Resume Writing 101

Writing a good resume is not rocket science. In fact, most rocket scientists that apply are rejected based on their poorly written resumes.

In order to write a good resume the first thing you have to consider is your audience. Who will read your resume? What are they looking for?

Imagine yourself as the hiring manager or the school owner. What would you be looking for in a teacher if you were the one hiring?

At Footprints Recruiting we want the best for our teachers, that’s why we’ve decided to create a sample resume that will help potential teachers understand what employers are looking for. Using examples of resumes from teachers, we have incorporated the best of both Western and Eastern styles to help you get the most rewarding job by creating a resume that is sure to impress Asian employers.

Sample Teacher Resume Example

Click Here to Download This Teacher Resume Sample in WORD Format

Writing a Good Teaching Resume

Even without experience, you can still write a good resume that will catch the interest of the hiring manager. Some important points to consider before we get started:

Spell Check - an English teacher should know how to spell. Take the time to proof read your resume and cover letter. Use a ruler and closely study each line. We also recommend reading aloud and asking a friend for feedback.
Formatting - take the time to make your resume look professional. There are many website out there that offer free templates.
Short and Sweet - a resume should be no more than 2 pages.
Simple and Straightforward - in many cases, those that are hiring you are not native English speakers. Use bullet points to make it easier for them to read and your vernacular should be carefully chosen to be clear, eloquent and easy to understand.

Items to Include in Your Teaching Resume

Like a good lesson plan, a resume should have clear points and should be laid out in an easy to reaed, easy to follow format. Here is a suggested format:

- Name
- Address
- Contact Information
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Objective
- Education History
- Relevant Coursework and Certifications
- Relevant Work Experience
- Work Experience
- Volunteer Experience
- International Experience
- Awards, Merits, Certifications
- Hobbies and Interests

Writing a Good Objective

You would be amazed at how many "teaching resumes" we receive where the objective is to get a good job in IT or where "I want to get a position where I can make a positive impact". Blah Blah Blah. I want someone who knows what they want to do and who is sincere about teaching.

A good objective should clearly state your goals and interest in becoming a great teacher.

Examples:
- To teach elementary and/or middle school aged students in South Korea where I can develop my skills and knowledge as a teacher and explore an amazing country.
- Experienced teacher looking for the opportunity to explore another culture and continue teaching.
- Young recent university graduate who loves kids eager for the opportunity to learn how to teach English in Taiwan.

Your objective should be clear and it should be specific to teaching English. Be careful not to be too general or too specific. Being too specific will cause employers to discard your application their job doesn't specifically fit your description.

If you're interested in two countries, you might consider writing two resumes, each with an objective specific to the interest in teaching in that specific country.

Related Experience and Course Work

Although an Education degree and specific classroom experience is preferred, there are many other experiences and circumstances where you might have learned or exhibited the skills requisite a teacher. The following are strengths and experiences you might consider including in your resume if they apply:
- experience with kids
- coaching
- babysitting
- teaching swimming lessons, skiing or any subject or area of interest
- management roles as they pertain to training
- training in any area or subject
- public speaking
- acting experience as it applies to teaching
- art experience as it applies to teaching
- music experience as it applies to teaching

Volunteerism and Internationalism

Both volunteer experience and international experience are important factors when considering a candidate for a position.

Volunteerism tells an employer immediately that you are willing to put time into something you consider worthy and that you are socially inclined. These are important attributes of teachers.

International experience is important because there is nothing worse than a teacher arriving, training them, introducing them to their classes and helping them and the students through the initial adjustment phases only to have the teacher say, "This isn't what I expected. I miss my friends and family at home. I have to go home now." Please be sure to think this through. Are you prepared to be away from family and friends for a year? Is this something you REALLY want to do? Is this something you are capable of doing?

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