The present ELT job market is really “dog eat dog” and hyper competitive. With the economy slow in western countries, many more teachers are vying for teaching positions abroad. Still don’t fret! There are many things you can do to improve your chances of landing a great English language teaching job. Here at TEFList, we are here to help you.
These are my top 5 replies when teachers ask me, “What can I do to better my chances of getting an interview?”
1. Read the job ad carefully!
Employers have specific conditions which applicants must follow. These can range from how to contact them to the number and kinds of documentation. Read the ads carefully and follow the employers / recruiters instructions to the letter. Believe it or not – 30% of all applications are thrown out without even being looked at! Why? The teacher didn’t follow the procedures for applying.
2. Polish your resume!
Employers and recruiters typically spend 30 seconds or less looking at each resume. Make yours professional and impeccable. Style it and make it stand out. Use a professional service if you must but follow these guidelines from MIT (they know what they are doing!). Further, keep it short and direct. Have multiple resumes depending on the position applied also.
3. Widen your search
There are a lot of gems out there and typically, teachers don’t use all the resources and contacts available to them. Use recruiters to help you – they are experts! However, be specific in communicating your requirements to them. Contact schools directly. This can pay off big time – many ELT jobs just aren’t advertised and you could be Johnny or Joanna on the spot.
4. Social Network
Nowadays, jobs are across the web. Make contacts online and use your facebook and linkedIn to maximum effect. Join online communities like EFL Classroom 2.0, make friends and ask around. This really gives you an edge and in many cases if a job does come open, you’ll be first to apply.
5. Make a video resume
Here at TEFList, we give you the opportunity to show who you are through video. Keep your video short and direct and let them see the person you are. This can be a deal breaker and if you make your video introduction short, to the point, professional – you’ll be sure to get employers and recruiters contacting you. Watch some of our videos for tips on making a video introduction.
Staying Competitive – Job Search Tips
These are my top 5 replies when teachers ask me, “What can I do to better my chances of getting an interview?”
1. Read the job ad carefully!
Employers have specific conditions which applicants must follow. These can range from how to contact them to the number and kinds of documentation. Read the ads carefully and follow the employers / recruiters instructions to the letter. Believe it or not – 30% of all applications are thrown out without even being looked at! Why? The teacher didn’t follow the procedures for applying.
2. Polish your resume!
Employers and recruiters typically spend 30 seconds or less looking at each resume. Make yours professional and impeccable. Style it and make it stand out. Use a professional service if you must but follow these guidelines from MIT (they know what they are doing!). Further, keep it short and direct. Have multiple resumes depending on the position applied also.
3. Widen your search
There are a lot of gems out there and typically, teachers don’t use all the resources and contacts available to them. Use recruiters to help you – they are experts! However, be specific in communicating your requirements to them. Contact schools directly. This can pay off big time – many ELT jobs just aren’t advertised and you could be Johnny or Joanna on the spot.
4. Social Network
Nowadays, jobs are across the web. Make contacts online and use your facebook and linkedIn to maximum effect. Join online communities like EFL Classroom 2.0, make friends and ask around. This really gives you an edge and in many cases if a job does come open, you’ll be first to apply.
5. Make a video resume
Here at TEFList, we give you the opportunity to show who you are through video. Keep your video short and direct and let them see the person you are. This can be a deal breaker and if you make your video introduction short, to the point, professional – you’ll be sure to get employers and recruiters contacting you. Watch some of our videos for tips on making a video introduction.