How to Create Your Perfect Online English Teacher Resume [2024]

Speed is crucial. We receive thousands of resumes for each position and have only a few moments to decide who moves forward. Eye tracking studies confirm that hiring managers spend only around 7.4 seconds on initial screening before deciding.

To make the cut, your resume must be:

1. Scannable: easy to skim with clearly marked titles and headers.
2. Simple Layout: Recruiters read in an F-pattern, with bold job titles and a bullet list of accomplishments. Avoid cluttered layouts.
3. Brief: Quickly highlight your essential qualifications and skills related to the job. This should be at the top of the page as it's the recruiter's first sight.

1) Aim for Readability Grade 8

When writing, think about your audience and keep it simple. Remember that not everybody reading your resume will be a native English speaker, so keep the readability to around grade 8 level. Paste it into the free Hemingway site to check your grade.

2) Navigating the Digital Gatekeepers:
How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS

75% of resumes are never seen by a human due to a rise in applicant tracking systems (ATS). These digital gatekeepers streamline the hiring process for online education platforms by scanning your resume for specific keywords, skills, or experience that match the job description.

To make it past the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter, focus on three key factors:

1. Format: Use Word or Google files (.docx) to ensure compatibility with ATS software. Canva templates score the lowest in ATS readability. Always read the specific application instructions to see which file type is preferred or required.
2. Simplicity: Avoid fancy graphs or elaborate images as they may be unreadable. Keep your resume concise and easy to read. Use bullet points and clear, direct language to highlight your most relevant teaching skills and experiences.
3. Keywords: Include those exact words in your resume if the job listing includes specific skills. These keywords represent your qualifications, skills, and expertise. This will help your resume rank higher in the ATS and prove you are right for the role.
4. Layout: Stick to easy-to-read standard fonts sized 10 or 12pt for your main text. Go bold with sizes 14 or 16pt for headings. Opt for high-contrast colors for easy reading. Aim for 1 page layout.

Follow these essential elements to create a resume that will win over the ATS and hiring managers. Remember, simplicity and clarity are your allies in standing out from the competition. With a well-crafted resume, you'll be one step closer to landing your online English teaching job.

When crafting your resume for an online English teaching position, it's crucial to immediately present the information potential employers want to see.

"In this ever-changing educational environment, what you put on your resume can make or break your chances," says our Global Recruitment Director, Marika Boje, a seasoned online education recruiter. "It's no longer enough to just have teaching experience. Employers want to see a blend of traditional skills and digital fluency."

The resume formula they're looking for includes:

• Personal details.
• Relevant qualifications.
• Applicable experience.
• Contact information for further inquiries.

To tick all the boxes, ensure your resume includes:

1. Personal Information: Basic contact details to help employers reach you.
2. Professional Summary: A brief 2 - 3 sentence overview of your teaching philosophy and career highlights.
3. Photo: A professional headshot to personalize your application.
4. Education: Include your academic background and your TEFL certification and degrees.
5. Experience: Past teaching roles or related experiences that showcase your skills.
6. Skills: Specific abilities that make you a great fit for online teaching.
7. Teaching Equipment: A list of the tech you're equipped with to deliver online lessons.
8. References: Contacts who can vouch for your teaching abilities and work ethic.

We'll dive deeper into each section, giving you the tools to build a standout resume. Remember to tailor your resume for each job by highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Refrain from resorting to keyword stuffing, as this comes across as inauthentic.

How to Lay Out the Perfect ESL Resume

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Positioned at the top of your resume, a personal statement is a brief 2-3 sentence elevator pitch to potential employers. You condense your qualifications, experiences, and passion into a compelling reason for why you're pursuing a teaching career.

1) Tailor Your Statement to the School

Align your personal statement with the mission of the online school you're applying to. Emphasize your relevant experience — be it teaching young learners or business English — according to the school's focus. You can also adjust the professional summary to include the school's name. This personalizes your application and shows you've done your homework on who they are and what they value.

2) Keep it Clear and Professional

Avoid clichés, slang, or jargon. Instead, focus on:

• Who you are as an educator
• What unique value you can offer
• Your career goals and aspirations

3) Choose Your Tone - First or Third Person

First-Person Approach: 

Offers an intimate, personal touch. Using "I" helps to convey your individual experiences, strengths, and passion in a more direct and authentic way. 

With a passion for language education, I inspire students to embrace the challenges and rewards of learning English as a second language.

Third-Person Approach:

Adds a formal, polished tone. It lets you objectively present your skills and experiences like someone describing you.

Passionate educator with a talent for creating engaging online lessons

The choice between first and third person hinges on your preferred tone and how you wish to present yourself.

Example Personal Statements for Online Teaching Jobs

1. First-Person Approach:
   As an English language tutor with two years of experience, I craft engaging lessons that fuse storytelling with reading. I engage children through games to boost fluency.
2. For New Teachers:
   An energetic and compassionate educator passionate about fostering language learning in young students. TEFL certified with hands-on tutoring experience. Skilled in creating engaging, age-appropriate online lessons.
3. For Experienced Online Educators:
   Dynamic and innovative online English teacher with 5+ years of experience delivering engaging virtual lessons to students worldwide. Proven track record of cultivating strong relationships with students and parents, ensuring open communication and a supportive learning environment. Adept at creating immersive, interactive lessons that drive student success.
4. Child-focused role:
   Passionate and nurturing educator specializing in teaching English to young learners. Skilled in designing imaginative, play-based lesson plans that capture children's attention and make learning fun. Achieved a 15% increase in student scores.

Power Your Statement with Action Words:

Use strong action verbs to deliver your professional summary to online hiring managers:

1. Energize: I energize virtual classrooms with interactive lessons and engaging activities that keep students motivated and excited to learn.
2. Inspire: Inspire students to embrace the challenges and rewards of learning English as a second language.
3. Innovate: Innovate by incorporating cutting-edge online learning tools to create immersive virtual classroom experiences.
4. Engage: Engage students of all ages by creating personalized lesson plans that cater to unique learning styles.
5. Empower: Empower students to build confidence in English language skills and take ownership of their learning.
6. Adapt: Adapt teaching style to meet the unique needs of each student and learning environment.
7. Cultivate: Cultivate strong relationships with students and parents, ensuring open communication and supportive learning.

By aligning your resume with the school's vision and commitment to its success, you'll stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing your dream online teaching job.

When applying for online English teaching positions, be prepared to share more personal information than you would on a typical Western resume. Overseas employers operate under different privacy laws and have specific visa requirements that require a deeper dive into your background. It's all part of getting the job, so here's what you should include:

• Name: Use your legal name as it appears on your passport or official documents.
• Citizenship: List the nationality that may be relevant to visa requirements.
• Language Fluency: Highlight your native language and other languages you speak fluently. List any language certificates that you have passed, including Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels.
• Date of Birth: Include your birth date, as some countries have age restrictions for work visas.
• Gender: Specify your gender for visa applications or cultural considerations.
• Email: Provide a professional email address for employer communication.
• Skype or WhatsApp: Include this, as many companies use it for interviews and communication.
• Phone: List a number, including country code, so they can reach you anywhere.
• Current Location: Specify your city and country so they know your time zone for an interview.
• Video Introduction URL: Pop your 60-second intro video link in. YouTube works great.

How to List Personal Information on Your Online Teaching Resume:

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[First name] [Last name]
[Email address]
[Phone number]
[Whatsapp]
[Skype]
[City], [Country]

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Date of Birth: [DOB]
Citizenship: [Country]
Gender: [M/F]
Languages: Native English Speaker
Video Introduction: [URL]

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Adding this info shows you're serious about the job and makes it easier for employers to see if you're a good fit. 

Just be careful when sharing personal details to avoid ESL scams. Check that the company is legitimate before handing over personal information.

In Asia, including a photo on your CV is common, especially when applying for online English teaching jobs. Your photo should make you look friendly, professional, and ready to teach. Think passport photo with a welcoming smile! Here's how to nail it:

1) Dress Code - Interview-Ready

Dress like you're going for an interview. Business casual is usually the way to go.

• For Men: Wear a collared shirt, have tidy hair, and being clean-shaven is best.
• For Women: Opt for a smart top, keep your hair off your face and neat (preferably tied in a ponytail or bun), and wear understated makeup.
• Tattoos: Best to cover up as they may not be well-received by parents in some Asian cultures.

2) Lighting and Background Matters

• Bright, clear lighting is crucial. Avoid backlighting from windows, which can make you look shadowy.
• Your teaching space can be a great background, showing you’re all set to teach.

Your headshot is your first visual introduction to potential employers, so make it count!

Your academic credentials aren’t just a formality; they unlock visa eligibility and set you apart in a sea of aspiring educators. Here’s what you need to get on board:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Any major will work. This is often a visa requirement.
• 120-Hour TEFL Certificate: A must-have for teaching English online.

Highlight these qualifications in your resume’s education section to stand out!

Structuring Your Education History Section

Put your education section front and center. Here’s how:

• Lead with Your Highest Degree: Grab attention by listing your most advanced qualification first.
• Reverse Chronological Order: Start with your most recent educational achievement and work backward. Remember to include your Matric/A Level/O Levels if you’re from South Africa.
• Details Matter: For each entry, include the institution, your major, location, and the completion date.
• Ongoing Education: If pursuing a degree or certification, mention what you’re studying and when you expect to finish.
• Scannable Text: Make it easy for recruiters to skim.

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Education Template

[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Month and Year]

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Example:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, March 2023

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List your TEFL certification prominently, as it's crucial for most online English teaching positions. Include the following details:

• The number of hours the course covered.
• Any practicum hours completed.
• The awarding organization.
• The year of completion.

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Certifications Template:

[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

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Example:

120-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification,
The Really Great Teacher Company, March 2024

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By showcasing your qualifications and highlighting your TEFL certification, you tell potential employers, "I've got what it takes to excel in this exciting, rewarding field."

The experience section offers the recruiter a detailed look at why you're the standout candidate. Recruiters often zero in on the first two positions listed, so make them count. Here's how to structure this pivotal part of your resume:

• Speak Their Language: Mirror the language in the job listing to show how your experience aligns with the position you're applying for. This helps recruiters quickly see that you're a great match.
• Simple Language: Remember, not everyone reading your resume will be a native English speaker. Avoid jargon and abbreviations. Use full titles like "Manager" instead of "Mgr." to ensure clarity.
• Dates Matter: Recruiters pay close attention to your employment dates, as they reflect your job stability and commitment. Make sure to clearly state your start and end dates for each position.
• Stick to the Last Decade: Focus on relevant teaching jobs you've held within the past 10 years, starting with your most recent position. This keeps your resume fresh and focused.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use bullet points to highlight your achievements in each job. Wherever possible, quantify your impact using numbers and percentages. This helps recruiters quickly grasp the scope of your accomplishments.
• Beyond the Classroom: Don't limit yourself to traditional teaching roles. Include significant leadership positions, volunteer work, or other experiences demonstrating your skills and contributions.

How to List Your Jobs:

When listing your experience, use this simple template:

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Job Template

[Job Title] | [Employment Dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [Country]

• [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
• [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
• [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]

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Examples:

Freelancer, Online ESL Teacher | August 2021–Present
School ABC | Cape Town, South Africa

• Successfully delivered over 3,000 classes to children across the globe.
• Kept a perfect 5.0 rating on the school's platform.
• Built my own online teaching brand to attract more students.

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Primary ESL Teacher | August 2014–June 2017
Nanjing Experimental School | Nanjing, China

• Taught five daily classes to up to 40 high school students, focusing on English grammar.
• Provided detailed written feedback on assignments, contributing to a 20% improvement in student grades.
• Self-taught conversational Mandarin to connect better with students.

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How to Address Employment Gaps in Your Teaching Resume

Teacher recruiters are trained to spot gaps of six months or longer on your resume. Address the issue head-on by creating a two to three-line "career note" to explain. It shows you're open.

Here are some examples:

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1. Explaining a Caregiver Role 

Highlight the skills and experiences you gained as a full-time parent or caregiver. By framing it as a growth and skill development period, you can demonstrate your continued commitment to learning and personal development.

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Full-Time Parent | Cape Town, South Africa | June 2022 - Present

• Paused professional career to focus on full-time parenting.
• Focused on child development, health care, and educational activities.
• Coordinated family schedules and logistics.

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2. Explaining a Travel Gap

Focus on how your experiences have made you a stronger, more well-rounded candidate. Highlight skills you developed during your travels:

• Adaptability
• Cross-cultural communication
• Problem-solving

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Long-term International Travel | Asia | May 2023 - December 2023

• Traveled independently through 5 countries over 8 months.
• Exercised extensive problem-solving and cross-cultural communication skills while navigating diverse environments.
• Participated in a 1-month yoga course, developing discipline and mindfulness.

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3. Explaining Unemployment

Focus on your proactive steps to improve your skills and stay engaged with teaching. This could include:

• Taking online courses or workshops.
• Volunteering or freelancing in education-related roles.
• Developing new skills or certifications.

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Career Break | London, UK | January 2022 - June 2022

• Took a planned career break to reassess professional goals and develop new skills.
• Completed online courses in educational technology and language teaching.
• Volunteered at a local community center, providing English language support to recent immigrants.

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Leveraging Non-Teaching Experience

Even if you don't have formal teaching experience, you can still showcase relevant skills and achievements. Consider including:

• Customer service experience
• Experience working with children
• Volunteer work in educational settings

These experiences show your communication skills, ability to work with diverse populations, and commitment to making a positive impact.

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Online Technical Support Specialist | January 2020–Present
Vodacom | Remote, South Africa

• Delivered tech support with a teaching approach to 1,000+ users, boosting their tech proficiency.
• Led workshops and crafted guides, simplifying tech concepts, and cutting user errors by 30%.
• Created user-friendly guides and tutorials, translating complex technical information into accessible learning materials for diverse audiences.

Your Experience, Your Story:

Your job history is your story. Make it compelling, clear, and connected to teaching. Show recruiters you've got what it takes to be a fantastic online English teacher. So, take the time to polish your experience section and bring your teaching journey to life!

How to List Skills on Your Teaching Resume:

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Skills Template:

Skills

• [Skill]
• [Skill]
• [Skill]

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Example:

Skills

• Native English Speaker
• Fluent in Mandarin
• Digital Teaching Tools
• Classroom Management
• Empathetic Nature and Cultural Sensitivity

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Review the job posting closely to decide which skills will differentiate your resume from other candidates. Showcase your soft skills, tech know-how, and passion for education that will set you apart as an online English teacher.

Run a speed test to accurately report your internet speed on your resume! Google your model to uncover the specs. Showing these details on your resume assures recruiters you're well-equipped for online teaching.

Before sending your resume, ensure it's polished, error-free, and ready to impress. Follow these final steps to make your application stand out:

Save Your Resume with a Clear File Name

To make your resume easily findable by recruiters, save it using this format:

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[Last Name]_[First Name]-[School Name] Resume

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Example file name:

Smith_Amanda-ABC Online School Resume.pdf

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Final Resume Checklist - Double-Check Everything

Before hitting send, go through our final checklist to ensure your resume is perfect:

• Customize Your Resume: Is your resume specific to the teaching position you are applying for?
• Relevant Skills: Have you included all relevant skills demonstrating why you are the best candidate?
• Appropriate Keywords: Did you use keywords from the job description for ATS optimization?
• Concise and Focused: Is your resume concise, ideally one page, focusing on recent and relevant experiences?
• Proofread: Double-checked for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors?
• Correct File Format: Is your resume saved in a widely accepted format, such as PDF or Word document?
• Professional Look: Do the fonts, color choices, and layout accurately reflect your professionalism?

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Submit with Confidence

Now's the moment! With your final checklist completed and your resume polished to perfection with a clear file name, it's ready to fly.

By sticking to the playbook we've laid out, you've crafted a resume that's not just a list of jobs and schools – it's a story about you, shining a light on why you're the top pick for that online teaching gig.

Embrace the excitement of the possibilities ahead and believe in the unique talents you bring to the virtual classroom. Your dream online teaching job awaits!