I want to get a TEFL job ideally in South Korea that would begin in February 2012, I started the 140-hour course yesterday. When should I start applying for jobs? Do I wait until I've successfully completed the course or is the fact that I'm an English Lit grad enough? My degree is from Cambridge is that going to be a significant advantage when applying for jobs in South Korea or Japan?

The visa process for South Korea can take a little bit of time, so I would reccommend you start applying towards the end of 2011. Most employers in South Korea do not care about whether you have a TEFL certificate or any experience, although it may get you a higher salary. As long as you have a degree (in anything!) you should be able to get a job there. Unless your degree is a Masters, I don't think it will be of a significant advantage. Hope that helps!

EPIK applications open October 1st for Korea i already have my application ready so i would advise starting early if you havent already :)

Perhaps this is jumping the gun on the thread title but I'm in a similar position to tarago and I was wondering what should I include in my CV/application and how should I format it? Thanks. 

Can anyone tell me what sort of CRB check most employers will require?  Is it just the basic or full disclosure?  Want to order it before I start applying as it takes a couple of weeks

@ Kingstonian: As a UK citizen you can only apply for a basic disclosure; enhanced disclosures can only be done through UK-based employers. To apply for a basic disclosure, got to https://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/ and complete the application form. Your other option is to get a Subject Access Request from your local police force. The following site contains links to some police forces: http://www.acro.police.uk/subject_access.aspx.

Note that most employers will not accept police checks/disclosures that are more than six months old.