So, your TEFL certificate’s burning a hole in your back pocket and you’re longing to get out there and see the world. In fact, there’s just one thing stopping you from living your dream of teaching overseas – finding that all-important first job.
The good news is that, with over 20,000 TEFL job vacancies posted online every month, you shouldn’t be hunting for long. Here’s how to make your search as fruitful as possible:
1) Do your TEFL course with a provider that has a job-placement service
If you really want an easy life, getting a job through your course provider is a great option. Some, such as i-to-i, have links with reputable language schools across the world and will help you with your initial application. While you’ll have less room to negotiate the terms of your contract, you can be pretty certain that, as long as the course provider is legit, your school will be too. You can check out opportunities through i-to-i’s hassle-free job-placement service here: http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-placement-service/
2) TEFL-up your resume/CV
You may not have teaching experience (and that’s OK!), but that doesn’t mean your CV should be a TEFL free zone. Emphasise your communication and leadership skills, as well as how keen you are to put into practice what you’ve learnt on your TEFL course. Make sure it’s all in clear, easy-to-read English and you’ll be away. For more TEFL resume tips, check out this article: http://www.eltworld.net/blog/2009/04/6-simple-reasons-why-your-tefl-resume-sucks/
Yes, all this could be yours!
3) Use your mouse
Job hunters these days have got it made, with a wealth of TEFL roles advertised right online. Try Googling ‘TEFL job in xxx’ or check out some of the big TEFL job sites to get an idea of what’s out there. Here are just a few good places to start:
Remember too that employers are often willing to compromise on the ‘requirements’ set out in their job ad for the right candidate. If you initially think you don’t fit the bill, there’s no harm in sending out a quick email to see if they might consider you.
4) Approach schools directly
If you’ve got your heart set on a particular place, it’s often better to approach schools directly, rather than going through agencies and looking on job boards. You can search for language schools in that particular area online, then email out enquiries or, if you’re actually in-country, hit the streets and hand out some CVs – often it’s not Miss/Mr Right who gets the job, but Miss/Mr Right Now!
5) Make sure the job you’ve found really IS amazing
If you’ve been offered a ‘dream’ TEFL job, make sure it’s just that before signing on the dotted line and booking your flights. So many factors will make or break your TEFL experience, such as the sizes of your classes, the number of hours you’ll be expected to work and how much preparation you’ll need to do. For a full list of what to check for before booking your course check out this handy post by in-house tutor Emma Foers: 6 Things to Check Before Accepting Your TEFL Job
What do you think? What’s the best way to find amazing TEFL jobs?
Loading recent content...
What do you think?
Add Your Comment!
Log in to leave a comment or Create an account
One bit of advice that i would give for those who are worried about not having experience is to basically do volunteering work...the great this is it doesnt even have to be teaching etc...
For example if you are wanting to teach in schools in another country then volunteer at an out of school club or a youth group...its great for the CV and to talk about in the job interview because it shows you have had experience working with kids...albeit not in a class room environment but you will develop similar skills to those needed in a classroom such as, how to control children, dealing with children who are naughty or loud etc, organising activities etc...some youth groups are once a week and last about 2hours and occassionally trips are planned and you get to go for free...so if you have the time then you can do it whilst doing the TEFL course - i know i did
» Comments RSS