Job Discussion Forums

tricia11 · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 25

I am beginning to think that I need to physcially fly somewhere knock on thier door and ask for an interview? Is my fantasy of teaching EFL only that I have sent out like frickin 30 resumes had a few interviews etc. but to no avail.

Hmmmmmmmmm...... Does anyone have the real low down or can you tell me how you landed your first gig?

much thanks!! Tricia11

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

What countries did you apply to work in?
What is your background/education?

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

Education? none .. by the looks of it ...

Is your CV in better shape than your post .. even the cowboy shops want people that can write properly ...

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

jammish · Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1704

Assuming that you wrote that post in a hurry, and that your CV is somewhat better written/presented, you also need to mention where you are looking for a job. You have given us no information about qualifications, desired location, etc. Without any of that your request is somewhat vague... Different countries have different application procedures.

furiousmilksheikali

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

If she hasn't already, the OP might benefit from reading the earlier thread on cover letters, in which many recruiters comment on the standards of some wannabe TEFLers ...

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=48315

bigbadsuzie · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 8:30 am Post subject:

Well Sheik you do hand out useful advice sometimes then ! I do find it ironic that some of the most vocal comments about poorly written covering letters are less than perfectly done themselves . If they preach it ,then why don't they practise it ?

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

I like to do my bit now and again ...

johnnyenglishteacher · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 41

You can find jobs in European capital cities just by going from school to school with your CV, especially in Central/Eastern Europe. Also, telephone is a better way to get a job than e-mail.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

From a previous post by the OP:

tricia11 · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 25

Hello and thanks to everyone who posted on this. Yes I did write it in a hurry.... I do have a TEFL certificate, a Bachelor's Degree, and what I thought a good resume and cover letter as I have had it proofread by my Aunt who is an editor.

I will check out the links for TEFL cover letters perhaps I need to tweak mine a bit more.

Thanks to all who were helpful and to all SHeik or whatever buzz off!
I applied mostly to Latin Amerian countries, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica.

I have limited teaching experience, some in a pre-school and more teaching in a University Dance program; which I know is not EFL but it is what I have.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I think the problem lies in that you're applying to Latin American countries. Schools here prefer to hire face-to-face; given a choice between an anonymous resume or the backpacker knocking at their door, most usually choose the backpacker.

Some ideas:
1) Check out the Latin American forums. Ask questions there; someone may be hiring.

2) Pick a place you like, come for a visit, and start knocking on doors. Be the backpacker.

3) Try applying to schools in China, Korea, Indonesia, or Taiwan. They are more desperate and more willing to hire an unknown.

Good luck.

Sheikh Inal Ovar · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 1208 Location: Melo Drama School

won't hurry I else well in frickin helping be anyone a frickin!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Would be interesting to know how many countries don't require applicants to be there (generally, anyway) for a face to face interview. I can't imagine being an employer and hiring someone sight unseen. Pretty arrogant to think you'd get hired just on the strength of a resume, especially so early in one's career.

Here in Japan, 30 resumes is about par for university job hunting. Maybe even a bit on the low side. I got one interview out of all that. There are 20-100 people applying for every job.

As for any other type of job, I would expect about a 10% rate of return calls. Shoot for the percentages and make a quality resume and cover letter.

An editor can look things over for spelling, grammar, and general format, tricia, but unless your aunt is well-versed in resumes for TEFL work, I'd have to say consider getting another person as well to look over your resume and cover letter. Sometimes people on these forums know more than people back home, and they are willing to look over resumes to give advice. I do, but not for those countries you are interested in.