Teaching ESL or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are segments of education that are constantly growing in demand.  Teachers wishing to acquire a job in education may be more likely to do so if they look for a job in a content area such as ESL or ESOL.  The competition for ESL jobs is not as stiff as competition for teaching jobs in other disciplines.  Also, teaching ESL can be a great way to transition into the school of your dreams, provided you have the knowledge and credentials to do the job.  If you answer the schools call when they are seeking an ESL teacher, they will most likely repay the favor at a later date and transfer you to another position in the school, if desired.

Individuals who wish to teach ESL will find a myriad of opportunities both internationally and abroad.  In order to seize these opportunities, you will need a quality resume that highlights you ESL related skills.  When composing your ESL teaching resume, be sure to include the following things:

List Relevant Work Experience

Schools looking to hire ESL teachers will want to see some previous experience related to the education field.  Make sure to highlight any experience that is even remotely related to the job for which you are applying.  While you obviously don’t want to lie and invent experiences that you never had, there is no harm in pushing unrelated work experience to the background and bringing related work experience to the forefront. Make sure you include keywords, such as IEP development, formal assessments, classroom management, student motivation, differentiated instruction, and parental relations.

Mention Language Experience

Because it is so directly related to the job for which you are applying, be sure to mention any language skills you possess, regardless of how small they may seem.  You do not have to be fluent in a language for your experience with that language to be relevant.  If you can understand some basic conversational phrases, your skills will likely be helpful in your ESL teaching job.

Include International Travel

Many hiring committees are impressed by ESL teachers who have international travel experience.  Regardless of whether you are applying for an ESL position in your home country or abroad, having previous international travel experience can give you a leg up.  If you are applying for a domestic ESL job, it allows administration to see that you are worldly and experienced.  If you are applying for a job abroad, travel experience to other countries indicate that you are not scared to go out on a limb and take chances. Let them know that you are independent and love other cultures and are always open to change.

Present Skills Related to the Position

When creating a concise resume, you don’t have room to mention every skill that you posses.  Make sure that you only list skills that will be directly related to your position as an ESL teacher.  While knowing how to write web-content or being an avid fisherman are interesting skills to bring up at a dinner party, they do not belong on an ESL teacher resume.

Depending on the student population in the school district, some areas may have only one ESL teacher.  While ESL jobs are traditionally easier to find than jobs in other content areas, it is still important to present a well organized, professional document so that you are the person the school district wishes to charge with the implantation of the ESL program.  Teaching ESL is a large responsibility, and schools are not going to be eager to place that responsibility on your shoulders if you do not look like someone who can handle the position or to someone that is not passionate about teaching ESL.

If you require more information or have any questions - Contact Candace at A+ Resumes for Teachers by clicking here or call toll-free 1-877-738-8052.

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"Dear Candace

Thank you Thank you for the GREAT interview e-book A+ Teachers' Interview Edge! My home language is Afrikaans as you know. I applied for a position in New Zealand and THEY OFFER ME A PERMANENT POSITION! Thanks to your book! When you are a migrant in New Zealand you first get a Relief Teaching position and then after a year you get a permanent position. I've got from the start a permanent position!!! Thanks to you!

I think that it is wonderful that you are willing to share with us these wonderful tips!

Thank you for a GREAT service! "

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S. E.

"I know it's been a while. I've been really busy. I finished my visual arts course last week and also started getting calls for interviews last week too. Because of the Board/Union negotiations, the principals were only allowed to start making calls last Wednesday., so I got calls for 3 interviews on Wednesday., went for the first one on Thursday afternoon, 2 more on Friday; had 4 booked for XXX but accepted a job offer after the first one on Monday and cancelled the other 3.

So, basically, I got a job with the XXXXX.. It was the school at the top of my list after the interview. Intermediate school, grades 7-8, French, not too far from home. I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole process but, let me tell you, after the first 2 interviews you don't really care as much anymore (still presenting yourself very professionally, of course). I am very happy with my choice so far.

I want to thank you for all your help and support; and will definitely be in touch with you throughout other important steps of my teaching career. Thanks again and have a great summer."

A. M.

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Candace Davies ACCC, CRW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
Find out more about Candace here.