By Neil Root
Neil Root is a writer and London based English Language teacher with 10 years experience.
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
Job Search Tips
By Neil Root
Neil Root is a writer and London based English Language teacher with 10 years experience.
By Shane Global from Hastings, UK (Intermediate Class Uploaded by Mr. Stradivarius) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Donna Hutchinson
Newly-qualified TEFL Teacher, @donnatamara
In comparison to last year, this winter has been decidedly warmer and wetter. Much to my relief, London did not shut down due to a couple of snowflakes. Also, in a stark comparison, last year I was working in a bar at its busiest time – so busy I felt like I lived there. But this year, for most of the winter, I have been experiencing a distinct dry spell in terms of EFL work (of course I’m putting aside the Christmas break). It has been a rather frustrating experience.
As a teacher without even a year’s experience, it is decidedly more difficult to find work over the colder seasons without going to China. There are jobs available in London, I’ve seen them, but they demand much more experience than appears on my CV. However, I’m convinced that if I could just get to the interview stage I would stand a better chance; but breaking through that first online barrier is hard enough.
By Jon Duckett
Experienced TEFL teacher and director at TEFL Jobs London
By TwentiethApril1986 (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
With the wonderful warm weather we are having in London at the moment it certainly doesn’t seem like the summer is over. However on the job front things are quite different and there is certainly a lot less work about for TEFL teachers.
For those new to TEFL teaching or the London TEFL scene summer is by far the busiest time for language schools. This is because there is an influx of students and young learners from Europe who use their summer break as a chance to come to the UK to improve their English. This in turn means a huge demand from the language schools for additional teachers. Once these students start to make their way back to Europe at the end of the summer the demand for teachers also starts to dry up.
By Jon Duckett
Experienced TEFL teacher and director at TEFL Jobs London
By Big Red London Apartments (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Summer is the busiest time for English language schools in London, with many schools taking on two, three or four times their average student numbers. This often requires language schools to hire out additional buildings from schools and universities nearby in order to have enough classroom space. The additional students are mainly from Europe, keen to improve their English while they are away from work or university during the summer holidays. The summer also sees a higher proportion of young learners in London than throughout the rest of the year.
By Jon Duckett
Experienced TEFL teacher and director at TEFL Jobs London
Nigel Cox [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Home stays are a popular part of many study abroad programs and this is no less so in the TEFL industry. Some people will volunteer to take in overseas students free of charge as a cultural experience for themselves and their children.
TEFL teachers can make a profitable income from taking in students from overseas by becoming home tutors. There are a few language schools in the UK such as Regent and EJO now offering this service. Teachers can earn upwards of £480 per week for providing tuition plus board and lodgings for overseas students.
By Jon Duckett
Experienced TEFL teacher and director at TEFL Jobs London
By Javier Gil (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Writing a good TEFL CV is key to getting teaching work at language schools in London. Competition is tough so spending an extra few minutes checking to make sure you have included all the relevant content can make all the difference. TEFL Jobs London gives a few tips on how to improve your chances.
By Jon Duckett
Experienced TEFL teacher and director at TEFL Jobs London
By en:User talk:Mewiki (own work) (Picture uploaded on the English-speaking Wikipedia) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
During the early part of the year language schools in London will be making preparations for their busy summer period and looking to get additional teachers in place. It is important they start this process early as the application process can take a number of weeks to complete. As well as looking at CVs, Directors of Study will want to interview candidates, take up references and verify degree and teaching certificates. Additionally it is becoming more common for language schools to carry out CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks on teachers, particularly if they are going to be working with young learners. This process can take a number of weeks to complete.
Recruiting? Our ads are:
- Fantastic value, plus quick and easy to post.
- Targeted to qualified, UK based TEFL teachers.
- Viewed by 1000s of teachers every week.
