Most people don’t read anyone’s bio but randomly spam other users.

I always read the bio, watch the video and read the reviews. I choose the teacher depending on my needs. The looks don’t matter. Currently I let my son take French lessons via italki. I didn’t choose a teacher that would be perfect for me but perfect for my son. Different learners have different needs and in their own interest every student should be careful in their choice of teachers. But the people who are sending you these messages aren’t looking for a teacher but just free language exchange.

I always read the bio and watch the presentation video.. this allows me to hear the way the teacher speaks and if I can understand their accent, are they articulate and do they speak clearly etc.. I look at their experience, how many students, how many lessons completed. With such a diverse choice of teachers available, it's okay to take your time and try classes with different teachers until you find one that you connect with.

Your profile says that you teach English, and that you are learning French. Best of luck to you.

The video is very important and all my students mentioned that it is the first thing they check. Why?

A video can tell if a teacher is really fluent in the language he /she is teaching. Another thing is the personality.

One of my student said that she chooses teachers who will not make her sleep (90 minutes class), usually teachers need to show a certain level of energy. It is true that males tend to choose attractive ones but females are more picky. Why?

A student does not like a teacher who is just good looking but lacks teaching skills whether we are talking about native or non-native. It is difficult to fake experience and what a teacher puts in their bio or profile should match the video. If a student tries a class based on just looks and the teacher fails to improve the students language goals then a student can always choose another teacher. If the student is taking a test like IELTS and TOEFL, students will choose teachers who can help them achieve their desired band score and so if a teacher gives a structured class then it will really matter. The first class is quite important as it determines if the student likes the teachers teaching style.

As a student, the first thing I do after making sure they teach the language that I'm needing is watch the video and then I read the profile text. I have often not chosen a teacher or specifically chosen a teacher because of the profile text because teachers tend to put important info there such as their interests or teaching style. So, If I'm looking for conversation practice I look to see what they would like to be discussing if they have a preference and if I'm after structured classes, I look to see what their teaching style is and if they have any specialties.