How to create a resume for an ESL teacher with no experience?

Recently, you have wondered how to start your career as an ESL teacher without the required experience, haven’t you? But how is it possible to gain experience if employers do not hire people without experience? Catch-22, isn’t it? 

Nothing is impossible, specifically in the sphere of teaching. Many other factors have a big influence on your prospective employment in the competitive job market.

Before diving in, it’s important to understand what is an ESL teacher and the key responsibilities involved.

Let’s dive deep into every aspect mentioned above.

Of course, to show all of that, you need a resume that includes all the information. It comes as no surprise that this is a kind of document that would prove your qualifications, credentials. 

It should not be dull or sloppy. Your resume is your reflection: the structure and order, completeness, your own aesthetics.

It might seem ridiculous how you can make that resume fulfilled if you have never got the ball rolling and have almost no experience. Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill. There is more to present than you think.

Basics of the resume

Firstly, you have to choose the format. You can certainly prepare your own resume but it might be easier to start with a fillable template. There are several options to explore.

People used to provide all the information on a piece of white paper and it was enough.

However, rules and norms are changing. Choosing not just a template, but making it look creative and deliberate is an extra plus. You can simplify the format via the sources above and just fill in the gaps due to your template.

So, how to choose a colour for your sample, write with the right fonts and sizes and formatting? There are some points to take into consideration.

It should be stated somewhere at the top of the page so that your future employer can contact you easily. Your name and surname, phone number and email will suffice.

When it comes to fonts and colours, stick to simple ones such as Times New Roman, Arial or Garamond. Do not choose something exaggerated, as it is difficult to read. HR will put it off immediately. 

Talking about professional colours, these are black, dark grey, or navy blue. Same tactics, it’s readable. You do not have to jazz it up, making it stand out in such a way. Subtle, muted tones are preferable. Sticking to a white background for your document is ok, but it might seem monotonous, just a little bit. So, strike your colour-tinted balance.

No beach or party photo. Your employer might be glad for you, but not from the heart. Keeping in mind that the resume is a document, anyway, you have to choose a professional-looking, simple headshot.

That is a document, once again. You understand the importance. Especially, the person asking for a position as a teacher should show their knowledge, literacy and competence. Get rid of misspellings. 

Please check the document at least twice: verify your full name, contact information, and all wording.

Talking about creativity, some people might attribute the achievements to themselves. It will not be beneficial for them. So, never lie at the interviews or whilst writing your resumes. 

If you do not want to get caught off guard, list your current and developing skills. Write about your potential and desire to learn. You might write it in detail to show your overall awareness and willingness to be trained further. 

Your employer will be content to read it as they might provide their courses for new hires, take them through onboarding. 

They want to see that you are ready to learn, not only to teach.

Structure the resume

Once we have decided on all the main details, it is time to discuss the structure of a teacher’s CV.

Objective

The main and highly recommended point to include after your name is the objective. Neither long nor short. Just up to three sentences to tell who you are and what position you would like to obtain.

For example:

Experience

This section of your resume is by far the most essential. It is how candidates are going to be selected. However, keep your spirits up. You can include information like:

Educational Attainment

Sure, you have to indicate your university itself. Every now and then, it can work for you. The name of the educational institution is always a benefit in your CV. 

So, if you have a degree or are going to finish your studying, be sure to include your university name, degree program, graduation date.

Hard Skills

Not getting your degree yet is not an obstacle for you to omit this point. Nowadays, everything is so digitalised that you certainly can perform a lot.

It’s not rocket science to know how to use it. So, put a tick here.

As it was already mentioned, Canva is abandoned with patterns and samples for whatever you need. It has some blank boards that you can implement for your work.

So many apps come in handy when you want to schedule a lesson, to make some notes for yourself, write a feedback for your students, track their progress, send their points to focus on for the next time.

Yes, you have seen it with your eyes. AI is not our enemy. 

For now, you can prepare some extra exercises, ask the chat to write you a story about your student including key lesson vocabulary. They will be impressed, 100%.

The most important thing to start with. Show your language level, attach certificates if any. 

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way”, — Frank Smith.

Important advice: the number of languages you know reflects your character. It shows how strong, patient, resilient, and persevering you are. 

Do not hesitate to include this information.

Soft Skills

Nonetheless, not to skip this part. You will never find a profession in the world that would not require soft skills, conversations and reaching consensus with people. 

Being a teacher is about communication and finding the common ground with new students and keeping them engaged.

So… let’s start the list.

Even if the lesson is for one or two students, you, as a teacher, have to listen more than to speak. You pay attention to your students, correct them, and mostly give leading questions.

It is crucial for your employer to see that you are a well-organised person — someone who is always on time and respects others as well as themselves.

It is much easier to work with people who pay attention to details, follow structure, and meet deadlines.

Show that you can find an approach to every single student. How can you do this spontaneously? Express your interest. People notice sincere interest, and psychology shows we become more attractive to those we engage with.

As everything stems from mutual affection, students tend to open up to you. That brings success in your work and results. Make your genuine interest clear. It is always a win-win.

It may seem boring and monotonous, but it is so vital. You might come across different people. Some students may be slow to understand or reluctant to speak, as it takes time for them to get comfortable with a new person.

Fear, shame, shyness — that is what you have to deal with.

Might seem ironic, but… The teachers are taught, too. Being a teacher is a lifelong learning process. Demonstrate your eagerness to learn: new methods, books, courses, and exams.

Even studying psychology can help you understand student behavior in class. Show that you are extremely enquiring. That is the attitude your students will take after you.

Remember that teaching is a profession about interaction and live communication. Always. You either hit it off immediately, or no. It is ok, too. Everybody needs to find their person, as in life. 

Nothing is wrong with you; we’re not even talking about possible professional slips.

The same with employment prospects. Submit many positions in many schools. The more, the better. Not every one of them will respond or do it on time, so you give yourself higher chances. Look and wait for yours.

Many ESL teachers also strengthen their skills and refine teaching methods by taking high-quality online courses at Grade-university.com, which can give them an extra edge.

Have that spark in your eyes, it is really visible. In comparison to well-experienced and materialistic people with a cold mind, you have much higher chances. 

And that is your privilege!