The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Teaching English Online

Job applications

Armed with your headset and TEFL certificate, you're probably chopping at the bit to start working.

However, ESL application processes can be tedious at times, so you're going to need to prepare well.

What makes an ESL teacher 'hireable'?

ESL employers, no matter what company, will always look at your professionalism, appearance, qualifications, and accent/native speaking background.

Hireability in the ESL industry means professional ability and enthusiasm. A candidate with these qualities will appear more hireable than those lacking them, sometimes regardless of qualifications.

Many disgruntled applicants focus too heavily on their lack of qualifications or non-native English-speaking backgrounds but by doing so, they fail to analyze their overall approach in their application which plays a vital role.

 

ESL resumes

Create a specific English teaching resume.

If you have any ESL experience, make it front and center. If you don't have teaching experience, make sure your TEFL and qualifications are standing out.

It's fine to include previous non-ESL job roles, but highlight areas that could be a plus for teaching. Perhaps you've worked with kids, or in industries with a lot of non-English speakers. If all else fails, you're bound to have had a role that works with people. Highlight it.

Both your resume and cover letter should be immaculate when it comes to English, sentence structure, spelling and grammar.

I highly recommend using Grammarly, a free plug-in for Chrome, to proofread your work. Because we all miss things from time to time.

 

Introduction videos

This is where a lot of applicants drop the ball. Always include a link to your introduction video in your job applications. In fact, introduction videos are likely more important than your CV in a lot of cases.

This is where an employer can hear how you speak, listen to your pronunciation and see your appearance and professionalism.

You can upload your video to Youtube for free and get a private link so only people you send that particular link to can view it.

This is how to nail an introduction video:

• Professional setting (desk, clear background, etc)
• Strong upright posture
• Dress appropriately (remember a lot of cultures are conservative with their clothing)
• Slow and clear pronunciation
• Don't just read a script
• Look into the camera

Incorporating an introduction video into your job applications can set you apart from the competition, and a video intro maker simplifies the process. Utilize this innovative tool to create polished and persuasive introduction videos that showcase your skills, experience, and personality.

Job interviews

If you are asked to attend a job interview you'll want to adequately prepare by researching the company and role.

Similar to an introduction video you'll want your workspace (and backgrounds) and physical appearance to look professional and non-distracting.

An interviewer is not only assessing your teaching skills, but also how you will represent their company.

There is a chance you will be asked to conduct a small teaching example. This is more common with jobs teaching children, and it can feel slightly humiliating speaking to a grown adult as if they're a child.

Ensure you've researched the company and its student-base. If their students are young children, prepare some engaging props. If advanced level adults, prepare some discussion topics.

Remember, enthusiasm goes a long way here.

 

Demo classes

It is common to perform a demo class in the final stage before officially being hired.

These classes are usually accompanied by another teacher, which can make it a rather anxious-ridden experience.

The plus is, you're almost certainly going to secure the job at this stage - touch wood!

Demo classes can often be very light, especially with young learners. Lots of introductions, learning about the student/s, and getting them to like you.

The hirer wants to see you're comfortable in a class setting and capable of independently handling a class. So, it's best to ignore they're there and try not to engage with the hirer unless necessary.

Demo classes rarely go as planned, and the hirer knows this.

Remain calm, in control, and enthusiastic and you'll surely leave the lesson with a job.