Teaching English as a Foreign Language is much in demand. To help you score over the competition, you need to be alert and proactive. Know which countries are populated with people wanting to learn English for career advancement. In the Philippines for instance, 300,000 Filipinos have good, well paying jobs because they speak English. Over eight million plus Filipinos earn good wages outside their country speaking mostly English. This language can serve as a passport to a better life for many people, so look for countries with people who know this.

Here’s how to get a TEFL job-

1. Understand the requirements of employers in the country of your choice. Some may consider certification essential, others only desirable. Either way, if you don’t have your certificate, get one- it only takes a month.

2. You should know the unit of currency in which your salary will be paid, and its equivalent in dollars. If the pay seems too much, clarify with the employer. It may be calculated on an annual basis. Alternatively, if the salary is small, it could be calculated on an hourly, weekly, or monthly basis. Living expenses may be covered additionally.

3. Familiarize yourself with the CV format that is popular in the country you plan to apply to for a TEFL job. Also confirm the norm regarding a cover letter there- what is the form of address you should use and so on.

4. Research the employment and residency laws of the county you plan to teach in. Some countries are legally obliged to offer positions to natives first.

5. Highlight your teaching experience in your resume. Even if you have helped students out with co-curricular activities only, mentioning this when you apply for a job in this field will be beneficial.

6. When you go for an interview, steer the conversation around to your comfort level with children. If you know the language of the country you plan to teach in, drop a few phrases while talking to show your proficiency.

7. If possible, visit the facilities where you will be teaching. Mentioning specifics while talking to your potential employer in the interview will show that you took the trouble to research the school beforehand.

A TEFL job can be rewarding, a learning experience while you travel. A specialist job site can help you identify suitable opportunities in the country of your choice. TEFLjobsoverseas.com is one such website, which is a partner of the TESall group. This group has provided employment information and resources to teachers for over a decade, so you are likely to find your dream job here!