How To Find The TEFL Job Of Your Dreams….In 5 Easy Steps
Is teaching and travelling on your bucket list? Are you interested in teaching English as a foreign language? Keen to find the TEFL job of your dreams? Well, here’s how you can, in 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Get qualified
Signing up for a TEFL course and getting a TEFL certificate is a no-brainer when it comes to getting a job teaching English abroad. It’s near impossible to secure a job teaching English as a foreign language without a TEFL qualification behind your name. A four-year degree is needed for jobs in some countries, but there are many options available to you without a degree. But a TEFL qualification is a non-negotiable.
How do I choose a TEFL course?
Choosing the right TEFL course which will set you on the path to TEFL success can be tricky. An important consideration is cost. But when it comes to TEFL qualifications, cheap and cheerful is not what you should be looking for. Make sure your TEFL course is not only legit but also good value for money. Your TEFL qualification should be comprehensive, from an internationally recognised, reputable TEFL course provider.
Step 2: Think
With your TEFL certificate under your belt, it’s time for the fun part! There are so many options for teaching English. Before you start sifting through all the job ads, take a moment and think about what it is you want from a teaching job. There are so many TEFL jobs out there you could spend your life applying for jobs! Rather be selective about which posts you’ll apply for to save yourself time and sanity.
There are a few questions you should ask yourself to figure out exactly what being a TEFL teacher looks like for you: Do you want to teach:
- Young Learners or adults?
- in-class or online?
- at home or abroad? If abroad, where?
- part-time or full-time?
- in a school, language school, university, or in-company?
- close to home or the furthest away you can go?
Take some time to consider the various options. You might find yourself dreaming of tropical Thai islands, medieval Italian cities, or snowy English towns. This might give you a hint about where you want to teach.
Step 3: Browse TEFL jobs
Hop online and browse through the thousands (and thousands!) of TEFL jobs being advertised. You can check out jobs boards or websites advertising EFL jobs. Use your preferences to narrow down your search options - or else you could be searching until the cows come home!
Be sure to do your research on your potential employers by doing a background check online. Any school you apply to should have an online presence in the form of a website, Facebook page or online reviews. Even better would be to find a former teacher online who can vouch for the school and answer any questions you may have.
Step 4: Perfect your CV
We all know our CVs need to look good, but when it comes to a teacher’s CV it really needs to be spotless when it comes to spelling and grammar. This is an employer’s first impression of you, so let’s be honest, you don’t want to mess it up!
Be sure to list your qualifications, giving details on your TEFL certificate. Include any teaching experience you may have, which can include tutoring, coaching or au pairing. Don’t focus on details which aren’t relevant to teaching, but highlight any skills you may have acquired which could relate to being a teacher.
Step 5: Apply!
Once you’ve found the TEFL job of your dreams, take a deep breath and send off your CV and personalised cover letter. If all goes well, they’ll call you to set up an online or telephonic interview. This is to get to know your personality to ensure you are a fit for their school, as well as to hear your English accent.
During your interview you could be asked to demonstrate your teaching skills by planning a lesson or talking through hypothetical teaching situations. Don’t worry, you’ll be told everything you need to know in advance. Then all you have to do is relax and knock their socks off!
Five easy steps to find the TEFL job of your dreams. What are you waiting for?
