Job Discussion Forums

[wavelength]

I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'm getting a very low response rate for my CV. In brief:

- 5 years experience
- BA Writing and Literature
- BA Visual Art
- 160 hour TEFL

Does anyone have any suggestions? (Also, dealing with recruiters is getting old.)

[nomad soul]

You didn't mention where and how you've been applying. But there's either something amiss with your CV, you're applying to positions you're not quite qualified for, and/or your timing is off (i.e., this isn't the hiring season for the countries/jobs you're applying to).

[adaruby]

[wavelength]

I'm primarily applying in Saudi and Korea. I was in Korea 15 years ago, so I know I can save money there. Also, Korea is an all year round hiring market. I think they don't like my age (42), and I know I don't like having to shave off my beard to fit their likings.

As for Saudi, I filter out the opportunities that my BA doesn't fit. Other wise, I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I usually search for employer information on this board, and that often further filters my choices.

If I could send you my CV for a quick look over, I would.

My standard cover letter, which any one can use as a template if they want, is:

--------------------
Dear NAME,

I'm very interested in the position you've advertised for an TITLE position on WEBSITE.

I am a Network+ Certified British citizen who's also an experienced language teacher with 5 years international experience in the classroom, a BA in Writing and Literature, a BA in Visual Art, and a 160 hour in-house TEFL.

I have skills in:

- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Cultural adaptability
- Advanced computer skills

Further documentation, such as CRB with Apostille and references are available.

I look forward to engaging your company and learning about your role in education. Please contact me via email or by telephone at PHONE.

Yours sincerely,

MY NAME
-----------------

[wavelength]

[adaruby]

[nomad soul]

[wavelength]

Thanks for the response.

Experience includes Kindergarten, Middle school, and university students. Countries include Korea (not mentioned because it was so long ago), Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Cambodia. Cambodia and Thailand are referable.

TEFL earned in 2009 in Thailand. Satisfies most employers.

Salaries are fine from Saudi. One pulled out because I asked why the salary offered was $10,000 per year less than advertised for someone with less experience but same qualifications. The second one... I don't know what happened to that guy. (Got the feeling the good "Doctor" was juggling more than education... perhaps syphoning passport information pages.)

[nomad soul]

Kindergarten and middle school experience isn't going to excite Saudi employers; ditto for experience obtained in certain Asian countries. I suspect that's why that salary offer was less than what was advertised. Anyway, your qualifications are minimal, so don't expect big bucks.

[wavelength]

[reddevil79]

Can I be honest here? As someone who has hired teachers for the institutions I’ve worked for, that letter’s too brief and doesn’t do much for me. It seems like you’re sending the same letter to each institution you’re applying to, so how will you stand out? I can’t tell you how many generic application emails I received and I deleted most of them.

Things to include:

- Why do you want to work for that particular institution?
- What could you offer them?
- How would you adapt to the town/city/region? Why?
- Is your experience relevant to the position? If so, why? How will it help?

I could go on, but in the short time that you’ve got the recruiter’s attention you need to show him or her your skills, your experience and what you could bring to them. It seems like you’ve done a heck of a lot in just five years, so show them

[wavelength]

By the way, I should probably retitle this thread to "Zero Response Rate".

[wavelength]

[nomad soul]

[nomad soul]

Wavelength:

Check out "How good is your CV?" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=109463).