Our guide to writing the ideal TEFL CV

You can find fantastic TEFL jobs around the world and you can do this by going to our TEFL Jobs section, but you must first have a fantastic CV if you want to land one of these positions!

Do’s and Dont’s when writing a CV for TEFL jobs abroad

• DO make sure that all of your information is up to date and correct.
• DO list your education and work experience in reverse chronological order.
• DO keep your CV short and concise.
• DO spell check!
• DO sell yourself by mentioning specific skills and accomplishments.
  
  
  
  
• DON’T write paragraphs, stick to bullet points.
• DON’T include graphics like pictures and logos.
• DON’T lie.
• DON’T use fonts or colours that will make your CV harder to read.
• DON’T include unnecessary information such as why you left your previous job.

What to include in your TEFL CV

Finding your first job is the most difficult, so here are some tips to help you improve your TEFL CV and land that dream job.

Personal information

This is one of the most important parts of your TEFL CV. Be sure to include your nationality, full name, and birthdate. Employers must be able to quickly verify this data because some countries have visa restrictions based on nationality and age.

Add a photo

Although it's not always necessary to include a photo on a CV, most TEFL employers require you to do so. Don't use photos from a passport. Remember to smile while taking a professional-looking photo. You want the employer to see you as the ideal teacher—confident and approachable. Choose a good quality picture.

Qualifications/Education

Your TEFL certification should always be listed first on your CV along with the date it was awarded and the number of hours in your qualification when you're applying for a teaching position. Along with any additional qualifications you believe are crucial.

Your degree(s), if any, should be listed next, along with the university, subject, grade, and date awarded.

List your educational accomplishments, including the subjects, grades, pertinent dates, and the schools you attended to earn them. Include subjects that are relevant, like English or a foreign language.

Employment

Keep in mind that a lot of foreign institutions care a lot about job titles. Mention your position, the company you worked for, and the relevant dates as you describe your prior employment in reverse chronological order. Include a few sentences describing your duties and accomplishments in each position.

Voluntary work experience can also be added. Any teaching or training experience should be mentioned and emphasised. Include the age ranges you worked with if you have experience as a teacher or teachers assistant.

Other information

Including a section for additional relevant information allows you to highlight any experience, skills, or personality traits that your employment and education history do not already convey. It could be your IT skills, your driving ability, or even your hobbies, such as travelling. Consider what makes you so valuable. Do you have any skills you'd like to show a potential TEFL employer? Make sure that this section is relevant to teaching English as a foreign language and that nothing unnecessary is included.

References

At the very bottom of your CV, include at least two references. This could be anyone in a professional setting, such as your previous employer or a university tutor.

Checking your CV over

As tempting as it may be to send out your CV right away, DO NOT DO THIS! Check your CV for spelling and grammar errors, as even the smallest error could prevent you from getting an interview.

You can put these tips into action now that you know how to write the perfect TEFL CV, and you can be confident that you will soon be landing your dream job!