What about TEFL
CV’s and Resumes?
The
same as back home?
Generally speaking, no.
Get
used to the idea that the work scene overseas is VERY
DIFFERENT from the one back home. Employers WILL want
to see your photograph. Will ask you about your
family. Will ask your age. Will ask if you are
married - maybe even why not, if you aren't.
Okay, not always, but it is not unusual, overseas, for
people to ask many questions that would be illegal in
many Western countries. In their country they are
legal and, in their eyes, legitimate questions.
They Have Their Reasons
Work visas for English Teachers often require that your
passport be from a country they deem as being English
speaking. Age, is sometimes limited for certain kinds
of visas. Men, may not be allowed to teach at a women's
school (Saudi Arabia for example) and on and on.
Get
over it
Decide now if these issues really bother you. If they
do - you may have some difficulty landing a job - or
even surviving in non-Westernized countries.
What to put on your Resume/CV
Traditional resumes are fine - but be sure to put the
essential information near the top - where your
potential employer can see it quickly. Technically, a
CV is a much more academically-oriented form and more
detailed, but you'll find the terms resume and CV used
somewhat interchangeably overseas. Keep them both to
two pages or less (just my opinion).
If
you are an older person - like me - put a cut off point
in time to limit how long your resume will be. Do they
really need to know that you worked for McDonalds 35
years ago?
Conversely, if you are very interested in teaching in a
particular specialty - Business English, Science
English, Hospitality English - be sure to include your
experience in that area to strengthen your position.
Photo
Most countries will want a photo attached to your
resume. Passport size - top left corner. Not
everywhere is the same - but not a big deal if you put
it on the wrong corner . . . It is usually okay if you
print it on the resume. Make sure you dress and
appear professionally in the photo.
Age, Marital Status, Sex, Nationality, Dependents
Get
used to it now. If you don't include this information,
and the employer has many applicants - guess where your
resume will go . . . In some countries, if you do not
include this information, they will assume you are
hiding something! Get used to the idea that not
everyone thinks the way we do - or has the same rules or
standards. That people and cultures and countries
are different - it's what makes it all so interesting . .
.
It's okay to be creative
Avoid templates - you blend into the
background as if you weren't there. Try something
creative. Use color - give it shot. Try a
Google search for "creative resumes".
