Top Ten Tips for TEFL CV Success

An employer can receive hundreds of CVs for a teaching position. How will your CV survive the whittling-down process? Here are some helpful tips from employers:

1   Look at the job description and then adapt your CV accordingly

Look at the job description and then adapt your CV accordingly. Study the job description and circle the experience and hard or soft skills that the employer is looking for (the hard skills are ones which can be taught or assessed such as qualifications, language skills, etc; soft skills or people/interpersonal skills, are harder to quantify and include teamwork, classroom management, motivation, and so on). Where possible, mention your relevant experience and show evidence of skills throughout your CV.

2   Include keywords from the job advertisement in your CV

Include keywords from the job advertisement in your CV. This is similar to the above where you have included the experience and skills the employer is looking for in your CV. Here you should circle keywords from the job advertisement and then include them in your CV. The recruiter has carefully written the job advertisement to indicate the qualities the employer is looking for in a teacher. In TEFL ads we often see these key words: teamwork, creative, motivating, experienced, professional, committed, lively, positive – you should use the words the employer has used.

3   Include all the necessary sections of a CV in the correct order

Include all the necessary sections of a CV in the correct order.  Most CVs follow a particular lay out: Title: Curriculum Vitae of …, Personal information, Personal Profile or Personal Statement (optional, but recommended), Education (in reverse chronological order), Work Experience (again in reverse chronological order), and References.  Other sections which you may include are: Skills, Interests, and Continuing Professional Development. 

4   Presentation - makes your CV stand out from others 

Presentation makes your CV stand out from others and reflects your professionalism. Here’s a quick check list of ‘Dos and don’ts’:

Do:

• use the same font throughout the body of the CV, usually Arial or Times New Roman. Sometimes people use a different font for the headings;
• use the same size font for the body of your CV, the standard font size is 10 or 12. The headings or sub-headings might use a bigger font i.e. 12 - 14;
• align the body of the text in the same way. It has been suggested that left-aligned text is easier to read. Justified text is acceptable but be aware of the odd spacing this can present;
• use white paper – coloured paper is considered inappropriate for a professional document;
• space the content of your CV equally over the one or two pages. If possible, avoid presenting a CV which ends halfway down the second page.

Don’t:

• exceed two pages;
• split a section of your CV in half across two pages;
• include a photo unless it has been specifically requested.

5   Proof read your CV to identify any grammar and/or spelling mistakes

Ideally get someone else to proof read your CV as they may identify errors more easily.

6   Always include a Covering Letter with your CV

You should always include a covering letter with your CV unless you are specifically instructed that you do not need to do so. For tips on writing a covering letter visit the teflhub Covering Letter Tips field.

7   Make at least one copy of every up-to-date version of your CV

Make at least one copy of every up-to-date version of your CV. Take five seconds to save at least two copies of every version of your CV.

8   Send your CV in pdf form

Send your CV in pdf form

9   After you have submitted your CV follow it up with a phone call

After you have submitted your CV follow it up with a phone call. This will give you the opportunity to stand out from the other applicants and maybe open a channel of communication between you and your potential future employer.

10   Apply for other positions which interest you

Don’t rely on one application; apply for other positions which interest you. You may get the offer of a number of interviews and possibly jobs which you can then politely decline if you get the job you wanted; but you must then contact them to explain that you have accepted another position (or maybe start negotiating a better package for yourself). 

Note: There’s a more detailed description of what your CV should include with a quick CV checklist available in the teflhub resources. You can also find tips on writing your Covering Letter and Interview skills in the same section.