If you’re looking for a teaching job abroad, an international teacher consultant can be your best resource.
So what exactly is a teacher-consultant?
They provide you with all the information and support you need to ensure you get hired as quickly as possible. But how are they different from recruiters?
For starters, they don’t work directly for schools. Instead, consultants work independently and have connections in the industry that go far beyond what recruiters typically provide. Teacher consultants often have experience teaching abroad themselves and because of this, they’ve developed a wealth of knowledge about which programs are right for what kind of teachers.
That kind of expertise is invaluable when it comes to matching you with the right job opportunity and getting hired.
If there’s one thing that sets teacher consultants apart from other hiring options it’s their personal touch. Whether it’s giving honest recommendations about where to find jobs or helping with the interview process, teacher consultants do everything in their power to help you find a position that will be perfect for your personality and interests.
Be prepared.
You should always be prepared for the interview and application process, but this is especially important when working with these teacher consultants.
Once you have submitted your resume online or to the consultant, he or she will begin reviewing your credentials and searching for a position that matches your experience and preferences.
You may be contacted within a day or two to set up an interview with a director of human resources via Skype. Therefore, it’s important to know what you want to say in response to the most common questions asked during interviews:
Why do you want to teach abroad?
Why did you choose Country X?
What are your strengths as an educator?
What are your weaknesses as an educator, and how do you plan on addressing them?
Reach out early.
Timing is everything when it comes to hunting for a job, and that same strategy applies to finding an international teaching position.
If you start your search too late, you will have less time to find a job before the start of the school year. And if you’re seeking a position overseas, the hiring process usually takes longer than it would domestically.
The earlier you reach out, the more likely it is that the teacher consultant will be able to find a job for you.
Be open to a variety of schools and positions.
Now that you know the basics of how to get hired as an ESL teacher abroad, it’s time to implement. It all starts with learning what your options are.
A teacher-consultant can help you narrow down a list of places where you are eligible to teach, and help you figure out what kind of position is right for you.
If you want to stay closer to home, then consider teaching in an English-speaking country such as the United States or Canada. If you’re willing to travel farther and experience life in a new culture, then consider applying for jobs in the Middle East, or Europe.
Once your options have been narrowed down based on both your qualifications and preferences, it’s time to focus on honing your skills so that you will be competitive with the other applicants for international teaching positions.
This includes perfecting your resume and cover letter writing skills and practicing interview techniques (if necessary).
Remember that once an opportunity does arise, you need to be prepared not only for interviews but also for getting hired quickly.