{"id":13883,"date":"2024-01-15T16:22:37","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T16:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/?p=13883"},"modified":"2024-01-15T16:26:24","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T16:26:24","slug":"getting-started-with-new-private-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/tutors\/getting-started-with-new-private-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting started with new private students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This blog post was written by Izzi Strevens, a MyTutor tutor. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re an experienced tutor or totally new to teaching with MyTutor, taking on new students can be nerve-wracking, and you may be unsure about how to get started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name\u2019s Izzi, and I\u2019ve been a tutor for three years: here\u2019s my timeline for how to get off to a flying start on the private side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Make your profile pop! <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Think of your profile on the site as an advert for yourself: it\u2019s the first thing that parents will see, so try to pack a punch with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The best profile pictures are ones of just you, with your full face showing, with no filters or effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Use your blurb as your headline: the best ones are a short and punchy single sentence that offer something unique about who YOU are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, mine reads: \u2018Oxford undergraduate studying Classics and English with a passion for literature and languages\u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Be proud of yourself in your written description! Parents want to know who you are and why you\u2019re a great tutor: make sure to tell them where you go\/ went to uni, what you study, and what makes your sessions stand out. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    TOP TIP:<\/strong> if you\u2019ve got any particular hobbies, mention them! Some parents, particularly parents of nervous students, like to have a tutor who can connect with their child<\/strong> over their interests outside the curriculum. For example, my profile mentions I do a lot of music: a parent of a keen drummer told me that that\u2019s what encouraged them to message me over other tutors! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Approaching the Meeting <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      So your profile has appealed to a prospective student: congrats! Now it\u2019s time to wow them in your first few interactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Try to be prompt in replying to messages<\/strong> \u2013 parents don\u2019t like to be kept waiting for ages, and a long delay may lead them to pick another tutor in the meantime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Obviously tutors are busy people so no one expects you to be on your phone 24\/7 \u2013 if you\u2019re trying to get new students, it\u2019s a good idea to have your notifications on for MyTutor so you never accidentally miss a request!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Parents are asked to supply you with useful information like exam board, specified texts, lesson frequency etc \u2013 if they don\u2019t, be proactive in your reply and ask them for this information! Parents want to see that you\u2019re keen and that you know what\u2019s what: asking questions is a good way to show interest in their child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Acing the Free Meeting <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        The day has arrived for your first meeting: don\u2019t be nervous! This is an opportunity for you to showcase yourself. Find a good spot for your meeting \u2013 the best places are well lit, quiet, away from other people and with a neutral-ish background. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        TOP TIP<\/strong>: About half an hour before the meeting is scheduled to start, I like to message the parent<\/strong> saying \u2018Hi X, looking forward to our free meeting \u2013 let me know if you have any difficulties launching the lesson space!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When the meeting starts, make sure you\u2019re in the space promptly<\/strong> \u2013 parents don\u2019t want to arrive to an empty lesson space. Don\u2019t be surprised or disheartened if they\u2019re a minute or two late \u2013 remember most parents are navigating the site for the first time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        As soon as you see them pop up in the space, I like to start by saying \u2018Hi! Can you see me and hear me okay?\u2019. This helps to break the awkward ice<\/strong>, as well as identifying any technical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Assuming everything\u2019s ok, I then lead with \u2018My name\u2019s X, it\u2019s lovely to meet you! We\u2019ll start with a little bit about me\u2026 I\u2019m a Y student at Z uni\u2026\u2019 <\/em><\/strong>etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        After this introduction, get down to the meat of the meeting. A good way to get them talking is just to ask them what they\u2019d like to ask you!<\/strong> Answer any questions they have as clearly as you can \u2013 don\u2019t worry about getting it perfect the first time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Once they\u2019ve asked their questions, it\u2019s back to you: ask them for any details you need that they haven\u2019t given you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I like to make sure I\u2019ve got written down:\u00a0<\/strong><\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n