Looking for ESL teacher resume tips? If you’ve been wondering, “How do I get a job teaching online as an English teacher?” you’ve come to the right place!
Teaching English online in 2022 is a booming profession.
The flexible, secure, and lucrative aspects of online English teaching have turned this job into a desirable profession on a global scale.
Due to this high demand, employers will often get hundreds of resumes from qualified English teachers.
However, we don’t want this fact to hold you back because sending a unique resume and cover letter is where the magic happens.
Understanding how to get hired and become an online English teacher goes back to learning how to skillfully present your story and experience in your resume and cover letter.
It’s about asking the question, “Why should I be the one that is hired for this position.”
A tailored resume and cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd!
Let’s get started with everything you need to know to create an appealing resume and cover letter for teaching English online.
Tips for writing your online English teaching resume
A clean and simple resume design is always in style.
Employers should always have an easy time reading and identifying your experience based on the resume you have submitted.
Don’t use complicated jargon or overcrowd your resume with information and text.
Remember, you can always expand on previous job experiences in your cover letter.
Make sure to use a clean, simple black font and include bold headings or subheadings where you want to highlight a specific skill set or previous job.
It is also highly recommended that your resume contains the following information:
Contact information: First and last name, email, location, phone number, and citizenship/nationality.
Education: It is important to highlight your TEFL Certification here and list any other degrees or formal training programs you have completed.
Experience: Make sure to list any experience that is relevant to becoming an online English teacher (including volunteer).
Skills: Highlight additional skills that you have (other languages, computer/ technology skill sets, etc.). Your technology-related skills are especially important as an online English teacher, especially knowledge of digital communication platforms like Zoom.
Headshot Image: This is particularly important if you are teaching English online to children, as employers want to ensure you have a friendly demeanor.
What to include in your cover letter
A cover letter is a great opportunity to share your story and explain to the employer why you are the best fit for this job.
Typically cover letters are one page in length and should maintain a crisp and simple look that is easy to read and follow.
What makes you stand out as an online English teacher? What value will you be adding to the school that you are applying for?
Be sure to also mention where you are currently based (your virtual classroom set-up is integral for this profession).
You can talk about your educational and teaching-related experience, desire to help students, love for languages, and how tech-savvy you are (an important skill as an online English teacher).
And of course, don’t forget to speak to your education and the TEFL certification.
If you are applying to a school where you are teaching English to children online (as opposed to adults), you can talk about the props, colorful and quiet space you will be using to keep the kids attentive and ensure that learning is a fun experience for everyone.
The technological equipment you have is especially important for teaching classes online (the internet speed and connection, webcam, laptop, working headset).
Tip: Never send a generic cover letter and never use the same cover letter for different schools.
Getting hired as an ESL teacher
There are hundreds of schools that are looking for online English teachers right now.
To make your search easier and quicker, you can use the Teach Away online jobs portal to find one that speaks to you.
When you learn the art of resume and cover letter writing, applying for jobs and getting selected for an interview process will be easier than ever.
It’s important to note that crafting a resume and cover letter to teach English online will not look the same as when you are applying to teach English abroad (different visa requirements and protocols).
But, if interested, you can learn more about how to craft an application to land your dream job teaching English abroad by clicking on the link.
Best of luck and happy applying!