Want to know how to succeed in the TEFL job market? Bruce Haxton tells you how.

So, you’re thinking about doing a TEFL course, and it won’t be too long before you’ve got your crisp new TEFL certificate in hand – but what are you going to do with it?! Get a teaching job abroad and jet off into the sunset – that’s what! But how to get there? Never fear: here are my five simple tips for TEFL job success:

Tailor your resume to TEFL

We’re sorry to say it, but employers don’t want to know about that ska band you were in back in school. Keep it short and sharp – just cover what the job advertisement asks for in simple, direct language. Focus on skills that schools will value, like leadership, organisational and communication skills and how you’ve demonstrated you can use them.

Do your course with a provider that has a job placement service

Get your TEFL course provider to do the legwork for you! Many companies have TEFL job placement services which will match you with relevant suitable contracts on completion of your course. Just make sure you’re eligible to use it before you sign on the dotted line!

Always deal with a real person

Want to know where most of those applications addressed to ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ end up? That’s right… the bin! One of the best routes to job success is to build up personal relationships with recruiters to make sure your application ends up in the right person’s hands, rather than the trash.

Use your mouse

The internet’s a marvellous thing – where before you might have had to traipse around a city handing out your CV, you can now get access to tens of thousands of TEFL jobs at the click of a mouse. Sites like www.tefl.com list positions from all over the world, which are just waiting for enthusiastic EFL teachers to fill them!

Keep it simple

Very often the person who’ll be reading your job application won’t have English as their first language. They won’t want to tackle an application full of flowery language – they’ll want one that’s simple to read and direct. If they can’t immediately see that you’ve got the skills for the job your application will probably end up being binned!

And remember, if finding a TEFL job feels daunting, the odds are with you: there are 20,000 TEFL positions posted online every month, meaning fluent English speakers with TEFL certificates are like gold dust in many countries!

About the Author

Bruce feels that teaching English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world. As long as you’re a fluent English speaker, a TEFL course is your ticket to the journey of your life.

By Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa of the TEFL Tips website

There are thousands of TEFL course providers to choose from, so how do you know which one is the right one for you? Below are some things to keep in mind when choosing a programme.

On-campus vs. Distance

Nowadays there are usually two different types of courses. On-campus or distance. On-campus courses usually take about four weeks. So in addition to not working for four weeks, you will also need the money for room and board. Distance courses can be ok, but they need to include the elements below.

On-Site Programmes

There are quite a few TEFL Training Programmes in Latin America. Try searching at TEFL Certification Abroad to find one that suites you.

Free online courses

The Peace Corps has come up with a Guide to teaching English. You could also try TEFL Boot Camp.

The following online courses require a fee in order to participate

English International
TEFL training
INTESOL International
TESOL Direct
The International TEFL Corporation
I-to-I
ACTDEC

100 Hours Minimum

Most employers will only recognize those course that are at least 100 hours. An hour is usually 50 minutes. Make sure it states on your certificate how many hours the course is.

6 Teaching Hours Minimum

During your training course you will get to teach real students. You need to teach at least 6 hours, this is in addition to any practice teaching that you may do in front of your peers.

Time in Business

How long has the training program been in existence? You might want to steer away from those that only have been going for a year or two.

Professional Membership or External Certification

Check if the TEFL training program has any Professional Membership, such as IATEFL or the TEFL Board. Also, see if your course provider has external certification. The British Council often certifies schools that meet their requirements.

Stand Alone vs Chain

Chain organization such as TEFL International, CELTA, and Trinity have the same basic requirements for their courses whether they’re in Egypt or China, but the trainers are different. So even though their course in one place may be good, it might not be if you go to a different location. However, chain organisations usually have the weight of the chain name behind them.

Stand Alone organisations are a bit more risky, but there are still great ones out there. They tend to cater more to their trainees by giving them more personal attention. The often also have contacts with local schools to get you a job.

Cost

Cost is always going to be a factor, but don’t just choose the cheapest one, because it may not be the best.

Guaranteed Job Placement

Most places should have job placement, but be sure to ask specifically what this is and is may vary from a guaranteed interview to a guaranteed job, which is a huge difference.

Feedback from Past Students

Many course providers will post feedback from teachers who have participated in their course. You might also ask to be put in touch via email with some students to ask other questions. Forums are also a good place to find out about schools. Dave’s ESL Café has a forum specifically for teacher training.

Remember courses are usually a couple thousand dollars so research your programme carefully.

About the author

Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.