Job Discussion Forums

[mpan]

Hey, this is to all the long term people that have had experience or are currently in management positions in buxibans or just have experience with this sort of thing. I have changed the resume I am sending out to employers. I have a few different drafts that I am considering. Please send me a PM if you are interested in looking at my resume and helping me choose one. Please include your email address and I will send the different drafts I have and would greatly appreciate any and all input. Thanks a bunch.

mpan

[clark.w.griswald]

My advice:

1. Check your spelling.
2. Check your grammar.
3. Maintain formality in your correspondence e.g. Dear Sir etc.
4. Remove anything from your resume that isn't directly related to teaching in Taiwan. This may be a personal preference that others may not agree with, but I always thought it pretty silly for people to make such a big thing about part time positions held at college for furniture removals or the like. Sure, I can see that this may show a committment to work and all, but I just think that it is pretty well irrelevant.
5. Tell the employer why you think that they should hire you over the other applicants for that position.
6. Be respectful, and avoid coming off as being over confident or conceited.

[nenemosha]

Hi Clark (or anyone else),

Any tips for those of us who are re-careering? I've been working in IT for the past 4 years. I know some of what I've done could, if properly worded, be considered "instructional" but I'm really struggling with ideas on how to market myself as a teacher.

I really have no teaching experience other than what I received in my CELTA program and one summer spent as a teacher's aid in a TEFL class. I'm not really sure my resume will be incredibly appealing to schools but I'm confident that face-to-face in interviews/demos I will shine.

I do have an excellent teaching report covering all of my strengths that was included with my CELTA certificate (I did really well in the course).

Has anyone else out there re-careered? How did you handle the resume situation?

Only 23 days until I leave for Taiwan!!!

Thanks in advance!

[clark.w.griswald]

Although teaching experience can be a real plus, it isn't essential.

The first criteria in finding work is ensuring that you meet the governments criteria for legal work.

The second consideration would probably be ageism and racism. Some employers in Taiwan will actively avoid teachers who are over 35 or who have an appearance other than the white westerner that many parents expect. This doesn't mean that these individuals can't get work. They can, but it is just a bit more difficult.

Assuming that you fit the profile of what most schools are looking for then I agree that your personality will be a big consideration. I wouldn't try padding out your resume with experience that is not completely related to teaching work. I would make mention of what you have been doing of course, but I would concentrate on telling the prospective employer what you can offer them. In your case I would probably admit that I don't have a lot of experience, but that I make up for this with enthusiasm.

On the whole employers just want to hire someone personable and reliable. They can train you in how to teach.

[wood]

Let the school know that you are serious about teaching. Tell
them that you are punctual and are a hard-working teacher.
Tell them that you are willing to learn, that you hardly ever get
sick and that you are as reliable as any employer could ever
desire.

But be prepared to prove it.