Accredited 120-hour Cheap Online TEFL Course $44

14-day Moneyback Guarantee

Try Free Lessons | No signup

22 Text, Video & Quiz Units

Learn at your own pace

Applying for TEFL jobs

Here’s our streamlined guide on how to write a great c.v. that will help secure you a TEFL job either online or abroad (in-person). The video below goes into even more depth.

In today’s competitive global teaching market, a well-crafted TEFL c.v. opens doors to exciting opportunities worldwide. With schools reopening and online teaching expanding rapidly, standing out from other qualified applicants has never been more important.

The most successful TEFL c.v.’s follow what we call the five ‘C’s framework: Clear, Concise, Catered, Cover letter-complemented, and Checked. This approach ensures your application captures employers’ attention for all the right reasons.

Your c.v. creates the first impression potential employers form about you. Make it count by organizing information logically and professionally. Begin with comprehensive contact details including your name, address, email, phone number with international code, nationality, date of birth, and video call username(s). Include a professional headshot where you look approachable yet professional – this is standard practice for international teaching positions.

Next, showcase your educational qualifications, starting with any teaching license, university or college degree, and then TEFL certification. Detail the awarding institution, qualification title, number of training hours, practical components, completion date, and any specializations. Follow this with any other relevant educational credentials. Language abilities, particularly if you have proficiency in the language spoken in your target country, should also be mentioned.

Your employment history should appear in reverse chronological order, highlighting teaching-related experience and transferable skills relevant to the classroom. Even without formal teaching experience, think creatively about transferable skills from previous roles. Did you train colleagues, give presentations, organize events, or mentor others? These experiences demonstrate capabilities valuable in teaching environments.

When describing past positions, focus on responsibilities and achievements that relate directly to teaching English. Keep descriptions concise and jargon-free, using simple language that non-native English speakers can easily understand.

A brief additional information section can highlight relevant experiences not covered elsewhere – travel experiences, volunteer work, digital literacy skills, first aid certification, or appropriate hobbies that demonstrate useful characteristics for teachers.

Really importantly, keep your c.v. concise – ideally one page, never exceeding two pages. Ruthlessly eliminate irrelevant details that don’t directly support your candidacy for English teaching positions. Remember that hiring managers often review dozens of applications; make their job easier by presenting only essential information clearly and concisely.

Additionally, ensure that you personalize each c.v. for the specific position you’re applying for. Research the institution to understand their values and priorities, then adjust your emphasis accordingly. This targeted approach significantly increases your chances of securing an interview.

Finally, before submission, meticulously proofread your document multiple times. As a prospective language teacher, even minor spelling or grammatical errors can seriously undermine your application. Use clean, professional formatting with consistent styling, adequate white space, and clear section headings. Convert your final document to PDF format to preserve formatting and name it appropriately.

With your polished c.v. ready, you’re prepared to begin your teaching adventure abroad. Remember that persistence is key – your ideal teaching position awaits!

TEFL Job Board

We might be the one of the cheapest TEFL course providers in the world, but we also happen to be (we’re pretty certain) the best cheapest online TEFL course provider. Hence, enjoy our free TEFL job board.

TEFL Cover Letter

You can read our summary text to learn all about what should be included in your TEFL job cover letter or scroll down to watch the in-depth video. There’s also a link to more in-depth text and templates for those who purchase our course.

Creating a c.v. for a TEFL job application

Writing a cover letter for a TEFL job application

Don’t forget about a cover letter when applying for any TEFL jobs, whether direct to a school or through a recruiter. Again, the video has much more detail.

A well-crafted cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and having your application overlooked in the competitive TEFL job market. While your CV showcases your qualifications and experience, your cover letter gives employers insight into your personality, teaching approach, and genuine interest in their specific position.

Creating an effective cover letter doesn’t need to be complicated. By following a few key principles and avoiding common mistakes, you can develop a compelling introduction that makes employers eager to learn more about you.

Do your homework first.

Before writing anything, research the organization thoroughly. Review their website to understand their teaching philosophy, student demographics, and what makes them unique. This information allows you to personalize your letter and demonstrate genuine interest in their specific opportunity—not just any teaching job.

Carefully analyze the job description, noting required qualifications, desired skills, and specific responsibilities. This analysis helps you highlight relevant experiences and attributes that match exactly what they’re seeking.

Craft your letter purposefully.

Start with proper formatting and addressing. Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person rather than using generic greetings. A brief introduction stating which position you’re applying for and how you learned about it sets a professional tone from the beginning.

The body of your letter should connect your background directly to the job requirements. Instead of simply stating qualifications (which are already in your CV), provide specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities. For instance, rather than saying you’re “good with children,” describe how you “developed engaging activities that motivated elementary students to participate enthusiastically in language learning games.”

Address any potential questions proactively. If you’re new to teaching, emphasize transferable skills and your TEFL training. If you’re changing careers, explain how your previous experience enriches your teaching approach. If applying to teach in a new country, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

Throughout your letter, focus on what you can contribute to the organization rather than what you hope to gain. Use specific language rather than vague claims, and maintain a professional but warm tone that reflects your teaching personality.

Close your letter by reiterating your interest, mentioning your availability for interviews, and thanking the reader for their consideration. Keep the entire letter concise—one page is ideal—with short paragraphs that enhance readability.

Avoid these mistakes.

Avoid sending generic letters that could apply to any position. Each application should contain specific references to the institution and role you’re targeting. Keep your letter focused and concise, eliminating unnecessary details that don’t directly support your application.

Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your CV. Instead of listing qualifications, explain how those qualifications make you an ideal candidate for this specific position. Throughout, emphasize what you can contribute rather than what benefits you hope to receive.

As a prospective language teacher, even minor grammatical errors can seriously undermine your application. Proofread meticulously, read your letter aloud to catch awkward phrasing, and have someone else review it before submission.

Remember that your cover letter serves as the first example of your written communication skills. Approach it as an opportunity to showcase your ability to communicate clearly and effectively—an essential quality for any English teacher.

With thoughtful preparation and careful crafting, your cover letter can significantly enhance your prospects of securing an interview and ultimately landing your ideal teaching position abroad.