Your curriculum vitae or resume is most likely to be the first impression you make on potential employers, so when applying for an international school job, it is essential that it showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications in the best possible light. But with so many job seekers vying for the same positions, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. That’s why in this blog, we’ll be sharing some essential tips and tricks to help you improve your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step, these tips will help you create a resume that gets noticed and sets you apart from other applicants. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your resume shine!
As a teacher applying to international schools, there are several key items you should include in your resume to make it appealing to potential employers. Here are some suggestions:
Professional experience
Start with your professional experience, which should be listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). Include your job title, the name of the school or organisation you worked for, the dates of employment, and a brief description of your duties and accomplishments.
Educational background
List your highest degree earned and any other relevant coursework or certifications. If you have any specialised training or certifications, be sure to mention them here.
Languages spoken
In the international school community, being able to communicate in multiple languages is often seen as a valuable asset. Make sure to include any languages you speak fluently or at a conversational level.
Teaching Philosophy
Many international schools are looking for teachers who are passionate about teaching and have a strong teaching philosophy. Include a brief statement about your teaching philosophy and what you believe are the most important aspects of teaching.
Experience teaching international curricula
If you have experience teaching international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), be sure to highlight this experience in your resume.
Technology skills
In today’s increasingly digital world, international schools are looking for teachers who are comfortable using technology in the classroom. Make sure to highlight any technology skills or experience you have, such as using educational software or online learning platforms.
Cross-cultural experience
International schools value teachers who have experience working in cross-cultural settings. If you have lived or worked abroad, have experience teaching students from diverse cultural backgrounds, or have experience of immersing yourself in other cultures on home soil – be sure to mention this in your resume.
Professional development
Show that you are committed to continuous learning and improvement by listing any professional development courses or workshops you have attended, whether these are through your current job or under your own initiative. This will demonstrate that you are willing to adapt to new teaching methods and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in education.
Community spirit
Hiring managers at international schools are looking for applicants that will be able to settle into life in a new host country, teaching abroad is not for everyone, so don’t be shy about hobbies that might help you integrate with the wider community.
Once you have your framework, and are happy with the content, there are two more things to consider.
- Have you tailored it to the school in question?
If you really want a role, you must be prepared to show it in your application. Reflect the school’s own language in your resume and covering letter, ensure that your teaching philosophy aligns with theirs, demonstrate your experience with their curricula, show an interest in the culture of the host country. Speak directly to your future Headteacher.
- Check your spelling and grammar.
There is nothing more infuriating for a hiring manager, then finding a candidate that has all of the appropriate experience, on a resume littered with obvious mistakes. You can ask a trusted friend or colleague to check it for you, or you can turn to one of the many tools available online instead: Grammarly, Language Tool, or Microsoft Word to name but a few.
Your resume is the most important tool you have in your toolkit, particularly in the early stages of your job search. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments, and to make a strong first impression with potential schools. They will also refer back to it throughout the interview process, so take your time to get it right. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this blog, you can improve your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job teaching abroad. Remember to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, highlight your most relevant skills and experiences, and use clear and concise language to make your resume stand out. With a well-crafted resume and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can take your career to the next level and achieve your professional goals.
Don’t forget, the team here at Compass are here to help. If you are a qualified teacher who is interested in teaching abroad, then get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
