answer reveals pedagogical knowledge — vague answers reveal the absence of it.

Confirm teaching credentials or experience (CELTA, university degree in target language, years of instruction)

Fluency in a language doesn't automatically make someone an effective teacher of it.

Ask what learning materials or platforms they use and why

Tutor tool choices reveal their methodology — good tutors explain their reasoning.

Request a trial lesson to assess teaching style, pacing, and rapport

You'll be working with this person regularly — personal fit matters as much as credentials.

Track new vocabulary in a spaced repetition system (Anki, Quizlet) between sessions

Vocabulary retention requires distributed practice — a tutor alone can't create enough repetition.

Ask your tutor to occasionally speak entirely in the target language, even early on

Immersive exposure activates listening comprehension skills that translation-focused learning delays.

Request written summaries of key grammar points covered each session

Written reference materials let you revisit concepts without re-asking the tutor.

Consume native-language media (shows, podcasts, music) matched to your level

Authentic exposure builds the intuitive feel for the language that textbooks can't replicate.

Request a written progress assessment and CEFR level estimate

A standardized level estimate lets you communicate your proficiency to future tutors or employers.

Ask for a recommended continuation plan for independent or group study

The path after tutoring determines whether progress compounds or stalls.

Download or export any custom materials, vocabulary lists, or notes from shared platforms

Materials created during your engagement are yours — don't lose them at offboarding.

Evaluate: are you meaningfully closer to your original goal than when you started?

Honest assessment determines whether to continue, change tutors, or shift to immersive methods.