TEFL Jobs And Advice – 5 Things To Keep In Mind When Applying To Teach Abroad

22 June 2016 • Tips

TEFL jobs and advice

If you are preparing resumes and searching for employers abroad, TEFL jobs and advice may be just what you need. These tips can help you stand out to prospective employers who are awash in a sea of resumes from rival applicants:

#1. A Winning Resume

A winning resume is the first impression candidates make on prospective employers. To keep yours out of the trash bin:

• Spell correctly and don’t trust auto-correct.
• Select a professional one page format. Bullet points are a plus to organize: education history, work experience, TEFL certification and credentials, volunteer experience.
• Include vital information: full name, contact information, birthdate, nationality.

#2. Email Etiquette

Email may not be as formal as a resume prepared on real paper and delivered via snail mail, but there are still professional guidelines to follow:

• Begin with semi-formal greeting:  “Dear Sir/Madam” (or Mr./Ms. Jones)
• Proper capitalization and punctuation
• Font matters
• Spelling matters
• No emojis or emoticons
• Content matters:  be polite, to the point and brief
• Proper sign off matters: “Best Regards”, “Kind Regards” or “Sincerely” for example
• Include proper contact information for yourself under your Email signature: mailing address, Email address, and phone number

#3. Master Skype!

Prospective employers are on the other side of the world so interviews are performed via Skype. To ace the interview, practice using Skype. With the help of a Skype savvy loved one you can become familiar with the mechanics of the application so you breeze through the interview and not worry about losing sound or not being connected at the vital time!

#4. Know The Culture

Awareness of culture, customs and taboos can mean the difference between nailing an interview or offending prospective employers. Do proper research and be prepared.

#5. Know Yourself

An English teaching job abroad is a commitment to leave behind all that is familiar for one, two, or even three years. Be realistic about your time commitment. Expect prospective employers to ask why you want to teach in their country. Take time to reflect and have something meaningful to say.

One great thing about getting TEFL certified with TEFL UK is that support continues even after receiving your TEFL certificate. Whether it’s tips on putting together a resume or searching through dozens of countries for the perfect job opportunity, graduates receive support  with TEFL jobs and advice.