Finding work overseas can seem like a minefield – all those different countries, options and contracts. And that’s before you even get started on visas! Here’s how to make a success of it.
So, you’re thinking about doing a TESOL course, and it won’t be too long before you’ve got your crisp new TESOL certificate in hand – but what are you going to do with it?! Get a teaching job overseas and jet off into the sunset – that’s what! But how to get there? Never fear, here are my five simple tips for TESOL job success:
Tailor your resume’ to TESOL
Everything on your CV should be tailored to suit the needs of your prospective employer. They won’t be bothered about the band you started in your teens or how you’re an expert horse rider! Employers want to see marketable skills; abilities you have that they can use. Your best bet is to keep your resume’ short and sweet. Cover what the advertisement asks for, and don’t ramble. Also, focus on what you can bring to the table, like; communication skills, leadership, confidence, organisational skills – think to yourself, “What do schools value?”
Do your course with a provider that has a job placement service
Get your TESOL course provider to do some of the work for you! Many companies offer support in terms of TESOL job placement services, once you’ve completed your course. It’s a good idea to milk this service for all it’s worth! Keep them busy and try and find as many opportunities that you can. These services work by matching your skill set and preferences with destinations all over the world… but make sure you’re 100% happy before you sign on the dotted line!
Always deal with a real person
Want to know where most of those applications addressed to ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ end up? That’s right… the bin! A really effective way to find teaching jobs is to build up personal relationships with recruiters and employers. If you address your applications personally, it will help make sure that your application is seen by the right person.
Use your mouse
I don’t think many people can argue that the internet is a great invention…in the “olden days”, TESOLers were forced to take to the streets, handing out CV after CV…But in today’s world you can get access to tens of thousands of TESOL jobs at the click of a mouse!
Sites like www.eslcafe.com and www.TEFL.com list positions from all over the world, which are just waiting for enthusiastic EFL teachers to fill them!
Keep it simple
Very often the person who’ll be reading your job application won’t have English as their first language. They won’t want to tackle an application full of flowery language and complex sentences – instead, they’ll want one that’s simple to read and straight to the point. If they can’t immediately see that you’ve got the skills for the job your application will probably end up being binned!
And remember, if finding a TESOL job feels daunting, don’t worry: there are 20,000 TESOL positions posted online every month, meaning fluent English speakers with TESOL certificates are like gold dust in many countries!
