How do I find an
EFL job?
How quickly can I find work in TEFL?
Head to the discussion boards (again!) and find their
links to popular job sites. Ask on the boards what the
common requirements are for most jobs - and ask what is
required in terms of previous education and/or TEFL
training. Ask what is usually required on a resume.
Resumes
In Asia, for example, many countries will want your
photograph attached to your resume. They may also want
information about your marital status and age and sex -
all things that are improper in some countries - yet if
absent from your resume in this part of the world - your
resume and letter of application may end up in the trash
can. Read Resumes
and CVs.
Job Search
Strategy for Teaching English Overseas (TEFL)
In
many countries it is possible to line up your first job
from your home country. Sometimes - you will hear on
the discussion boards - it is better to go there and
make in-person contacts. No doubt you can find better
work and rule out problem situations better on the scene
- but for many people it can be too expensive or even
too scary to head overseas without a contract in their
pocket.
Setting up a Job before You Go
This is quite possible and I have arranged quality jobs
in Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Korea before actually going
there to work. Your chances of having a problem
increase though if you are not on the scene so be sure
to review the section on this website about things to
know before you go.
Recruiters
Many people equate them with Satan - but my first TEFL
job was organized by a recruiter. And, yes, I had
problems with that job - but the recruiter solved them
all and even got me a better job (my first
college/university job) when things couldn't be
repaired. Again, review the section on things you
should know before you go - to limit potential problems.
How quickly can I find work?
Probably within a couple weeks if you are prepared to
teach in a language school in China, Japan, or Korea.
But . . . take your time, investigate and learn all you
can before you make a final decision.
Some jobs will take longer. Countries that have smaller
EFL markets or intensively screen applicants can take
weeks or even months for some of the best jobs.
