I should be flying from Thailand to Taiwan in a few days to start a job search teaching English.
I have an extensive work history in the US since graduating college nearly 15 years ago. I need to tighten-up my resume to be attractive to English school employers. I have two major concerns.
My entire department at my former company was laid-off in September of 2004. Since then I have not worked which was my choice and not due to an inability to find a job in the US. I’ve spent over two months now just traveling through SE Asia for the experience.
Is this one year not working going to be a major impediment to me finding employment in Taiwan? How will it be perceived by an interviewer?
I have NO teaching experience. But I was called on in many jobs to train new employee’s at a variety of past positions. Will this make a positive impression on employers in Taiwan if I stress it in my resume?
I was thinking of addressing both concerns in the coverletter. Do they even read the coverletters?
One last question if I may trouble you all. How should I come dressed for an interview? Will I be over-dressed in a business suit? That’s the impression I get. Would it be better if dressed down but neatly, lets say dress pants and a Polo or dress shirt (I’m a male btw.)
One other quick question about finding work in Taiwan.
Are my questions much ado about nothing?
I amost have the impression from reading numerous websites that if you are a US/Canadian citizen and native speaker that only a diploma and pulse is required to find a job.
Now don’t get me wrong here. I’m not a slacker coming to Taiwan to make a quick buck while teaching the kids to color. I honestly enjoy teaching and helping others learn and want to do the job to the highest degree of my abilities. I look forward to living in and learning from a different culture than I was raised.
I guess I’m just wondering how difficult this seach will be…
[quote=“Durins Bane”]Do you want to teach kids or adults?
One year not working should not be a problem. I would see it as you being refreshed and ready to go.[/quote]
Honestly I’m not sure. I love kids but have never taught them in a classroom atmosphere. I’ve done one-on-one toturing many years ago.
I’m comfortable teaching adults and may find that more intellectually challenging but having no experience teaching English. I would expect those jobs to be harder to get? Yes? No?
So to answer the question directly; I would feel more comfortable teaching adults/teenagers.
Btw, I’m completely refreshed! Best thing I ever did in my life was to take a step back from corporate America. But now I am really ready to get back to work being a productive citizen again.
extensive work history
-) That should be a good asset.
Is this one year not working going to be a major impediment to me finding employment in Taiwan?
-) You can always fill this void up with “business travel, personal networking, …”
How will it be perceived by an interviewer?
-) They usely do not check your background that extensively, unless it is for a highly paid position.
I have NO teaching experience.
-) That should not be too much of a problem.
But I was called on in many jobs to train new employee’s at a variety of past positions.
-) That might help you somewhat.
Will this make a positive impression on employers in Taiwan if I stress it in my resume?
-) It probably would.
I was thinking of addressing both concerns in the coverletter.
Do they even read the coverletters?
-) Some do, some don’t.
You might have your resume translated into Chinese by someone.
How should I come dressed for an interview?
Will I be over-dressed in a business suit? That’s the impression I get. Would it be better if dressed down but neatly, lets say dress pants and a Polo or dress shirt (I’m a male btw.)
-) Depends upon who you want to teach?
Ask yourself a few other questions.
-Where do you want to teach?
In a big city like Taipei? Or in a rural place?
-How long do you want to teach?
-Are you interested in other job opportunities, which may be related to your working experience?
-There are surely a lot of companies, who are looking for English speaking people; technical editors, proofreaders, web-designers, …