Push the Envelope with Your Marketing Package (MP)

A collection and documents and tools that act like your recruiting agent is called your Marketing Package. A resume/business card is the simplest form but for a professional job hunter it is not enough. 

You have to be a little more sophisticated. Fortunately, it is still fairly simple, the real issue is the quality of the individual elements:

An audiotape with your voice sample may also be required. 

A free online resume (webpage), and The CV/Resume Sampler are included in all joyjobs.com member accounts. Go to the TOOLS section and have your page set up. We usually do it within 24 hours after you submit a request.

Download the Resume Sampler: it contains several pre-formatted resume templates. These files were designed specifically for the international teaching market, look through them in the  preview panel and pick one to customize. It is fairly easy if you have the basic word processing skills.

CV or Resume?

In the international context a resume and CV are used interchangeably. Yes, there are differences and sometimes it is essential to prepare both CV and a resume (there is a dedicated chapter on CVs in The Insider Secrets to Finding a Teaching Job Overseas) but for the sake of simplicity we will use both terms in the same sense here.

Your Introduction Letter

Yes, it is important. It will be easier for your to write a blueprint  (you will need to customize it for every specific employer) once you have your CV finished.

Some people would think that such a resume must be something flashy. Relax, you do not need anything extraordinary. By "superior" we mean a resume that outdoes your competition. The trouble with so many resumes is that they completely ignore the needs of the recruiter, which is the sure path to disaster.

The ability to look at the situation from the viewpoint of the recruiter is the breaking point that distinguishes between success and survival. This book is about success so get ready to do some work!

Before we proceed to the specific details we have to point out that unlike the international school market which is fairly uniform regardless of the country, the TEFL markets are very country-specific so there are substantial differences between recruiters and their resume preferences in various countries.

However, all of them share a very important element that the typical US or Canadian resume does not include. We are talking about your personal information.

This has nothing to do with being nosy. This has nothing to do with disrespect to your privacy. In fact, all international schools (US, British, Canadian) require similar information.

Why is it essential? Because the recruiters operate under the circumstances that include immigration and visa regulations, among others.

Those who swamp schools with their standard American-style resumes will be disappointed. Their quality-printed documents are going straight into the recycle basket. The ESL recruiters are very busy people and they have no time to fish for the information they need and engage in communication with candidates that do not provide what they expect - right on top of their CVs.

An improper resume format also a clear indicator that the candidate has done no research, or is simply too lazy to prepare a proper CV, etc. - the recruiter will not be interested in them irrespective of the reason.

Do you really want to be eliminated at this early stage? You may be a great teacher but if your CV does not look professional your chances with reputable schools are zero.

The good news is that it is relatively easy to design a good CV - provided you have the material for it! 

• RULE #1 Your resume must be short

• RULE #2 Your resume must be personal

• RULE #3 Your resume must be EFL-targeted

The first rule is important because foreign recruiters are annoyed by long CVs, remember that English is not their mother tongue, as a rule. 

Secondly, recruiters for popular schools are very busy; they spend about 30 seconds on a resume to determine if the candidate has a chance. You must provide the essential information right on top of the page, in a clear and unambiguous language!

The typical recruiter does not "read" resumes in the common sense, line by line. Recruiters usually scan them in the following manner:

Essentially, only the personal details and your TEFL training/experience really matter. So do not overload your CV with anything else!

Resume Writing: Step-by-Step 

Open your resume with your name and contact information as usual. This must be followed by a block containing your personal details (in any order): 

The required components are as follows:

Here is a SAMPLE resume 
MS Word format
 Right click and select SAVE TARGET AS.

If asked for a password click on CANCEL -- the file will load anyway.

YOU MUST PROVIDE A PHOTO! Leave some space in the left top corner to affix a passport-size photo or staple it in the middle of the page.

WARNING: do not use recreational style pictures. Although this may be your favorite photo it will give the recruiter the wrong impression, specifically, that you are more fun oriented than professional kind of person. 

Outside North America, the way you look is crucial. US teachers often suffer from presenting themselves in what the overseas recruiters define as poor taste (e.g. a baseball cap combined with a business blazer worn with cutoff jeans and white sneakers). Remember that for an overseas school you are an expensive asset, you are expected to look presidential! 

WARNING. A casual style is  acceptable at home but for an overseas recruiter you may look like a caveman unless you wear a business suit, leather shoes and a tie!

Regardless of your TEFL certificate nobody will take you seriously if you dress sloppy and have poor manners (we will discuss this later in the interview section.) These rules are critical for face to face interviews.

In brief, avoid all jewelry, body piercing and heavy make up. Men should have short hair and wear a tie. Even though the photo on your resume shows only your head and shoulders it must be 100% professional. 

When you show up in person your real image must not contradict the photo. For the same reason, do not attach a picture taken many years ago even though you looked better then. The recruiter would feel cheated if you are 15 years older and 50 pounds heavier than in the picture.

Many people ask: why should I even submit a photo? It is illegal in America to request a photo as well as any personal details. The answer is that your employers are not in America and you have to follow the rules if you want to stand a chance. 

Many people find these requirements objectionable. However, if you want to change them you are reading the wrong book. We are only trying to show you how to get a job!

-- What if I refuse to provide a photo and any personal information?
If you refuse to provide a photo the recruiter will start thinking along the following lines:

1. You have a serious physical problem that you are trying to hide. Remember that the foreign language schools are not bound by the US equal opportunity laws.
2. Your real age is not what you indicated on your resume.
3. You have objectionable personal appearance (facial tattoos, piercing, etc.).
4. You are ignorant of the recruiter's requirements.
5. You are well aware of them but you are so arrogant that you chose to ignore them.

Any of these suppositions will have a negative impact on your chances. It is largely a cultural thing so if you don't come across as adaptable the recruiter will be wary. 

Make sure to upload your CV/resume to our webserver. We will show you how to use it to outdo the competition a bit later.

Common Mistakes

Your competition will likely make the following mistakes that will give you an edge:

Prepare Your Introductory Letter

The purpose of a letter of introduction is to give the recruiter a favorable initial impression and make him/her read your resume with a positive angle.

Don't sweat over it, there is nothing special you have to reveal, this is the function of your CV. So, you now ask, why should I write a letter if everything is already in the CV?

Here's why. There is an air of arrogance about a CV if it is not accompanied by a brief introduction letter. It is like starting a business conversation without saying hello first. In most cultures this is plain rude. Be nice, introduce yourself!

It also offers you an opportunity to add a few nice touches to your application and emphasize an important point. Likewise, a sloppy style and improper wording will undermine your chances. A simple and straightforward letter is all you need.

Because in most cases we have to communicate with foreign recruiters it is essential to set the right tone. Many inexperienced applicants fail because they ignore the cultural specifics. So the most important thing is not to make a stupid mistake!

An empty barrel sounds loud

For some candidates, one of the most challenging tasks is using the low-key writing style that is favored by overseas schools. Or, rather, avoiding the overly assertive communication manner adopted by the US corporate culture. It is perceived as aggressive and in poor taste.

In most cultures it is very inappropriate to tout your own horn, you are dismissed without much further consideration. TIP: Avoid using adjectives and adverbs when you compose your letter!

The phrases like "I am a hard working and responsible person;" "I am a creative, open-minded, life-time learner" etc., do not give you any credits. 

On the contrary, they show a lack of taste and modesty - which is a big red flag. (It is the job of other people to assess your personal and professional qualities!) Any self-promotion campaign requires a certain amount of bull and the recruiters expect you to exaggerate a little; bit but try to be moderate.

Of course, you can and should point out the critical elements - your academic background, TEFL certificate, relevant experience, as well as your interest in the school and country and enthusiasm about the job! 

However, don't overdo it; it is best to sound mature, that is, avoid superlatives and exclamation marks, e.g. "This jobs is the dream of my whole life!" "Your school sounds like a perfect match for my skills." "I am confident that I will be a great asset to your school." This sounds immature and insincere. 

Those recruiters who have experience with this kind of applications will not be ticked off. However, it is a good idea to always use a moderate, no-pressure style.