How Do I Get My First TEFL Job?

So you’ve got the piece of paper and you’re ready to explore the world. You’re ready to pack your bags and say goodbye to your loved ones, in search of paradise. The only thing standing in the way of your dreams, is the teeny tiny stumbling block of employment. So, what’s the best way to find a TEFL job?

The first port of call for the majority of TEFL teachers is the internet. There are numerous websites which are used by employers to advertise jobs. The most popular of these is tefl.com, but it’s also worth looking at eslcafe.com, eslbase.com and tefl-jobs.co.uk. Be warned, the sheer number of jobs available can be overwhelming, so it pays to refine your search, in terms of country or type of position. In fact, if you already have an idea of which country you would like to work in, do some research and find the websites specific to those countries. If you’re interested in Thailand, for example, a useful website is ajarn.com, which only advertises jobs for Thailand.

As with any online research, it is necessary to do some investigation into any potential employees. If you have reached the interview stage or if you have been given an offer, it’s a good idea to do some digging and make sure you know exactly what you are signing up for. There are loads of EFL forums and it shouldn’t be hard to find someone who has worked for the employer or who knows the employer and they will be able to give you a better picture of the situation. Sadly, sometimes jobs can be too good to be true, so it pays to be conscientious before you sign a contract.

Another route to try is to look at the websites of specific schools or organisations. If you’re interested in working for a particular employer – maybe the school where you did your TEFL – have a look on their websites to see any vacancies they might have.

If you are already in the country, there’s nothing wrong with the old-fashioned way of pounding the pavements. Turning up at language schools with your CV in hand is never a bad thing; the worst thing that can happen is they say they have no positions available right then. You never know, now that they have your CV and they have met you and know that you are dedicated enough to actively find a job, they might give you a call in a couple weeks when a vacancy comes up. Considering that most TEFL environments have a high staff turnover because teachers usually only sign up for a limited contract, chances are that a teacher will leave the school sometime soon.

If we’re honest, finding a TEFL job is not always easy or straightforward. It may take you a number of applications before you find what you are looking for and an offer of employment. Just be patient and remember never to rush a decision. If a school wants to employ you, they should be reasonable and allow you some time to consider their offer. Don’t make a decision under any pressure. And don’t give up hope: for every TEFL job you don’t get, there are ten more!