TEFL CV example

Every school is different – and so is every hiring process abroad. From visa paperwork to local qualifications, international applications can be a little more demanding. That’s why your CV needs to do more than just tick boxes – it has to demonstrate experience, personality, and a genuine readiness to relocate and teach in a new setting.

This guide takes you step-by-step through writing a CV that’s tailored and clear – with tips on how to show off your experience and teaching style in a way that works globally.

International recruiters often scan hundreds of CVs, sometimes in a second language – so clarity and layout matter more than ever. A well-structured CV allows your key information to stand out instantly, whether it’s your qualifications, your experience, or the subjects you’ve taught. A messy structure will mean recruiters just move onto the next applicant.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Place personal details at the top so employers can get in touch easily.
• Profile – Kick things off with a concise overview of what makes you the ideal candidate for the job.
• Core skills – Briefly highlight those qualities which make you the best candidate.
• Work experience – List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent first. 
• Education – Go through the academic history which underpins your expertise.
• Additional info – This optional section can include professional memberships, awards, or hobbies that showcase your suitability for the role.
  

Presentation is everything. Break up dense text with clear section headings, and use bullet points to make everything clearer and more readable. Keep your CV length within two pages, and choose a clean, easy-to-read font. Recruiters often prefer a straightforward format over stylised templates – so aim for substance over style, and ensure the document reads well across different formats and systems.

Think of your profile as your teaching pitch. You need to communicate more than your qualifications – it should show that you’re reliable and experienced, and culturally prepared for the challenges of international education. 

Whether you’ve taught abroad before or are looking to do so for the first time, use this section to highlight your value and reassure schools of your flexibility and professionalism. Within just a few sentences, recruiters should understand the benefits of hiring you.

Here’s what you should try to include in your profile:

• Where you worked – Explain the types of schools or institutions you’ve worked in, such as public schools, international schools, or language centres.
• Your top qualifications – Mention your degrees, teacher training, and any recognised TEFL, TESOL or PGCE qualifications.
• Essential skills – Describe your classroom management abilities, lesson delivery techniques, and your adaptability in multicultural environments.
• Students or curriculum taught – Specify whether you’ve taught primary, secondary, or adult learners, and which curriculum(s) you’ve followed.
• Value delivered – Highlight the impact of your work – such as improved student performance, successful lesson programmes, or positive parent feedback.
  

The skills for your CV should act as a focused summary of what makes you a strong teacher – but without drifting into vague claims and soft skills. Keep it aligned with the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. If the advert mentions a particular curriculum, language ability, or teaching method, this is where to subtly reflect it.

Don’t just say you’re a good communicator or a “people person” – focus on teachable, practical skills that show you can deliver lessons and engage learners.

Teaching abroad roles often require evidence that you can handle a classroom independently and meet school expectations in a new setting. This section should show that you’ve done just that – whether abroad already, or in a domestic setting with transferable skills.

Start with your most recent teaching experience and move backwards. For each entry, include a brief summary of the school or institution, followed by clear bullet points that outline your core responsibilities and any notable achievements. Emphasise planning, classroom management, pastoral care, curriculum delivery, and how you adapted your teaching to suit student needs.

• Outline – Mention the school, the year groups or age ranges taught, and the overall goal of your position.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “delivered” and “adapted.” For example: “delivered engaging lessons to mixed-ability classes” or “adapted curriculum to suit EAL learners in an international setting.”
• Achievements – Show results wherever possible – improvements in exam results, successful project outcomes, positive feedback from students or parents, or contribution to extra-curricular programmes.

Education credentials are essential when applying to teach abroad, and should be listed clearly and professionally. If you’ve trained as a teacher through a PGCE, B.Ed., or international equivalent, place it front and centre. TEFL or TESOL qualifications should also be highlighted, especially for EFL roles.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, including course titles, awarding institutions, and completion dates. If you’ve completed language training, curriculum-specific certifications (like IB or IGCSE), or CPD courses, include those here too.