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English Teaching Jobs

English Teaching Jobs

The St Giles Educational Trust works in partnership with an increasing number of overseas employers who are seeking newly qualified EFL teachers. You will receive details of current vacancies during your CELTA course.

In this section, we have provided some useful tips for finding a job teaching English. This includes the steps to take, and the mistakes to avoid during your employment search.

Researching Employment Opportunities

It is important to fully research the locations and schools that you are interested in.

Learn as much as you can about the countries in which you would prefer to work, including local laws, customs and visa requirements. Measure the cost of living against the typical salary, bearing in mind that these will differ depending on the country and region.

Be aware of potential scams, such as institutions who ask for money for a recruitment fee.

When considering schools in which to teach, ask people who have already taught there. Always check the credibility and background of organisations for which you wish to work. With today’s online community there is ample opportunity for you to learn as much as you can about potential teaching environments; utilise technology by visiting TEFL forums and websites for international English language placements.

Other topics to research include:

  • School schedules
  • Accommodation options
  • Transportation to work
  • Type of English taught
  • Government subsidised programmes for English language teachers

Searching and Applying for jobs

When applying for jobs, never send your original certification via post. Always photocopy these documents and send copies.

Find English teaching job vacancies on our ESL Jobs Database.

You can also use the following websites to find employment:

Visiting ELT Conferences

Attending conferences keeps you aware of current and future English teaching trends and the relevant skills that will help you to remain competitive as a hiring prospect. It is also a significant opportunity to network with professionals in your chosen field of employment.

The following are international ELT conferences:

  • IATEFL Conference
  • BESIG Conference (the Business English Special Interest Group of IATEFL)
  • TESOL International Convention

Interviewing for English Teaching Positions

The research you have carried out will help you to prepare for the interview process. Knowledge of local customs will enable you to dress professionally and appropriately for each interview. Self-knowledge will help you to capitalise on your strengths whilst minimising your weaknesses.

Knowledge of the area will show your prospective employer that you are capable of the preparation and organisation that teaching requires, whilst knowledge of traditional customs will instruct you on how to behave respectfully during the interview in accordance with each culture.

Here are some questions a prospective employer might ask you:

Pre-ELT life

  • What is your previous work experience?
  • Why did you want to get into TEFL?
Expectations of your teaching

  • How will you cope with 20-30 contact hours a week, especially if you are straight off the course where you have only taught once or twice a week?
  • What do you know about the school?
  • What is your attitude towards professionalism?

About your course

  • What were your general impressions?
  • What did you like / dislike the most?
  • What did you see as your strengths and weaknesses in teaching practice?
  • How did you react to the different levels taught?
  • How confident do you feel about teaching grammar?

Expectations of life abroad

  • How adaptable are you to different cultures?
  • What do you know about this country in particular?
  • What do you expect from your living conditions?