A parent sitting at a desk looking at a laptop screen, researching tutoring options for their teen or college student. The scene is calm and focused, representing the first step in the tutor search process.

What’s the First Step When Hiring a Tutor?

May 30, 20252 min read

You’ve been thinking about getting help for your teen or college student...

Maybe the grades aren’t where they should be.
Maybe they’ve stopped asking for help.
Or maybe they’re doing “fine” — but you know they could go further with the right support.

So the question becomes:

“Where do I even start?”

Let’s break down the very first step when hiring a tutor — and how to make sure you’re choosing the right one.


1. Know What You’re Looking For

Before reaching out to anyone, ask yourself:

  • Is your student struggling, or just ready for a challenge?

  • Do they need help with one subject or multiple classes?

  • Are you looking for test prep, homework help, or concept mastery?

You don’t need to have all the answers — but the more you know about what kind of help your student needs, the easier it is to spot the right fit.


2. Look for Tutors Who Match Your Needs

Not all tutors do the same thing.
Some follow the school curriculum. Others create their own.
Some work well with teens who feel totally lost. Others are best at pushing high achievers even further.

Look at:

  • What subjects they focus on

  • Who they usually work with (grade level, learning style, goals)

  • What kind of results they talk about — confidence, clarity, higher scores, etc.

Bonus tip: check out their blog or social posts.
The way they explain things publicly often reflects how they’ll teach privately.


3. Ask the Right Questions Before Committing

Once you find someone who looks promising, reach out — but don’t feel like you’re locked in just yet.

Some great questions to ask:

  • “How do you assess what my teen needs?”

  • “What happens if something isn’t working?”

  • “Do you give updates or feedback after sessions?”

  • “What does progress usually look like for your students?”

A good tutor will be happy to walk you through it — and won’t pressure you to start before you feel ready.


4. Start with a Call or Consultation

Most tutors offer a free call or intro session — and that’s the ideal next step.

It’s a chance to:

  • Explain what your student is struggling with (or aiming for)

  • Ask about scheduling, availability, and how sessions work

  • And see if the vibe feels right

Tutoring isn’t just about credentials — it’s about connection.
And that first call will tell you a lot.

A Note on How I Work

If you're considering working with me, here’s what that first step looks like:

Start by contacting me and sharing a bit about what your teen or college student is struggling with — or what goals you’re hoping to reach.

From there, I’ll set up a free intro call where we can talk through what’s been going on, what kind of support makes sense, and whether we’d be a good fit.

No scripts. No pressure.
Just a clear, honest conversation to figure out what’s best for your student.

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