Thinking of teaching overseas for the first time?  Here’s how to ensure your CV is ready.

Published on 24th August, 2021 by Leisha Jones. Published in For Candidates / TIC News

Your international teaching journey starts when you apply for your dream position. To ensure you have the best chance at success, you’ll want to make your CV stand out. This blog will explain TIC Recruitment’s top tips for a great CV and  therefore successful job application!

1. Structure and Content

Firstly, you need to make sure that the content and structure of your CV matches the requirements of the employer. In the UK, CVs typically consist of six main sections, including:

  • Name and up to date contact details
  • Education and qualifications including dates
  • Work experience including dates and highlighting main duties
  • Recent professional development
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Referee details

These requirements differ from country to country, so double check what you need to display on your CV before you click send.

2) Make sure your CV can be understood.

If you’re applying for an overseas opportunity, you must be aware of cultural differences when crafting your CV.

Be careful of using acronyms, they may be familiar to you but not globally. Use simple language that can easily be read by a second language speakers.

Also, make a note of any language differences, such as the terms ‘holiday’ (UK) and ‘vacation’ (US), and adapt your CV so that it can be easily understood.

3) Tailor to the job

Another way to prepare your CV for jobs abroad is by tailoring it to the role you’re applying for, rather than submitting a generic document. This can be done in a number of ways:

  • Read through the job description and identify the requirements you fulfil. Then use these key terms throughout your CV to show you’re a match for the position. You want to make it obvious to the recruiter why you should be invited for an interview.
  • Pick up keywords from the job advert that you can reuse in your CV, to ensure synergy between the company and you.
  • Highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant for the position.
  • Take time to research the school and their ethos. Do you see yourself as a good fit? Explain why your skillset will help the school to achieve their goals.

4) Be clear and concise

It is important to make it as easy as possible for the school to understand why you are a excellent candidate. Often, interviewers take around 5-7 seconds to decide if your CV is suitable or not. It is therefore vital to them at a glance that you perfectly fit the position you have applied for.

  • • Present only your experiences and skills that are relevant to the position
  • Use bullet points to list your skills and tasks by groups, it will look clearer
  • Write short sentences
  • Do not go into great detail
  • Do not write more than 2 or 3 pages

5) Check, and check again!

It is always a good idea to check your CV several times, to ensure no spelling or formatting errors have been missed.
Why not ask a friend or family member to read through it for you? They might have some good feedback that you may have not considered yourself.

Here at TIC Recruitment, our team of international teaching experts can help perfect your CV before you apply.

We are always happy to help!

For more information, why not register with TIC Recruitment today. It’s quick and easy and gives you access to many international school jobs in reputable, accredited international schools, some that are not advertised anywhere else.

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Leisha Jones