Job Discussion Forums

[Dave0]

I know a lot of people advocate moving to Chile and then finding a job, but I don't have the cajones or the cash, and I don't want to pay over a grand to get placed somewhere.

Aside from checking the job boards, I have been emailing various English schools, but I am not having much success. I'm looking for a job in Concepcion, so there aren't as many openings as Santiago, and I know missed the hiring boat about 2 months ago.

I was wondering if I should send my American style resume or a CV (English or Spanish?). Should I write a cover letter in English or in Spanish? I have strong oral skills, but my writing could use improvement. I feel like I come across much stronger in English, but I don't know for sure if the person I am contacting speaks English.

If anybody has any experience doing what I am trying, please let me know what worked for you, or if you have any other suggestions.

[Dia]

For the majority of places, you should be able to write a cover letter in English and send either a CV or Resume in English. Whoever hires English teachers SHOULD have enough English themselves to read your qualifications in English. However, I'm sure there are exceptions and if you think you may be applying at places where the hiring manager doesn't understand English, a copy of your resume or CV in each language would of course be best. I made a PDF where my English version came first then the Spanish version.

The cover letter might be a good idea to have in Spanish (or at the very least, a short email intro) especially in case your email does not go directly to the English director. It might better help a secretary or someone get your email to the right place.

I have never heard anything about preferences between resume or CVs here. Its basically an issue of formatting and inclusion (CVs tend to be longer) however coming from abroad, much of your history is going to be irrelevant to a Chilean employer. Just make sure you have the most essential elements and I think they'll be willing to work with whichever format you give them.

The hiring process in Chile isn't as strict as in the US. Your resume doesn't usually get thrown out for a single spelling mistake or an ugly format. So try to do the best you can and good luck!

[kellyknu]

dave0
i'm in a similar situation, have you sent out your resume/cv and had any success yet?