Job Discussion Forums

[Karitos]

For those of you who have successfully gained employment in Saudi, do you have any recommendations for putting together CVs for ESL jobs there?

I'm not so much referring to the content of the CV, but rather the design of the CV. I.e., are employers there likely going to be encouraged to review a CV if it's a bit more modern (not crazy with graphics or anything, just more modern)? Or is it better to go with a straight black and white CV with nothing particularly unique about how it appears? Is putting a small picture on the CV a good idea?

Any other tips appreciated.

[nomad soul]

Focus on content and not on catchy fonts and layout; a basic straight-forward, no-frills, error-free CV will do. Only include a photo on the CV if stated in the job ad.

Keep in mind there are teachers from so many nationalities working in the country's educational system----employers see a variety of CV styles. Besides, depending on the employer, the people reviewing CVs are likely to be diverse as well.

[BillyBaddusky]

I agree with VS about content. HR and recruiting departments are constantly flooded with CVs. Be succinct without being vague. Try not to pad your CV and make sure you have certificates or letters of recommendation (preferably original documents) from all jobs listed on your CV. If you are a direct hire, HR will look at your experience and match that against references and certificates. A contractor might not bother themselves with verification. In some cases they just need warm bodies.

I can only suggest my format because it works for me.

Mine is formatted with name and contact info center margin on top -- 12 pt font, name only in bold. Maybe a photo. Keep the font consistent either all serif or sans serif. Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman.

Left margin for everything else, drop it down to 11 pt. Headings in bold-- EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE ,EMPLOYMENT HISTORY,PUBLICATIONS and PAPERS and maybe consider adding a hobby or other activities that require personal initiative, dedication and leadership like running marathons or being captain a sports team (though you could save this for a brief mention in your cover letter). Remember that CVs are glanced at. Try to keep it to one page. I have 25 years experience and I still fit it on one page.

Cover letters are important. Also keep that concise. Format the cover letter as you would a formal business letter, your name and contact info at top, right margin. The recipients name, job title and address left margin. Try to address it to a recipient, not to whom it concerns. One or two paragraphs. I'd mention why you want to live here. That generally comes up in interviews as in why would anyone want to live here?

You might stand out if you add a Youtube link to a video CV. Since you will Email your CV, the link will be clickable and the video CV online might give you an edge.

Hope this helps.

[nomad soul]

[Karitos]

[BillyBaddusky]

Regarding hobbies and interests --
http://tinyurl.com/lfhtzg6

Something to consider, as I mentioned.

[nomad soul]

[spiral78]

As a sometime-employer (though not for the ME), I'd say please skip the hobbies. We really don't care, and for ME jobs, the hobbies one has enjoyed in the West are all-too-likely to be considered negatively anyway.

Here's an interesting bit of research result we use in our context - it's illuminating as regards putting any sort of 'optional' information on a CV.

http://forumblog.org/2014/11/what-recruiters-look-your-CV-resume/?utm_content=bufferca165&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[cmp45]

I agree with Nomad and Spiral's advice.
Yes for jobs in KSA, keep the hobbies off the CV, unless there is some sort of connection to the job you're applying for.

[veiledsentiments]

I would add myself to the don't include hobbies.

As to the future CELTA, I wouldn't put it on the CV, but mention that you are enrolled for X course in Y country on such and such a date - in the cover letter.

VS

[weigookin74]

Good info.