This is a topic which really does not get covered enough in blogs.
You have seen the job, you want to apply, but before doing so there is always a list of things the potential employer will require. Even if you are thinking of becoming an independent teacher, the things you prepare can be shown to potential clients or put on your linked in profiles and website.
1: 120hr TEFL Certificate
The minimum standard nowadays, get this as it's cheap, doesn't take long, but will give you some good ideas going into your new job. Anything less than 120 hours won't cut it! Most companies have this on their list of requirements for ESL tutors. My advice is don't pay too much for it please! Often recruiters do not care who you got the certificate from. Save that money for a CELTA instead! Make sure that your course contains a segment which has practical teaching if possible, it will look even better, although it is not essential.
2: Mention Prior Online Teaching Experience
Nowadays, with the influx of online ESL teachers becoming rampant since COVID-19 and the general shift towards online education, it is important to get any kind of experience online as you will be competiting with many others. Most companies are asking for two years experience now, but this is not mandatory, it will just give you a better advantage over others. There are teaching platforms where you can be a freelance worker. Check out the ESL Job Website section of my ESL Teachers Corner!
3: Criminal Background Check
If it is not too expensive to get one, I would recommend this. Some companies will require this and for me personally I had to obtain this. It adds a layer of trustability to your character.
4: Create a Job Application Folder on your PC
You can do all this from your phone, that's true. But I would strongly recommend creating a folder on your PC and link it to a Google Drive or other cloud storage facility. This will mean your documents to apply for your job can be with you wherever you go.
Here is a list of things I recommend including in your folder:
Passport photo/Professional Photo - When applying online you will always have to upload this, preferably with white background.
A simple template document containing information that you will need to fill in on many job company application forms; such as previous experience, hobbies, teaching philosophy, certificates. You may already have a lot of information about this in your resume already. Have it organized so you can easily copy and paste the information into the online forms to save you time.
Scans of Passport Photo, Passport Page/Driving License, Degree Certificate and TEFL certificate.
Picture of your teaching background for your class (one with you in it and one without you)
Technical PC information: Companies will want to know the speed of your computer and how much RAM you have. You can view that by searching"Task Manager" on your PC and then open it and choose "Performance". Take a screenshot so you can produce it if required. The second way to get an even more detailed list of information is to type in the search bar: "System Information" then hit Enter on your keyboard. Then screenshot the information. Produce both of these should be more than enough.
5: Save any documents under multiple file-types:
Save any documents you may need to submit such as resumes or cover letters, as PDF, JPG and DOC files, as sometimes certain ESL Companies websites have limitations on the file type that can be uploaded.
6: Create a Youtube Channel and Make a Intro Video
This is useful for several reasons; it gives you a link you can easily share and anyone can see it, it is usually standard on many ESL websites where you create your own profiles and try to attract students. Make sure you have varying lengths when you do your video. A short 1 minute video and a longer 3-4 minute video. Some companies have a upload file size limit so you may need to use your smaller file. You can also download your video from your channel and upload it to job websites too!
7: Create a Linked In Profile and Facebook Page
You may not get famous, but it adds an extra level of professionalism to your image. These websites are free and helps you connect with a wider audience and you can include the links in your resume. I won't say anymore about this, as the Internet has a lot of posts on how to do this.
8: Create Your Own Website
For basic packages it is usually free and requires a little bit of practice. The most well known Web Hosting Services are WIX, Wordpress, Strikingly and many more! I had a free one before I decided to upgrade and get a domain name. This is where you can link everything to you and is a place customers can go and learn all they need and really makes you look serious about your work!
9: There is No Magic Formula!!
Do not listen to any paid workshops etc, all the information is out there for free! There is no magic way to land a job or attract customers! It is just about forming good habits, learning how to master social media and being as organised and efficient as you can. Reading this post won't land you a job or clients, but it might improve your odds of doing so and you might just get lucky!
Now you know what documents and content you need to create, have a look at my ESL Teachers Corner to see what is the next step....
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