When applying for an international teaching job, your CV needs to effectively showcase your experience and qualifications. As I sit in the interview panels or are involved in the shortlisting process, sometimes its so difficult to quickly understand an applicant’s CV because of the structure used. Here’s how to structure your CV to make it clear that you have the right experience, especially if you’ve taught in an international school before.
1. Personal Information
Full Name
Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
Nationality: Mention this, as some schools have specific visa and work permit requirements.
2. Professional Summary
Example:
“Experienced international school teacher with over 5 years of experience in delivering the IB, British, American curriculum etc. Dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and enhancing students’ academic and personal growth.”
Write a brief, compelling summary that highlights your teaching experience, particularly in international schools, highlight the curriculum eg British, American, syllabus eg IGCSE, GCE etc, examination board eg Cambridge or Edexcel, classes taught eg Ywar 10 to Year 11, your teaching philosophy, and key achievements.
3. Teaching Experience
Job Title, School Name, Location (Country)
Dates of Employment: From MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY
- Curriculum or Syllabus Taught: Specify if you taught IB, Cambridge, American, etc.
- Subjects Taught: Clearly list the subjects.
- Key Responsibilities: Describe your role and duties.
- Achievements: Highlight any notable achievements, such as student performance improvements or awards.
Example:
English Teacher, International School of Nairobi, Kenya
January 2019 – June 2023
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Subjects Taught: English Literature, English Language
- Key Responsibilities: Developed and implemented lesson plans, assessed student performance, prepared students for IB exams.
- Achievements: Improved student pass rates by 15%, led the school’s debate team to a regional championship.
4. Education and Qualifications
Degree Title, University Name, Location
Dates Attended: From MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY
- Certifications: Include teaching certifications such as TSC (Teachers Service Commission) or equivalent in your country.
- Relevant Courses and Training: List any relevant professional development courses.
Example:
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), University of Nairobi, Kenya
September 2014 – June 2018
- Certifications: TSC Registered Teacher, IB Training Certification
5. Professional Development
Highlight any additional training, workshops, or courses relevant to teaching in an international context.
Example:
- IB Training Workshop, International Baccalaureate Organization, 2022
- Advanced ESL Teaching Techniques, British Council, 2021
6. Extracurricular Activities
Show your involvement in extracurricular activities, which can make you a more attractive candidate.
Example:
- Debate Team Coach, International School of Nairobi
- Led the team to regional championships, 2022
- Soccer Team Captain, Nairobi Teachers Club
- Organized and led training sessions, 2020-2023
7. References
Include references from individuals who have international school teaching experience.
Example:
John Doe, Headteacher, International School of Nairobi
Email: john.doe@schoolname.com
Phone: +254 123 456789
Jane Smith, Deputy Headteacher, British International School
Email: jane.smith@schoolname.com
Phone: +44 20 1234 5678
Final Tips
- Be concise: Your CV should be no longer than 2 pages.
- Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
- Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV for each job application to highlight the most relevant experience and skills.
By clearly and prominently displaying your international teaching experience, qualifications, and extracurricular activities, you will make it easy for recruiters and interviewers to see why you are a strong candidate for the position.
Is this a structure easy to use? Please answer in the comments.
