With a TEFL qualification, there are tons of jobs out there teaching English as a Foreign Language. But before you start packing your bags, you need to apply for those jobs! 

Part of the application process invariably involves sending off your CV or resumé. So let’s make sure you’re not making the most common TEFL CV mistakes and jeopardising your chances of living your TEFL dream before you’ve even gotten a teaching job.

Read more: The Secret Ingredients: What Qualities Make A Good TEFL Teacher?

What’s the difference between a CV and a resumé?

You’ve probably heard of a CV and a resumé. They are often used interchangeably, with resumé being used more in the US. There are subtle differences between a CV and a resumé in terms of usage, but for our purposes we’re going to refer a CV as defined above.

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which means course of life. A CV is a short document with information about a job seeker’s education, qualifications, employment history and skillset. 

Common TEFL CV Mistakes

Writing a CV can seem like a pretty easy thing to do. It’s not like you’re writing a novel! 

But in fact there are many mistakes people commonly make when compiling their CV. And because there are loads of CVs for each teaching vacancy, you need to make sure your CV is top-notch.

Let’s look at what a TEFL CV looks like so we can explain the common TEFL CV mistakes you need to avoid.

What should a TEFL CV/CV look like?

Here is an example of a TEFL CV. Of course, you would adapt it so the details are true for you.

_____________________________________________________

[Your Name] 

[Your Address]  

[City, Country]  include time zone

[Phone Number]  

[Email Address]  

[LinkedIn Profile / Professional Website (if applicable)]

OBJECTIVE 

Enthusiastic and dedicated TEFL-certified English teacher with [X] years of experience teaching English to diverse learners of various age groups and proficiency levels. Adept at creating engaging lesson plans, fostering a supportive classroom environment, and utilising innovative teaching strategies. Seeking a challenging teaching position to apply my skills and passion for language education.

EDUCATION 

TEFL Certification [including number of hours]

[Institution Name], [City, Country]  

[Date of Completion]  

Certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, including classroom management, lesson planning, and language acquisition techniques.

Bachelor of [X] in [Relevant Field] 

[University Name], [City, Country]  

[Date of Graduation]  

Major: [Your Major]  

Relevant Coursework: Linguistics, Cross-Cultural Communication, Educational Psychology

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher 

[School/Language Center Name], [City, Country]  

[Month/Year – Month/Year]  

– Taught English to [age group, e.g., children, teenagers, adults] in small and large classes with varied levels of proficiency, from Beginner to Advanced.  

Private English Tutor  

[City, Country]  

[Month/Year – Month/Year]  

– Conducted one-on-one English tutoring for students of all ages and proficiency levels, focusing on conversation practice, grammar, and vocabulary building, including IELTS and TOEFL preparation.

KEY SKILLS

– Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development: Ability to create engaging and well-structured lesson plans that cater to diverse learning needs.

– Classroom Management: Skilled in maintaining a positive and productive learning environment for students of all ages and abilities.

– Technology Integration: Proficient in using digital tools, such as online learning platforms, language apps, and multimedia resources, to enhance lessons.

– Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong communicator, capable of building rapport with students and fostering an open, supportive classroom atmosphere.

– Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Able to adjust teaching methods based on student needs and overcome challenges in the learning process.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS  

[Any other relevant certifications or workshops]

LANGUAGES  

– English (Native/Fluent) [or CEFR level]  

– [Any other languages you speak, e.g., Spanish (Intermediate)]

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

_____________________________________________________

Common TEFL CV mistakes

Now let’s look at the most common mistakes wannabe-teachers make on their TEFL CVs. 

Not following instructions

Be sure to read the entire job advertisement and follow the instructions to a T. Do you need to attach a photo? Must you use a specific email subject line? These details are important.

Not reading the requirements

Don’t waste time applying for jobs you’re not qualified for. If the job requires a degree and you don’t have one, don’t bother.

Including irrelevant information

This is a teaching CV. Even though you might have experience in other professions, only list those that are relevant to this teaching position.

Messy formatting

Your CV can’t look messy. These days with programs like Canva it’s super simple to create professional-looking documents. 

Language errors

You’re applying for a position as an English teacher. You cannot have typos or grammatical mistakes in your CV or cover letter! 

Incorrect information

Double-check your information. It’s not helpful if your contact information is not correct.

Zero cover letter

A CV is not enough. You need a personalised cover letter to introduce yourself to the employer. And the keyword in that sentence is personalised. 

What do I do if I have no teaching experience?

This is a common concern for new teachers. But relax, we all have to start somewhere. 

If you can, include any relevant tutoring or coaching experience, or any time you have spent involved in education or non-native English speakers in any way.

And that’s it! Everything you need to know about putting your best foot forward with a TEFL CV. Good luck!

Read more: Is It Easy To FInd A TEFL Job?