What you’ve heard is true: There’s a lot of interest in teaching English. While the online learning sector has been expanding year after year, the coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented demand. Online education has become a must for students and teachers worldwide, necessitating a new intake of teachers to suit the massive educational needs. A rising number of TEFL Institute graduates go on to teach English online each year. It’s logical, given that more individuals than ever are looking for ways to generate money from home. As a result, qualified teachers are in more demand. With so many professors coming online, standing out has never been more critical. If you wish to teach English online right now, you should make the greatest possible start. How would you go about doing so? You read this guide to finding your first online teaching job!

Step 1: Get TEFL qualified

This cannot be overstated: TEFL certification is required to teach English as a foreign language. There are plenty of beautiful courses to pick from if you want to teach English online, and your CV would be completed without a standout TEFL certificate.

So, what are the required requirements for the job? Let us discuss it:

Level 5 or 120 hours?

The Level 5 TEFL or 120-hour qualification is the finest way to begin teaching English online or offline.

Why? It’s as simple as that. Both lay the groundwork for teaching English as a foreign language. Both look wonderful on a CV and while Level 5 requires 180 hours, it is Ofqual-approved and highly regarded!

What are the key differences between Level 5 and 120-hour courses?

The 120-hour course is perfect if:

• You have a minimum of a BA degree – in any discipline
• You have some previous teaching experience
• You’re a native English speaker with a passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa
• You’re seeking work in a country with high demand for English teachers

Whereas a Level 5 has the advantage if:

• You don’t hold a degree
• You haven’t taught before
• English isn’t your first language/you don’t have a passport from one of the seven countries listed above.
• You aim to work in a country with a competitive jobs market or online.
• You want the most comprehensive training available

To help you decide which entry course is right, see our information on 120-hour vs. Level 5 courses. In any scenario, you’ll have the certification to start teaching English!

Advanced Courses

Have you finished your Level 5 or 120-hour course but want to learn more about online teaching?

You’ll get there with advanced instruction. A 30-hour Teaching English Online course can significantly increase your prospects of starting an online teaching job. There is a course called Online Teaching Practice if you understand the theory but need some practice.

While Advanced TEFL courses aren’t always a deal breaker, consider them a post-graduate degree. The BA is great for standing out in the job market but possessing additional qualifications will keep you there.

Employers are only occasionally willing to take chances if you’ve studied anything specialized for Teaching English Online. They want people who have done the reading and practice; it’s much better if you have a certificate to show for it. That’s even more impressive!

Step 2: Get your application ready

You are now eligible. Are you ready to enter the labour force?

Not entirely: the application must still be completed. A couple of essential considerations here: it is crucial to personalize CVs and Cover Letters for each job vacancy. It appears time-consuming and, honestly, a little tedious, but we must emphasize the importance of the personal touch.

So, get your applications in! Are you ready?

Put together a great CV!

What is required for the optimal CV? Put it in if you had volunteer experience before (or during) your TEFL studies. Are you a non-native English speaker who can demonstrate outstanding English skills through school examinations, the IELTS, or other means? Put it there.

Even if you have no past teaching experience, your curriculum vitae must sell you as a teacher.

Highlight your credentials and any relevant experience from past positions, such as training, presenting, or mentoring.

Proof, proof, proof! It should go without saying, yet it cannot be overstated. Grammar and spelling issues will not benefit you when applying for teaching opportunities.

Stand out with a strong cover letter.

Again, as we’ve addressed in depth in this Cover Letter guide, the cover letter is an essential aspect in applying for jobs. We’ll allow you some time to read it, but in a nutshell, writing the perfect cover letter comprises ten steps.

First, choose to whom you are applying. In your cover letter, include details from the job description and essential terms. The company wants to know that you care enough about them to desire to work for them. Then, as simple as it may seem, address the cover letter to the proper person. For example, try to learn the name of the faculty head. If no names are given, a courteous introduction will set you apart.

Then, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Fitting your qualities around the person’s specifications or job description is a problem. Why should they hire you? Make your point abundantly clear.

In Conclusion 

Don’t only focus on your credentials. They are necessary, but employers want to know why you obtained those credentials and how they will affect you as a teacher. Other experiences, such as giving presentations, coaching colleagues, or working with youngsters, should be considered. Then, examine your cover letter to determine whether it is pleasant; is all the text the same size? Are there any misspellings or grammatical errors, and how well does it scan? Also, don’t attempt to stuff too much in.

Proofread, of course. If you can’t establish a basic understanding of English in a cover letter for an English teaching job, that’s terrible news. Don’t ramble; keep it short and to the point. Personalize each employment chance since employers will notice if you make a generic statement about yourself and your ability.

Be honest with yourself! Some personality goes a long way, and you may easily convey to employers that you are a happy, motivated, and enjoyable person without being overly crazy. Finally, give your contact information if you expect a response!

Our guide will point you in the right direction if you want to learn more about formatting, tone, and the other essential aspects of your cover letter.