Job Discussion Forums

[haopengyou]

I have not had to write a "serious" resume in more than ten years. Does someone have a sample they can recommend to me? A webpage? Should I put a picture of myself on the resume? What is most important thing to see on a resume in the middle east?

[mccainjohn96]

Not a bad question. I got very creative with my CV and have had many compliments on it. ARAMCO refused it, however, for not being in "standard format." I replied that there is no such thing as "standard format," and that was the end of that. Just as well. Had I got the job, they probably would have complained that I should also observe "standard format" in my teaching.

[johnslat]

Dear haopengyou,

The "most important" things are probably these:

1. MA in Applied Linguistics/TESOL

2. Three (or more) years of experience teaching in the Middle East

(Yup, I know - it's the old "Catch-22." How can I get three or more years of experience teaching in the Middle East when everyone wants that to hire me in the first place?)

I think the style of the resume (as long as it adheres to the usual format and includes the usual items) isn't all that important.
Here's a sample:

http://www.resumepromo.com/teachingresume.htm

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

That is a North American style resume. You may also want to look at the traditional CV that is more commonly used in Europe. Personally, I used the resume format, but expanded the section on teaching experience as it referred to the job applied for. My goal was to never go over two pages because I know that few managers get past the first two.

As to the picture, most places in the Middle East want a picture. So, include it if you don't mind.

VS

[15yearsinQ8]

this is actually the best question in a while

i do hope we can all empty our collective brains without slamming each other

a fresh professional has to establish 2 things subtlely in their resume
1- briefly contextualize their experience as it relates to the job applied for

eg. mention .... north carolina state university is a public 4 year university where i taught low level, economically disadvantaged minority students in freshman english and foreigners in foundation english - then give a web link to the programs or a weblink if it is useful - the style of how you present the info can vary

2 - eliminate the 'what problems is this teacher going to cause' worries,

IMHO most HRs in the Gulf are anti-teacher and most decidely anti-TEFL teacher. they have had to process the casulties out and deal with the after effect, so you have to come across as straight, sober, stable with a legal and productive life outside of teaching. In the Gulf, this means spouse and children - barring those listing interests/hobbies as 'reading and cats' is not as effective in the above as 'completing a book on ..... and 'advancing in tae kwon do (or whatever after having thoroughly researched the area)'

many people lie, fudge and stretch the truth on their resume, if you do it, do it selectively in areas they can't get you on

[jdl]

Microsoft Office Suite has a variety of formats/templates that one can play with. All the essential headings are outlined as are examples of chronolgical vs experiential resumes. It is a good place to start; well formatted, generic and recognized by HR people. Its use also demonstrates the applicants familiarity with the most commonly used software program on the planet. The templates allow for internal customization

As for the resume vs cv discussion, it all depends on the employer. One idea is to study the advertisement carefully and respond to each highlight in the ad through the resume/cv. The ad will often indicate what type of application is expected: the two page precis or the 15 page cv.

If one is a cv type of person, an essential is a summary or profile page at the beginning of the cv so those HR people who want it 'quick and dirty' get what they need right up front.

Be conservative in approach and language....always. Using the academic third person passive style is safe.

[haopengyou]

Should the picture go on the resume? or be an attachment? I am guessing should probably be suit and tie but what kind of feeling do I want the photo to convey? A good photographer can change the feeling from a picture very easily with just a few adjustments to the camera or to the background. Is it OK to put pictures on a resume now - for example, a picture of students I taught at each school?

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