Thread: Creating CV

Hi

Very new to the forum, and the entire TEFL sector.

I saw on another thread that there is a sticky post about how to write a good CV, but I cannot find it on any of the main forum sections. If you do an advanced search on "CV", it says the phrase is too short!

Can someone point me to this thread about creating a good CV?

Many thanks

I've looked for the thread but I can't find it. I thought it was stickies, but maybe not. I'm thinking it should be in The Staffroom.

It's closed

http://www.ajarnforum.net/vb/the-sta...e-cv-tips.html (Resume / CV Tips)

Originally Posted by russellsimpson

Thanks jonny.

Why are you thanking me? I'm replying to Jerry.

Jerry hasn't told us what country he wants to work in.

Regarding CVs, and since the original thread is closed, i'm going to pose a related question: Should I go ahead and include a line or 2 detailing responsibilities/accomplishments at past jobs that don't pertain to teaching English at all? I've had no paid teaching experience, just some volunteer tutoring/TA positions (which I assume should go under extracurriculars or "relevant experience" rather than work experience). I feel like it's also important to show real work experience, even if it's not related... but how much info is too much info?

Also, is it worth putting down my extensive nannying/babysitting experience if I'm applying to elementary-level teaching positions? Seems like it could be a plus, but I'm pretty clueless about how Thais view CVs.. maybe they'd look down on such things..

Thanks jonny.......and russell!

I want to teach business English and/or business in Thailand.

I have tons of business experience and know how to write a "normal" CV. But this is the first time I will be applying for positions in the teaching/education sector, so I was wondering if there was a a good way to create a CV for this sector.

I have dragged out anything from my business career that looks remotely like training, mentoring, leadership, presentations skills, etc, highlighted them in a series of bullet points, and dropped off all the detail about my business career.

Thanks for the responses and ideas.

I've gone through the thread, cleaned it up and stickied it. I was debating reopening it, but when I saw how much spam and trolling it has attracted, I decided to keep it closed.

---Update---

Jerry, take a look now through the original thread.

Hilary, definitely include and highlight your volunteer and TA experience, meaning place it at the top. Your cv should be a combination cv, being functional at the beginning, then chronological.

Thanks for cleaning up the thread, Nat. It would be nice to add onto it, but as it is closed I'll just respond on this thread.

Originally Posted by hilary8706

Regarding CVs, and since the original thread is closed, i'm going to pose a related question: Should I go ahead and include a line or 2 detailing responsibilities/accomplishments at past jobs that don't pertain to teaching English at all? I've had no paid teaching experience, just some volunteer tutoring/TA positions (which I assume should go under extracurriculars or "relevant experience" rather than work experience). I feel like it's also important to show real work experience, even if it's not related... but how much info is too much info?

Also, is it worth putting down my extensive nannying/babysitting experience if I'm applying to elementary-level teaching positions? Seems like it could be a plus, but I'm pretty clueless about how Thais view CVs.. maybe they'd look down on such things..

If I were you I would have a heading called 'Volunteering'. You can put all your experience that is related to teaching like the nanny position, and tutor/TA experience. You can also have a heading called, 'Work Experience' and list your work experience even if it not related, I'm sure there are some skills that can be transferable. Here is a list of transferable skills that you could take from one job and transfer to teaching English. Under each of your work or volunteer experience you could even use these skills to show what you learned.

Examples of Transferable Skills - Short List of Transferable Skill
Transferable Skills for ESL Teachers | TEFL.net

And be sure to have someone edit your grammar.

I'd like to summarize my contribution to the CV thread:

1) Many employers, especially those offering the good jobs, will read scores of CVs. Think .. what is it about mine that will make it stand out? That'd be work experience especially in-country. Keep it to one page. Keep it relative to the past ten years.

2) Put unrelated work experience in, especially if you want to look like a newbie. If you add unrelated stuff to fill time gaps, fine, forget any detail, it just makes you look like a green non-teacher.

3) I doubt format is anything more than some CV self-appointed guru flapping his jaws. Content is what counts.

4) One way to up your odds is to offer something personal most other applicants don't. If you're married that's good. If you have in-country experience that's better. If you're married to a national that's really good. If they already have 10 Canadians your being a Yank or Brit or anything different makes you more attractive.

5) References aren't read in Thailand for the most part. It's better to say: references upon request.

6) I doubt very much Thais will place a lot of weight on your academic achievements.

7) Following up: There was a time when following up was the norm. IMO those days are over. Doing it can make you seem desperate. If you must follow up be brief and make yourself convenient to the employer e.g., don't call too early, too late in the work day or at lunch time. If they ask you to sit and wait two hours that's good for you. You'll look loyal and patient.

8) Much of the time employers already know who they want to hire but ask for CVs anyway.

9) Most hiring is done on site, not through emailed CVs.

10) At an interview save the salary/benefits questions for last.

11) (In Thailand) He who reads your CV has everything to do with your chances of being attractive or not. If a Westerner is in charge he may check your references and job history, defiantly your grammar. If he/she's Thai your photo will carry a lot of weight.

12) It's very good to appear to be someone it'd be fun to have a beer with, and even better, someone who'd easily fit in to their staffroom vibe.

Originally Posted by jonny danger

And be sure to have someone edit your grammar.

This is totally uncalled for. Also, as I recall it was you that made many off topic posts in the original thread that poor Nat had to clean up.

I recently had a talk with a well known recruiter (in Canada) that hires for a variety of teaching jobs (both ESL and International Schools).
I recently changed my resume around because employers really want to see what you did at each job including the ages and grades that you have taught. If you have a lot of varied experience then it is in your best interest to highlight duties and skills that you learned on the job.

Many people are now going through recruiters. Using a recruiter (especially in Korea) isn't such a bad thing if you find an established recruiter that has a decent reputation. If you can apply directly to the school then do so. Many schools hire through recruiters (government schools).

Originally Posted by phuketbound

This is totally uncalled for. Also, as I recall it was you that made many off topic posts in the original thread that poor Nat had to clean up.

What I recall is a thread where you were looking for advice but offered nothing but want. What in the world are you taking credit for?

How about just, Nat? Poor Nat means she just had a stroke.

And the grammar comment wasn't for you. But you thought it was because it's always about you.

Originally Posted by russellsimpson

Indeed.

Thanks for doing that Nat and making it a sticky....

Ta...I'm just going to ignore JD, as he is looking for attention. Anyway, I just landed a great job, so I am not bothered by what JD and whatever else..Hope you are well, Russ.