Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward applying for an international teaching position. We’re here to help! We understand that it can be difficult to recall past jobs, dates, and the tasks performed–but being as organized and detailed as possible in your resume, is a direct reflection of the type of worker you are (or trying to become). The following is a list of tips and tricks to help your resume stand out, and get your foot into that classroom door.
1.) Be sure to write your name and relevant contact information at the top of your resume (i.e, email address, skype name, phone number). We recommend putting this information in bold and centering it, so that we and hiring directors can easily file and access your resume.
2.) Include your level of education directly underneath your contact information. Whether you graduated with a teaching degree or a history degree, the first thing employers will look for is your highest level of education achieved. From there, they will look at your experience. Also, be sure to write the specific month and year you graduated from high school or college. We will eventually need this information to process your work visa, so including it in your resume will save a few steps in the long run. Additionally, be sure to include any certifications and awards that you have obtained, directly underneath your level of education.
3.) Include any and all teaching experience–whether you were a nanny to your nephews, a Boy Scout leader in high school, or a part-time swim coach. We recommend including anything that highlights your teaching capabilities. All will undoubtedly shine through as a form of teaching experience to potential hiring directors.
4.) Write the specific dates you were employed at each position. Try to be as detailed as possible, including the month and year of your time of employment. Many schools want to see that you are able to hold a job for at least one year, due to this being the typical contract duration for most teaching positions.
5.) Last but not least, be sure to include bulleted lists of specific tasks and duties performed at each job, underneath the job title. These lists are so important because they show the employer your capabilities, prior responsibilities, and present-day skills that you are able to apply the potential, upcoming position!
5 Responses to Top 5 things to Include in an ESL Teacher Resume
I am interested and have thirty years of experience teaching public high school in Colorado.
Check out Daves ESL cafe, (www.daveseslcafe.com) and Bogglesworld (www.bogglesworldesl.com) for some starting ideas. Do a srceah on Google or Yahoo for esl conversation and you’ll get lots of material. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. They won’t want to converse at first, you need to gain trust first. After a few lessons they’ll warm up and you’ll see how much you’ve helped them.
I really like the latest layout of your website. Well done! I’m currently living in Buenos Aires with my husband, but we’re looking into going to China. I spoke with someone in your business last December but we’re looking into going to China or Asia next January but I’m not interested in working for Disney English. Do you have anything else available? Thanks.
Thanks Rachel! We have ample opportunities in China. I would recommend reapplying around October. Our China reps would be happy to re-discuss your options then. Enjoy BA in the meantime and eat some empanadas for us!
Don’t worry about forgetting graammr. The mere fact that you are speaking English means that graammr is constantly being applied and memory is constantly being stimulated. It is fantastic that you are taking the time to teach your students Accent Reduction. With today’s global workforce bringing together all the diverse speakers of English as a second language, it is vital that one’s accent be understood. An understandable accent will make the difference in their job success. Cudos to you!www.askalia.squarespace.comAlia