Online TESOL Program

‐Module 10 ‐

When you start looking for a teaching job, the first step is creating a resume. 1. The resume should be clear and easy to read.2. The most important information you will find on your

resume is your name and your contact number. 3. Your resume should not be too short or too long. It

should be one page minimum and two pages maximum. If it is too short, you will look very inexperienced. On the other hand, no one wants to read five pages of a resume.

There is a sample resume in your textbook. You also can find lots of English sample resumes on the internet.

Basic Principles of Resume

Headings on a Resume (1)

There are many headings you may put on your resume.Try to keep your resume shorter with only important and relevant information. But if you do not have much teaching experience on your resume and you find that it is too short, you can include some of the following.1. Languages: If you speak other languages, it is a good

idea to list to them. Often, employers believe that knowing other languages is a prerequisite to being a good ESL teacher.

2. Other Skills: List any other skills that you have. This is where any other schooling may come in.

Headings on a Resume (2)

3. Travel: This may show employers that you have cultural sensitivity. It also shows that you are experienced in life and possibly outgoing and adventurous.

4. Interests: This will show your employer more about your personality. Also, it may even help to get a job by chance.

5. Volunteer Work: Some people have extensive experience in volunteer-work. If this is the case, it may be helpful to list your experiences.

6. Reference: References are no longer mandatory on a resume. Don’t worry about putting them on yours.

Job Interviews

Creating a resume is the first step in preparing to get a teaching job. Next, you must prepare for the interview.An interview can be a very scary situation. However, if you take some time and prepare for it, it can be a very beneficial opportunity for you. In an interview your answers to questions are not the only thing that matter. It’s also important to watch how you are acting. Do you seem very nervous? Are you playing with your hands or papers?Try to be calm and relaxed. You must also be confident, but not arrogant. Never insult yourself or anyone else. Never complain about anything. And always talk about how to take action when you need to.

Possible Interview Questions (1)

Before you go to an interview, it is a good idea to think about your answers to some common interview questions. Look at some typical questions below.1. How would you describe yourself?2. What are some of your strengths?3. What are some of your weaknesses?4. How do you discipline students?5. What would you do if a student had a constant

behavioural problem?6. Describe a situation where you encountered a

problem and describe how you dealt with it?7. Have you ever gone beyond the call of duty?

Possible Interview Questions (2)

8. What sort of rules will you establish in your classroom?

9. What are your long-term goals and objectives?10.What accomplishments are you most proud of?11.What are your pay expectations?12.What would you do if your ideas and those of your

boss differed?13.How do you handle conflict?14.What factors are most important in a job?15.How would you deal with a controversial subject

brought up in class?16.What are your teaching philosophies?

Difficult Questions in an Interview (1)

The following questions are some of the most common, and difficult ones you will encounter in an interview. It is a good idea to prepare yourself with possible answers.1. Tell me about yourselfTry not to say too much or to simply restate what’s written on your resume. Try to mention skills and strengths related to the job in question. Your answer should be brief, no more than two minutes.2. What are your strengths?Prepare to answer this question with four or five strengths. There are four main qualities that a successful candidate will possess: intellect, experience, personality, and motivation.

Difficult Questions in an Interview (2)

3. What are your weaknesses?In this situation, it’s a good idea to mention weaknesses that mirror your strengths. And you may also want to mention weaknesses that are easy to fix. But never lie or say that your weakness is that you work too hard!4. What are your pay expectations?Again, it is important not to lie in this situation. Before going to an interview, try to find out the pay range of the position for which you are applying. If you still feel uncomfortable in this situation, ask the interviewer. When given a range, aim for the middle, but keep in mind what you are willing to accept.

Difficult Questions in an Interview (3)

5. Why did you leave your last job?On this question, the interviewer is not only listening to your answer. He is trying to assess whether you have any hostility towards your old employer or coworkers. It is important to avoid sounding negative. If you were fired, be honest, brief, and not self-damaging.6. What are your goals for the next few years?The interviewer wants to know if your goals and ambitions differ from what the company is able to offer. Be honest here, but don’t go wild with your answer. Answers like: “I want to manage a school within the next five years” are not very effective. Try an answer like: “I hope to find a job where I can apply my people skills”.

Now it is your turn to ask questions. Think of questions you can ask in an interview. Below you will find some things to consider when applying for a teaching job. 1. Some schools expect a very detailed lesson plan from

their teachers. Other schools do not. If you care about the amount of lesson planning you will have, you may want to ask about this.

2. Some schools supply their teachers with everything they need to teach (markers, paper, photocopies, books, etc). Others want the teachers to provide all of their own supplies.

3. Some schools have a very strict dress code. They want all of their teachers to dress in very formal clothing at all times. Other schools don’t mind.

Consideration of Questions you can ask (1)

4. Some schools will not give you feedback about how you are doing. If there is a problem and your students complain, you may not find out about it until it is too late. Do you want feedback?

5. Generally speaking, a good school has more than one teacher who has been teaching there for more than one year. Often, bad schools are always looking for new teachers.

6. Some schools will watch everything you do as a teacher. Other schools will give you a lot of freedom. Is this important to you?

Thinking of these ideas, look at some sample questions that you should ask in an interview on next page.

Consideration of Questions you can ask (2)

General1. Can you tell me why this position is vacant?2. How would you describe the management

philosophy of this company?3. How are conflicts resolved between management

and subordinates?4. How would you describe the work climate for

employees here?5. What opportunities are there for advancement in

this company?6. What are your expectations for the person who fills

this position?7. How much autonomy would I have in this position?

Questions to Ask the Interviewer (1)

Teaching:1. What is the teaching philosophy of the school?2. What approach does the school follow?3. What materials are given to the teacher?4. What textbooks are used in the school?5. What materials would be available to me (library,

paper, photocopies, etc.)?6. Is there a class size-limit?7. How long have the other teachers been at this

school?8. How long are the class periods?9. What sort of lesson plan do you want from teachers?10.Do you have a dress code?

Questions to Ask the Interviewer (2)

Cover Letters

If you are answering an ad in a newspaper for a job opening, you need to prepare a cover letter. This is also true if you are trying to fax, email, or mail your resume to a school. A cover letter is basically the letter that you send to introduce your resume. This letter will be very short and will simply explain who you are and why you are sending your resume.If you already have a job interview set up, you do not need to bring a cover letter. And don’t forget to put your name and telephone number on both the cover letter and the resume. You never know if the employer may decide to hire you just by reading your cover letter!

Cover Letters: Opening Sentences (1)

Below you will find some sample opening sentences that you can use to start your cover letter.1. When you answer a newspaper adPlease accept my application for the position of English Teacher as advertised in The Vancouver Sun, September 2009.2. When you have a friend who works thereOur mutual friend, Mr. Homer Simpson, suggested that I contact you to inquire about possible openings in your school for an English Teacher.

Cover Letters: Opening Sentences (2)

3. When you’ve talked to someone on the telephone about this jobIn response to our telephone conversation of Tuesday September 28, 2004, I am forwarding my resume for your consideration.4. When you answer a newspaper adThis letter is in response to your ad in The Vancouver Sun, seeking an English Teacher. 5. When you answer a newspaper adFor the past ____ years, I have worked in the field of education and I am very interested in the Teaching position advertised in The Vancouver Sun on Tuesday September 28, 2004.

Cover Letters: Closing Sentences (1)

Below you will find some sample closing sentences that you can use to finish your cover letter.

I believe I have the qualifications you are seeking to successfully fulfill the duties of this position. I look forward to discussing my application with you. I may be contacted at 555-5555 during the day and at 666-6666 in the evening. Thank you for your consideration.I would like to meet with you and discuss the possibilities of employment with your company. I may be reached at 555-5555. Thank you for your consideration.

Cover Letters: Opening Sentences (2)

I believe that I have the qualifications and motivation to contribute positively to your company. I would like the opportunity to meet you and discuss the position further. I may be reached at 555-5555. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.I am interested in this position and would like the opportunity to meet you to discuss the position further. I may be reached at 555-5555. Thank you for your consideration.I am available to begin work immediately, and would like the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the position further. I may be reached at 555-5555. Thank you.

Congratulations!You are finished your all modules!