How to stand out in the TEFL jobs market

So many people are making the (amazing) decision to teach English as a foreign language. That’s because it can be a gateway to the rest of the world and a chance to carve out a rewarding career path and an opportunity to start your own business, set your hours, and generally march to the beat of your drum. Furthermore, there are loads of TEFL opportunities. If you are interested in teaching English online, then countless companies can help you. However, if you’re more interested in being your boss, you can set up your own teaching English online company. Finally, if you don’t want to teach English online and prefer a more in-person touch, you can do that too. There are schools, businesses and colleges all over the world that are constantly hiring. A TEFL certification truly allows for limitless possibilities. However, with all these options, standing out in this market can be daunting and impossible. Lucky for you, we’re about to go through just that.  So, how can you stand out in the TEFL jobs market?

Getting your TEFL qualification

The first step in this process is getting your TEFL certification. If you don’t have one already, you can choose from a wide selection of TEFL courses that you can view here. 

To stand out regarding TEFL qualification, it might be worth your time to look at our Advanced Diploma. Regarding boosting your CV, there is no TEFL course like it. However, you can’t go wrong with specialising in a few courses such as; teaching English online, teaching business English and IELTS preparation. These three courses are the most sought-after specialisations in the TEFL market. 

Getting your TEFL certification may take a little longer, but employers will look fondly at those with such a qualification. Employers want hard-working and committed teachers, so having a different specialisation could go a long way toward getting employed. 

Applying for jobs

Now that you’re TEFL qualified, what’s next?

The most important thing to do is to revise your CV. Ensure all relevant information and your brand new TEFL qualification are on there. Remember to edit your CV for each specific TEFL role. Not all TEFL jobs are created equally, so it’s essential to make changes that better suit the role you’re applying for. 

 When writing about your TEFL certification in your CV, including all the modules you have completed is essential. This is especially true if the role you’re applying for has more specialist requirements, such as; working with young children or teaching those preparing for the IELTS exam. Mention it within your CV. 

To help with writing your CV, why not check out our previous blog about how to write just that? 

teacher with a room full of school kids pointing at a world map

Is there anything else I can do? 

Building a personal brand is a tried and tested success method that has worked for many TEFL teachers. It’s not for being a social media influencer, so don’t be intimidated. However, having an online presence so people can find you and be able to know more about you. It will also help when looking for a job, as employers will be able to see your individuality. 

How can you start? Most teachers will start with their website, especially if they want to expand their business further into their TEFL career. Another method would be through social media. Creating content about your niche teaching can help increase exposure. 

Regarding social media, Facebook ad LinkedIn are perfect platforms for TEFL teachers. Facebook will help you connect to numerous teaching networks that will help you with advice or job opportunities. While LinkedIn will also help create a professional network and be a fantastic platform for finding employment. 

Finding your niche

Finally, figuring out a niche you want to explore within the world of TEFL can significantly increase your chances of getting hired; this is where our specialist courses come into their own. With them, you can upskill and develop into whatever niche best suits you, whether teaching young learners business English or even teaching English online. 

In conclusion, this blog is all about the best ways for you to move forward in your career as a TEFL teacher. Whether looking for potential students or employers, use networking and your social presence to help give you access to job opportunities. Once you have these opportunities, use our cv and cover letter tips. Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for and make your cover letter specific.  

Think of keywords your employers want to see to give yourself the best chance possible to get hired. 

Remember, all TEFL Institute students have access to our Jobs board – check it out to implement your newfound tips. 

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and it’s a certificate you need if you want to teach non-native speakers English. With a TEFL certificate, you can teach students of all ages – from young learners to adult business language learners – anywhere in the world. It’s recognised globally and is the key to kick-starting your English teaching career abroad, home or online.

To get a TEFL certificate you must take an accredited TEFL course. The minimum training required by employers worldwide is 120 hours. You can choose between accredited, government regulated Level 5 or combined TEFL courses. You’ll find TEFL courses are either online or combined in-class and online experiences. 

Getting a TEFL certification from a recognised, trusted provider is essential when it comes to receiving high-quality training and finding a job. Always go for a globally recognised accredited certification. It’s also worth double checking company reviews to make sure customers are satisfied with their training.

What’s the difference between accredited and government regulated Level 5 TEFL courses?

The Accredited 120 Hour Premier TEFL Course is what we call one of our fast-track courses. This is the minimum recognised worldwide.

  • You have 10 modules to complete usually taking 4-6 weeks.
  • Each module has a multiple-choice test at the end, and you need 80% to pass.
  • You’ll get your digital certificate on completion and can buy a hard copy from us if you’d like one with an embossed logo.

Level 5 Ofqual-regulated courses offer more in-depth training. If we look at the 180 Hour Level 5 TEFL Course in comparison: 

  • Learners typically spend 10-12 weeks to complete 11 modules.
  • The pass mark is 100% and assessments are multiple-choice plus open-ended answers. Don’t worry, you can redo quizzes to get 100%. Our academic team will review your answers at the end of your 11 modules and may ask for some questions to be reattempted. Some questions may require you to provide academic references.
  • You’ll get your digital coursework completion certificate from us after module 11. Following successful assessment from our academic team, we’ll be able to claim the licence for your Ofqual (government) certificate from our accreditation body TQUK.

The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 course range is for those who want to gain a higher-level, more recognised qualification.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers teach English in non-native English speaking countries. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) teachers teach English in native English speaking countries. CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is a separate qualification you can get to teach English.

TEFL: One of the most accepted certificates worldwide, this allows you to teach English to non-native speakers across the globe. 

TESL: As a TESL teacher, you would likely be teaching English in your home country to students who have moved or live in an English speaking country. In other words, they are continuously surrounded by the language and will be using it every day outside of the classroom, unlike TEFL students who are likely learning in their home country.

CELTA: A very prestigious certification that follows a strict regulation created by Cambridge University. You must complete a 120-hour TEFL course and six hours of teaching real ESL students. Most of the programmes are held over a month and are full time. However, you may be able to find some courses that are part-time and are spread over three months. Due to its intense nature and requirements, the cost tends to be much higher and can be up to €1700!

Yes! Teaching English as a foreign language – online or in-class – will give you an abundance of transferable skills. From time management to problem-solving and communication, you’ll have plenty of experience to impress future employers. As your TEFL certification never expires, you can get back into TEFL whenever you wish, too.



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