Being a masterful ESL teacher is one thing. Getting to interview to prove that is another thing entirely. This is where this guide comes in.
Dave Rygielski
Career Expert
1.5 billion people speak English. What does that mean? That 6 billion people could be willing to pay to have you teach them! It also means that you could be doing it in pretty much any place in the world that you always wanted to visit.
No matter whether you’re just beginning your journey, or you’ve already trained legions of native speakers, this ESL teacher resume guide will help you get exactly the job you want.
In this guide:
An ESL teacher resume sample that gets the interview.
Tips on building your job description for maximum effect.
Expert hints to increase the chances of your ESL teacher job application.
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I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan
My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
Personable ESL Teacher with 6+ years of experience of teaching classes of 20+ students of native Portuguese and Spanish speakers. Maintained 100% passing grades amongst students by introducing extra classes for students falling behind and the tandem system. Founded a base of films and TV series with subtitles and organized poetry and recitation competitions to increase engagement in learning. Seeking to leverage proven skills in a role with Brazilian International School.
Work Experience
ESL Teacher
International Language School, Madrid, Spain
August 2017—Present
Conducted daily lessons compliant with the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) for six classes of 20+ students, whose first language is Spanish.
Introduced a tandem system with the help of 25 native speakers to help students to use their language knowledge in practice.
Founded a base of 300+ films and TV series with Spanish and English subtitles with free access to all of the students.
Organized 3 winter and 2 summer language courses for students with different knowledge of English language.
Introduced a poetry and recitation competition that takes place every semester.
Founded a weekly discussion book club for students with more advanced language skills.
ESL Teacher
International Language School, Lisbon, Portugal
September 2014—July 2017
Developed 8 different course plans and resourceful working materials for children and adult learners at basic and advanced level.
Retained 100% of the passing of the EFB, FCE and CAE exams among students attending classes.
Set extra classes for students falling behind to bring them to the level of the rest of the group.
Education
Master of Arts: Teacher Education, 2012-2014
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, United States
Bachelor of Arts: English, 2010-2012
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, United States
Certifications
2014 — TEFL Certification (UNI-Prep Institute)
Languages
Spanish (native)
Portuguese (advanced)
Italian (beginner)
Skills
Communication
Writing Lesson Plans
Attention to Detail
Managing Student Behavior
Emphasis on Practice
That’s a top-of-the-class ESL teacher resume. Here’s how to write your own:
1. Use a Professional Resume Format
Life is about first impressions. Of course, we are often wrong. The problem here is, with your resume, you don’t get second chances. Once it’s in the bin, it’s in the bin. It is therefore imperative that your resume layout is easily skimmable and neat.
2. Spark Their Curiosity With Your ESL Teacher Resume Objective
If you had to complete your interview on an escalator by the time you reached the top, what would you say? That’s the best way to think about your resume profile. What would really convince someone to hire you?
Construct an attention snatching professional summary by answering each of the following questions concisely:
Who are you, what’s your experience (expressed as years+)?
What’s your most unique achievement?
What’s your most impressive/relevant achievement?
What can you do for this employer?
4-6 lines is plenty. Draw their attention and make them read the rest of your ESL teachingl resume.
ESL Teacher Resume Summary—Example
Don’t hide behind empty statements and generalizations. Refer to real achievements, and hit them with your strongest suit.
Expert Hint: How to make starting a resume easier? It is by far easiest to do this once you have completed the other sections of your resume for ESL teacher jobs, especially your job description.
3. Leave an Impact With Your Job Description and Skills
If they’re bored they won’t remember you, leave enough of an impression on them into giving you a job. Therefore, don’t write a shopping list! A shopping list resume is what we call ones that only list responsibilities and duties of the job, without giving any perspective or achievements.
Sure, you’re an ESL teacher, you taught and helped develop non native students' language. How many of them in a class? How many classes a day? How well did you do? Did you get commended for anything? How did you stand out? What was a key moment for a struggling student? Were you able to build upon an existing curriculum. When you tell them what you did at the previous job, they can imagine what you can do for them.
For the things that require a mention, but don’t deserve a whole line, there’s an answer. You can select the skills to put on a resume and add them in a separate section, right under your work experience, or if you like, in a sidebar (in those fancy modern resumes!)
Good understanding of non-verbal communication and body language
Initiative
Managing student behaviour / expectations
Multi-tasking
Multitasking
Open-mindedness
Organization
Patience
Positive attitude
Problem solving
Relationship building
Sensitivity towards cultural differences
State educational standards
Student learning
Teamwork
Time management
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4. Include Your Education Section
Unless the job posting calls for specific education, you can leave the education section until last. Your prior work experience and skill set are more of an argument for hiring you than your high school diploma. For your highest education level, just list the certification type, school name, and graduation date.
5. Include Added Sections to Your ESL Teacher Resume
If you still have some free space on your resume, make use of it and add some extra resume sections. Only impart information which is relevant to the position, or one that will show off your adaptability, multitasking and responsibility.
Skills—if you haven’t included them as part of your other sections
Compare these two ESL teacher resume examples:
ESL Teacher Resume—Extra Sections
One last resume tip: If the employer asks for one (they probably will), write a ESL teacher cover letter. Let someone else proofread your application to find any mistakes, and you’re good to go!
Expert Hint: Make sure to personalize your application to the company and its culture and write a targeted resume.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Key Points
Remember the following pointers:
Stick to the resume format guidelines—margins, fonts, 1 page, reverse chronological.
Sprinkle your ESL teacher job description with achievements and numbers.
Split up certifications, skills and other bonus sections properly.
Write a ESL teacher cover letter.
Did you find our ESL teacher resume examples helpful? Did we help you get your resume for ESL teacher jobs right? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.
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Written byDave Rygielski
Dave is a career expert delivering a wide range of well-researched advice regarding the job hunting and application process. At ResumeLab, his data-driven resume and cover letter guides help readers capitalize on their potential.