Hi, I'm Jema Perry and welcome to Mooncake.
So are you applying to teach English abroad?
Well today we're going to go over the top application tips to help you get the job that
you really want.
Because of the high demand for foreign teachers in China, finding a teaching role is easy.
However, finding a good job can be challenging and the amount of effort that you put into
your application can determine the kind offers that you'll be given.
Whether you're applying from abroad for the first time, or already in China and are looking
for a better position, today's top tips will help you get the job that you want.
Step one, CV and you cover letter.
As everyone knows a good CV is vital when making any job application.
It should be clear, concise and in reverse chronological order.
Especially if applying from abroad, remember that you're trying to market yourself as an
English teacher, willing to move to another country and adapt and support the school that
hires you.
Start your CV with some personal information at the top of the page.
Now this might include some information that you're not used to having to give such as
your date of birth, gender, marital status, number of children and a recent photo.
What?!
What?
The photo you add to your CV will give that all important first impression and should
show you in a professional manner.
Try to avoid looks such as the 'deer in headlights', 'drunken party goer', or 'the serial killer'
as these don't give the best impression.
Also be sure to think about the background, lighting, and camera angle.
After your personal information, list your work experience and make sure you include
the duration of your employment and whether it was full or part time.
Be sure to add in all your education, training, and certificates.
This is also where you can highlight the skills you acquire during those roles but make sure
you don't brag or exaggerate them.
The higher your degree the more capable you future employer is going to think you are.
And as you need a degree and 120-hour TEFL certificate in order to qualify for the working
visa, listing you r educational history lets the employer know that they can legally hire.
Lastly on your CV list any languages that you speak in addition to English.
Alongside your CV you should send a cover letter, highlighting any educational or teacher
related experiences you might have to offer.
You should also highlight any ESL related experiences you have and express your desire
to provide quality education with a commitment to professionalism.
Now one mistake that people do make with cover letters is that they will write one generic
letter and send it off to every job that they apply to.
Cover letters should be written specifically for the companies to which you're applying.
Try to highlight skills that match the job description and the companies teaching philosophy.
Another nice touch is to research the principal or hiring manager and write the letter specifically
to them.
Okay, so our CV and cover letter are looking great.
But, we need to work on our video introduction.
Video introduction?!
Yes, alongside your CV and your cover letter you'll need to prepare a 30 second to one
minute introductory video, telling potential employers a little bit about yourself.
A good introductory video takes time and effort, but it's worth it.
30 seconds may not sound that long but this 30 seconds can tell your future employer a
lot about you through your body language, your gestures, and energy levels.
You don't need to include too many details, so keep it simple.
What's your name? where are you from?
Where are you currently located?
And why do you want to teach English?
Thinking about a few key points can make your introductory video stand out from the rest.
Choosing the right camera angle, lighting, sound quality and background can make a huge
difference in the impression that you give.
Try to avoid introductions such as the 'outdoor explorer' 'mysterious gothic' and the 'messy
student' as these don't give a great impression.
And remember, it's a job application, so make sure what you're wearing is suitable for the
job you're applying to.
Your body language is also important.
Don't slouch, or cross your arms.
Keep eye contact with the camera and avoid overly large gestures.
Make sure you smile, and seem energetic.
But not oo much!
Remember, you're applying for a teaching position and so your demeanour should be professional
yet friendly and approachable.
Lastly, write out what you would like to say and practice before filming.
You don't want to come across like you're a robot 'My name is Jema and I'm very happy
to be applying for this position' Or that you're reading from a script 'Hi, My name's
Jema Perry and....
LINE?'
Your speech should be natural and confident 'Hi, my name's Jema Perry and I'm from London
in the UK.
I'm currently based in Beijing, where for the past seven years I have been working as
an ESL teacher.'
So that's it.
Our CV, cover letter, and introductory video are ready to go and we can start making those
applications today.
Now you might be thinking, why do I have to go through all this effort, it's easy to get
a teaching job in China.
But I guarantee if you put the effort in, you're going to get higher paying roles from
established schools.
That's it for this video, thanks so much for watching.
I hope that you found these tips useful and can apply them to your applications in the
future.
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