Job Discussion Forums

[pacific]

Come summertime, I will be applying for English teaching jobs in Prague. Though I am bilingual in Czech & English, I have never created a resume in Czech or using a European format. From the research I have done, the Czech standard is to have to disclose age, marital status, and possibly even information about children. Can I just use the same format I do in the U.S. without that sort of personal info? What have other people done? Will I be asked for a resume in Czech as well?

[spiral78]

It's called a CV (curriculum vitae) in Europe.

Whether it's written in English or Czech, it's normal to include a photo, date of birth, and marital status. You'll also want to include your citizenship information - are you a dual passport holder?

Yes, it's normal throughout Europe to include this information. If you don't, in my opinion, your CV will look as though you don't understand the context here well - meaning that I think your CV would be stronger if it did include the typical info.

[spiral78]

By the way, for English teaching positions, I'd submit it in English, but include a note at the bottom that you are bilingual. For example, where people put 'publications' or 'hobbies' you can add 'languages'

[Kootvela]

I use free Internet templates that I just fill in. Just google for them, there are plenty. They say that the best CV is one-page long, compact and highlighting the main points in your career. I agree that for jobs you have to send a CV in English but also you have to have one in the official language of the country because only documents in official language are allowed for any competitions that the company you will be working for might want to enter, for example, win teaching competition for a ministry.

[spiral78]

No, Kootvela, you don't HAVE to also have a CV in Czech to obtain work in Prague.

Possibly your employer will request one, in case of a competition such as you mention, for example , but in that case the school would usually have a translation made.

It is quite rare that newbie teachers in Prague are fluent in Czech. CVs are only required in English. An additional one in Czech would simply be a bonus.

[Kootvela]

Lucky you! We had to translate our CVs ourselves, the school didn't bother to.

[ITTP]

I just want to re-confirm Spiral's words that CV's don't have to be submitted in Czech for English language teaching positions in the CZ.
Also, that 1 page is definitely sufficient for a CV.

Schools do tend to receive alot of CV's via email so we always recommend following up with a personal visit or telephone call.

Sending your CV in Czech might actually be a hindrance to getting a teaching position.

Neville
ITTP Prague
Jungmannova 32
Prague 1

[Aussie Chick]

[ITTP]

Yes, it is important to keep it short and sweet.
Schools receive lots of Resumes so you need to make sure that your one stands out of course and one way of doing this is to keep everything to the point.
Your Resume should be just 1 page and, as Aussie Chick rightly stated, it should focus on teaching experience.
With such a high demand for teachers in Prague your Resume doesn't need to be perfectly manicured but what is important is that the school doesn't get the impression that you r mass emailing your Resume so I recommend writing a piece of text in your email, acting as a cover letter, which mentions the name of the school where you are sending your Resume too.
There are LOTS of Resume templates on the net.

Hezky den!/Lovely day!

Neville

ITTP Prague
Jungmannova 32
Prague 1