Looking for a Job
Teaching English Abroad?
Maybe the most important part of seeking out a TEFL job, is committing yourself mentally. It may sound trivial, but if your heart isn’t in it now how do you know it ever will be? By getting yourself motivated you will have taken your first step towards getting a job and starting your TEFL career.
Getting qualified
Obviously a qualification is the first thing you need to start applying for TEFL jobs. Some schools will give you a teaching English position with just your degree as proof of competence but you won’t be anywhere near as prepared as if you take a TEFL course and this can make all the difference to your first teaching experience. You might also want to consider some volunteer teaching experience or possibly a TEFL course that includes some practical experience in a real TEFL classroom. Any experience that you can get teaching student or even just speaking in public will boost your CV and indeed your confidence, giving you a better chance when you’re searching for jobs.
Writing your CV and cover letter
Once you’re qualified and you’ve built up your confidence you’re ready to get started on the sometimes long road towards TEFL employment it’s now time to write your CV and start developing a generic cover letter that you can tweak for each job you apply to. The rules for writing these are essentially the same across the industry. Keep it clean, keep it professional and keep it reasonably short. A good cover letter should be no longer than one page and enthusiastically explain why you want to work in TEFL and why you are qualified to work in TEFL.
Your CV/resume should include all relevant experience you have that might pertain to TEFL. This includes any prior teaching positions, foreign language experience or working with children. This does not include your work at the ice cream shop when you were 15. Keep it relevant. It would also be wise to include lessons you’ve used and books you’ve completed in your coursework. Stay away from any slang or jargon, as your potential employer may not understand such terms.
Be sure both your CV/resume and cover letter are printed on nice paper and are kept clean and unblemished. Include a nice photograph of yourself, that portrays you as a responsible, enthusiastic person (so no pink hair and low necklines).
Finding your TEFL job
Once you’ve compiled this information you’re ready to start searching for your teaching position. The internet is a great place to start if you’re going to go it on your own. At i-to-i, we provide you with a network of employers across the world. If you want to make it as easy as possible you could go to a recruitment company. They’ll find you an overseas position but this can be expensive. Here at i-to-i we offer a selection of Paid Teaching Placements that are relatively cheap and will get you started with the minimum of hassle.
Try to stay realistic when you’re looking for your first job. Some schools and language institutes will be looking for teachers with more experience, so don’t be too disappointed if you’re rejected. There’s nothing wrong with applying to positions that ask for more experience, most prospective employers won’t find exactly what they’re looking for so you might still be in with a chance. Make sure you check what employers are looking for before you apply so you know what skills you will need to sell. You also need to research the language institute itself to make sure it is reputable. Many schools love to take on young, ambitious teachers who they can over work and underpay.
The interview
The interview may be the most important part of the whole process. This is where you prove yourself. A good interview is the best place to sell your skills and you ambition. First impressions are the most important, so keep it cheerful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Be honest. If you don’t know something, admit it, but say you are eager to learn. If the interviewer doesn’t see through a lie at the time, someone else probably will later and it will be a hundred times worse then. Smart dress is very important and the way you look will have an impact on your chances of getting the job. You won’t necessarily need a full suit and tie but it is important that you look professional. If you’re applying for a position in a new country it’s a good idea to check out the dress code before you go. Knowing what you will need to wear if you get the position is a good way to show you’ve researched and to ensure you look like you could fit in. It may be beneficial to bring your official documentation and certifications with you.
Once you’ve covered your credentials, show that you’re interested in the country. If you really want to be there, let your enthusiasm carry over to your interview. It will probably be well received. Don’t give mono-syllabic responses; it shows a lack of enthusiasm. Also, try to learn as much of the local language as you can before you get there. It shows not only an interest in the country (which you have anyway, right?) but also a respect for the customs and traditions of the country and its people.
Preparation is the key
It’s rather cliché but true that, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.†Envision a set of questions your employer may ask you and get a set of answers ready.
Possible interview questions to help you prepare:- What levels do you prefer to teach?
- Do you prefer to teach children or adults?
- Do you prefer to use textbooks or your own materials? Which text books have you used before?
- Have you ever taught, and do you know anything about, Examination classes?
- How would you interest a group of teenagers in the classroom?
- How would you settle a group of lively (rowdy!) students at the beginning of class?
- Is this your first visit to Thailand? How will you adjust to life in another country?
Have a set of questions yourself, one of which should include what visas are necessary and what the company you’re applying to might be able to help you with.
You are literally selling yourself in the interview, so never sell yourself short. Also, don’t accept the job right at the interview. Taking a little time to think is always a good idea and will give you the opportunity to work out whether the job is right for you.
Sealing the deal
Below are a few bulleted points that may help you when you do finally decide on a position.
The Contract
Be sure you check the following before signing a contract:- Does the salary you are being offered match the one on the contract. Will it be enough to cover rent and expenses?
- The number of hours you are expected to work and whether or not you have any holiday entitlement.
- The length of the contract, whether or not it is renewable and the length of the notice period.
- Provisions of health care and sick pay.
- Details for your reimbursement for travel/accommodation costs if applicable.
Final Preparation
Before you set off on your first TEFL adventure, make sure you have the following:- A copy of your contract.
- The correct documentation for entry into your chosen country and your visa/work permit.
- Enough money to last you for the first few months. You probably won’t get paid until the end of your first month of work.
- Stationary is essential if you are travelling to a developing country with limited facilities.
- Some information about your country – newspapers, books etc your students may be very interested in where you are from.
And that’s just about it. We’re not saying that finding a job will be easy but it certainly isn’t as scary as it first seems. With a little bit of patience, a lot of preparation and the raw enthusiasm that every TEFL tutor possesses, you will be able to find the perfect overseas teaching position and start the life you’ve always dreamed of.
