Hi, I am newly (well, 6 months now) qualified CELTA teacher and I cannot find employment anywhere.
I don't have a degree, I am however British so therefore an EU national so I have been concentrating on finding employment in Europe where my not having a degree will not create problems regarding work visas.
I have had a couple of interviews but I was not offered the jobs these were for. All the jobs in Europe I see advertised on websites very clearly ask for experience in the field.
I surely cannot be the only person in this situation, how on earth am I supposed to get started in TEFL?
Briton can't find first-time employment in Europe
Moderator: Joe
Re: Briton can't find first-time employment in Europe
As frustrating as it may be, you keep applying until you get offered something. The closer you get to the start of the academic year (early Sep to mid-Oct), the more chance you have of landing a job. To further improve your chances of finding work, avoid popular destinations such as Spain, and look towards Eastern Europe.
If (like me) you are a career changer, writing that first TEFL CV can be difficult. I used http://www.celta-course.com/tefl-cv.html for guidance (there's even a sample CV to download on the bottom right-hand side, though I would recommend writing a slightly more detailed profile/objective than theirs). I'm generally pretty good with cover letters, but I did refer to http://www.jobs.ac.uk/blogs/tefl-journe ... -template/.
I learned a long time ago not to be put off by adverts asking for experience. Obviously if they want 5+ years' experience plus a DELTA, there's no point in applying, but you will find that the 'minimum of 1 year's experience' is often negotiable, especially if you have a Pass A or B on the CELTA.
If (like me) you are a career changer, writing that first TEFL CV can be difficult. I used http://www.celta-course.com/tefl-cv.html for guidance (there's even a sample CV to download on the bottom right-hand side, though I would recommend writing a slightly more detailed profile/objective than theirs). I'm generally pretty good with cover letters, but I did refer to http://www.jobs.ac.uk/blogs/tefl-journe ... -template/.
I learned a long time ago not to be put off by adverts asking for experience. Obviously if they want 5+ years' experience plus a DELTA, there's no point in applying, but you will find that the 'minimum of 1 year's experience' is often negotiable, especially if you have a Pass A or B on the CELTA.
Re: Briton can't find first-time employment in Europe
thanks very much. I have decided just to go and visit a country in september.
This however does fill me with dread and the logistics seem confusing. Going there, do I just book a hostel, send my CV around town, if I get a job offer start looking for a flat, it seems a lot to work out when I will not speak the language.
part of the problem is in the current economic climate I am in no way prepared to quit my job unless I have something concrete on offer.
This however does fill me with dread and the logistics seem confusing. Going there, do I just book a hostel, send my CV around town, if I get a job offer start looking for a flat, it seems a lot to work out when I will not speak the language.
part of the problem is in the current economic climate I am in no way prepared to quit my job unless I have something concrete on offer.
Re: Briton can't find first-time employment in Europe
Before going abroad, do your research! Find out how many schools are in your chosen area(s), and read up on them a bit, just in case they ask the dreaded 'why do you want to work at XYZ School?' question. Make copies of your CV and certificates. It might be useful to have a few copies of your passport as well. Put these into pre-made 'packs', (they could just be housed in a plastic pocket) to make them easier to hand out and to ensure that each school gets a copy of each paper. Then, and only then, should you book a flight. I would also book a hostel or similar for a few nights.
When calling into the schools, consider your appearance. A suit is not necessary, but ripped jeans, grubby-looking t-shirts and battered trainers are an obvious no-no! Try to see the DoS or ADoS. If necessary, offer to come back later at a more convenient time, otherwise just leave your CV with the receptionist. It might also be worth following up on the applications in a day or so. After all, if they want to interview you, it would be better to do it while you are still in-country.
If you are lucky enough to be offered a job, you may find that the school will help you open a bank account, get a tax number and a residency certificate. They will often help with finding accommodation as well.
When calling into the schools, consider your appearance. A suit is not necessary, but ripped jeans, grubby-looking t-shirts and battered trainers are an obvious no-no! Try to see the DoS or ADoS. If necessary, offer to come back later at a more convenient time, otherwise just leave your CV with the receptionist. It might also be worth following up on the applications in a day or so. After all, if they want to interview you, it would be better to do it while you are still in-country.
If you are lucky enough to be offered a job, you may find that the school will help you open a bank account, get a tax number and a residency certificate. They will often help with finding accommodation as well.