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Jobs and Work in Asia: Advice

Job Applications Advice for English Language Teachers in Asia

9 Easy Steps

1. Do your research. Some say that this is equivalent to a full time job, searching for, preparing applications, and applying. I've heard of one guy staying in the work routine: Friday he finished at his old job, Monday morning in suit and tie at home, he began is job hunting eight hours a day, five days a week, until he got his next job.

2. Aim to apply to about 10 jobs a week, but always maintain the position that each one you apply for, is the only one. Keep a copy of the original advert, as employers often assume that you know the advert well, and use it as the basis of background knowledge for the interview. Anyway, just give this perception, and the potential employer will view you seriously

3. Personalise everything, or as much as possible. Try to make pre-application contact, and ask some general questions about the company, and what sort of person they are looking for, what sort of clients they get, and so forth; and find out who to address the application to.

4. Applications, even e-mailed ones, must include a cover letter, a résumé, and (scanned) copies of certificates and things. The cover letter is a simple easy to read summary of you, so the potential employer can more easily understand the context and other features of your résumé.

5. Follow up on sending your application by contacting them to see if they'd received it. If you sent your application by fax, phone them; if you e-mailed it, e-mail a brief note (or reply to their receipt note with a short message).

6. Interview preparation, before you go, ask what attire do people usually where there (wear a suit if they wear a suit, wear good smart casual if they wear only casual, but no Mega Death t-shirts). Anticipate the questions they will ask, and prepare answers for them: I've survived some tough interviews this way, and got a plum schedule, too. It really works.

7. In the interview, exude confidence, or at least excited nerves, whichever is appropriate. Most importantly, never slouch, give the impression that you are keen and eager. (Much, much more can be said, but we don't have time, today)

8. After the interview, send a short note or e-mail saying thanks for the opportunity to meet them.

9. Pray like hell. (unusual combination of words).

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