Job Discussion Forums

cymruambyth · Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Wales

Hey everyone!

I got my CertTESOL a few months ago and I've been looking for work ever since. Given that I have no experience outside the 6 hours of observed practice on my course, I'm finding it quite difficult to write my 'TEFL CV'.

I'm gearing towards schools which accept entry-level teachers, so I really need to get this written as soon as possible. It may seem like a silly question, but what should go into a CV for one's first teaching job? Should I include a passport photograph, etc?

Hope someone can answer me!

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

Answers will vary depending on the country where you want to work, and perhaps even on the type of teaching position.

Having no experience is a shame, but you are not alone. Advertise your certificate as early as possible in the resume, and if you can list any kind of "teaching/tutoring" experience, do so. Cover this more extensively in the cover letter and hope for the best.

Customize each cover letter to the employer and their ad/position.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

If you want to go somewhere in continental Europe, then the photo is standard. You can only describe the 'relevant experience' on your course, but entry level positions in this region won't actually expect more. However, again for continental Europe, most entry-level jobs aren't found from abroad - you need to come over and interview in person in almost every case.

tttompatz

cymruambyth · Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Wales

Thanks for the replies!

I've written a CV using the format you suggested and it looks pretty good, despite the lack of teaching experience! I'm in the process of writing a covering letter, explaining that I'm a newly-qualified efl teacher and I'm looking to gain classroom experience, etc.

I should have been more specific in my original post - I'm looking for work in France or Italy at the moment, but I'm open to anywhere that will take entry-level teachers. I heard that for Europe especially, it's better to be in the country so they can interview you. However, I'm not really in a financial position to do that at the moment. Guess it's true what glenski said, it's gonna be a case of sending my CV/covering letter and hoping for the best!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

It is indeed true that in Italy and France, most schools will not take a chance on hiring someone sight-unseen. That's because there are lots of teachers there, ready to interview in person. This is also a very slow time of year, as most contracts for the region are Sept/Oct - June.

It's obviously not going to hurt to send out some CVs and covering letters, but if you get little/no response, the best idea is probably to save up until the end of August and come over then at the peak hiring season.

So far as finances, you will need some savings to get started in any case. Entry level jobs in this region don't pay for airfare and you will usually need to pay a deposit for a flat rental, plus support yourself until your first paycheck arrives, usually 30-60 days after you arrive (schools typically pay monthly, at the end of the month worked).

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:12 am Post subject:

cymruambyth · Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Wales

I got my degree in Japanese last summer, so I'm okay as far as entry-level qualifications go. I'm out of work at the moment though, thus the financial worries. My parents have said they'd loan me some money when I eventually find a teaching position, so I suppose I have that as a backup for the time being.

As much as I'd love to go back to Japan (spent a year studying there) or try Korea, I was hoping to start off in Europe. I suppose it's true that there are loads of expats in France and Italy who are there and ready to interview, so there's that to consider. Maybe I should be looking at eastern Europe?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

It's basically the same saturated job market in Central Europe (Poland, Czech Rep, Slovakia), but I think that Russian schools may hire from abroad. You might try posting on the Russia forum below, to get some info on this. Again, I think your timing is poor if you are trying to find something to start before September, though. Everyone is kind of working through the last half of a regular contract and there are few openings in the region...