Recruitment season is here! Our top tips on how to prepare

Are you one of the thousands of teachers searching for a new role at an international school for the 2019/2020 academic year? If so, it’s time to prepare as international schools begin their recruitment now. The TIC team have put together a list of our top tips for preparing to find a job overseas:

Update your CV

• Take a good look at your CV or resume. This is the first impression a recruiter will have of you, so check that your CV or resumé is well written, clear, engaging and concise.
• Keep it to two pages or under.
• Restrain from using acronyms as these may not be understood globally.
• Describe in detail your teaching levels, subjects, curricula and qualifications
• Do include any personal or extra-curricular skills you think might be relevant to a job at an international school.
• Do include any information that shows that you’re flexible; international schools look for candidates that are adaptable.

Research potential destinations

• Look at a world map and think about countries you know you definitely don’t want to work in.
• Start a list of countries you would be open to teaching in. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you will open yourself up to.
• When researching destinations, consider your personal lifestyle and what important needs you might have such as any family requirements for children’s education or spousal employment, a favourable climate that suits you, travel accessibility – either to other countries for more exploring or for easy access home, cultural expectations that might limit your lifestyle,  etc.

Find a supportive recruitment agency

• Look for a recruitment agency that is free; reputable agencies don’t charge teachers.
• Do look for a recruitment agency that will make the time to get to know you, and your needs, personally.
• Be pro-active and keep on top of communication with your recruitment manager
• Sign up now for the next TIC Virtual Recruitment Fair. It’s completely free and you can access the fair from the comfort of your own home.

Prepare for interviews

• Think of questions you might be asked during interview, and plan some responses.
• Write a list of questions you’d like to ask the school.
• Don’t forget that your interviewer will also be looking at your personality, attitude and characteristics, not just your teaching experience.
• If you’re not already, get familiar with Skype as your first interview with a school will likely be conducted this way

Good luck with your job hunting from us all at TIC…don’t forget, we’re here to help you.

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