I've been teaching with VIPKID for just over two months and have taught 103 students and nearly 150 classes.  I applied for VIPKID just after they changed their application process. The new application process is much shorter and starts with a basic input of information.  

Basic Requirements to be a VIPKID Teacher:
1) A Bachelor's Degree (it doesn't need to be in English or education, but that is a bonus).
2) At least one year of teaching, coaching, or mentoring (Again, teaching English is preferable, but include all experience you have as a coach or mentor. During my demo/interview, I mentioned my years as a skating coach in addition to my time as an English tutor). 
3) Eligibility to work in the US or Canada (Though you don't need to be based in North America.  I work from the UK).

If you meet these requirements, you will be invited for an interview and demo lesson. This can either be over a video call or a recorded demo.  The lesson is about ten minutes long.  If you pass this step, you will then give a mock class.  The interviewer will be an adult pretending to be a young student.  There are three lessons the interviewer can choose from and you will be expected to know them all.  

Tips for Passing the Application: 
1) Find a Referral.  The application process can be confusing and there are different options in which you can receive certification.  A referral can give you tips and tricks and answer any questions.  You are welcome to use me as a referral. My code is: CRYST0259. Send me an email with any questions.  
2) Get Certified for Interactive Level 2.  This is something I learned from the teacher who referred me.  Most students are this level so there are more bookings available once you get certified.  I was lucky and was able to get bookings pretty much right away once I was hired.  
3) Find Props. VIPKID takes props seriously.  These don't need to be expensive. I went to Poundland and purchased an alphabet of letters for one pound and I use them almost every lesson.  Stuffed animals are also great to start off the lesson with and to use to demonstrate words like "sit." Other props can be flashcards, puppets, or a whiteboard. You should have at least two different types of props for your demo class. Also, set up a background with a simple sign that says, "Teacher (Your Name)" and something educational like a map or calendar. 
4) Be Energetic. Smiling and being enthusiastic will go a long way. I don't think you can be hired without it.
5) Wear Orange or Another Bright Color. The color for VIPKID is orange so wearing an orange t-shirt or collared shirt is a bonus.  However, any bright color will do. I wore a tan turtleneck for my demo class and regretted it when I saw how easily it blended into the wall.  I still passed my demo class, but I haven't worn that shirt to teach.  Shirts should not have any words or logo, unless it is the VIPKID logo.

Ready to be a VIPKID teacher? Follow my referral link here: ​https://t.vipkid.com.cn/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=34383444ef30e3e2c7a8e02dd9987910&refereeId=24245440 and use the code: CRYST0259.  Message me or comment with any questions!

In the past three months, I have spent 7,421 minutes talking to 538 different students on Cambly, an online English learning platform.  Working on Cambly has proved to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, though I suggest thinking of it as a part-time job or freelance opportunity and not as a full time job.

Keep reading for the pros and cons of the job and tips for the interview.

Pros

1) Extremely Flexible: Tutors have the opportunity to sign up for priority hours, when a higher volume of calls are sent to you.  You can also set reservation availability for new and regular students to schedule slots.  You can also make your profile visible at any time and students can call in, but there is no certainty that a student will call.  Cancellation is extremely flexible and the only penalties are a restricted access to priority hours for numerous cancellations.

2) Meet the World: I have two regulars who are young women from China living in Indonesia.  Another regular is going through his pilot training in his home country of Indonesia, but lived near my hometown when he was a teenager.  I also have a woman from Saudi Arabia who says her husband is strict and traditional and she isn't allowed to turn on her camera or leave the house.  She says Cambly is her only window to the outside world and that she prays for me daily that I will become a novelist.  I've met teenagers from Brazil who love to discuss music and share recommendations with me, college students from Turkey, adults from Spain and Italy, businessmen from Japan who love to talk about figure skating, and entire families from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.  This platform has provided an amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures and countries.  I have even learned a few words in Arabic!

3) Weekly Pay: As long as you make at least $20, Cambly will send over your payment for the last week every Monday via PayPal.  Then, you can transfer it to your bank account by Tuesday.  My other jobs only pay monthly, so I love having my bank account topped up at the start of every week.


Cons

1) Inconsistent Pay: You are only paid for your time when on a video call with a student.  The exception is for every priority hour, you are guaranteed at least 15 minutes of pay per hour.  Most priority hours are extremely busy, however there have been a few times when I have gone on priority hour earlier in the day and it was slower. 

2) Unclear Priority Hour and Rating Systems: I'm a member of Cambly Tutor groups on social media and no one, even the most experienced tutors, seems to know who exactly gets the most access to priority hours and how tutors' ratings work.  There is an option for students to rate tutors, but hours completed also seem to factor in to the equation.  It's a mystery! 


Tips

In your demo video, be sure to list all teaching experience you have, even if it isn't English teaching.  I mentioned that I have over ten years of teaching figure skating.  Be sure to have good lighting and a tidy background when recording your video. Don't forget to smile!

Have a good headshot on your profile as well.  I've had more than one frustrated student hang up on me after saying, "You look nothing like your profile photo!"  I think having a good headshot attracts attention though.  It helps if you are smiling and look inviting and friendly.

Cambly can take a while to approve your profile.  This doesn't mean that it won't ever be approved!  I was approved within 24 hours of applying, but two of my referrals waited months to hear back.


Lastly, if you are ready to apply please use my referral link: www.cambly.com/en/tutors?referralCode=cici31.  If it asks for a referral code, you can also type in "cici31."  Please reach out if you have any questions about the job or want any advice about the application process.