The Do’s and Don’ts When TEFL Job Searching: What you should and shouldn’t do

There is a certain etiquette and level of professionalism that you should maintain when launching a job search. Often times, we make a first impression to a potential employer without even realizing it.

Below are some Do’s and Dont’s to ensure you make the best possible first impression to a potential employer even before attending your first interview:

Don’t:

• Use a silly or inappropriate email address when applying to job postings. Keep it professional by using an email containing a variant of your name only … no nicknames or avatar names.
• Post anything on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or any social networking site that speaks of your party animal ways, your bad habits, or your association with those who could shed a bad light on you.
• Speak negatively of your past employers. Even if you had a negative experience with a past employer, speaking negatively abou that past employer make set alarm bells for a potential employer by indicating to them that you may speak badly of them.
• Don’t restrict your job search to one method, to one type of job, to one industry. The wider your job search, the more opportunities you will have to showcase your qualifications and transferable skills.

Do:

• Network by informing your family, friends, ex-colleagues that you are job searching.
• Keep your job search from your current boss and any coworkers who may not have your best interest at heart.
• Update your resume with your latest accomplishments, courses you may have taken, awards you may have received, business books you may have read, training you may have attended. etc.
• Update your outgoing voicemail - make sure it sounds professional with no distracting noise in the background.
• Update your Linkedin profile.
• Especially if you’re conducting your job search while unemployed, volunteer your time and expertise. This will allow you to demonstrate to potential employers that you are proactive and are able to find ways to keep your skills sharp and current. This may also have the potential to lead to a paying job.
• Find a mentor who can help advise you on your career path and job searching strategies.
• Create your own personal business card and distribute it. Your own personal business card can act as a mini resume by listing your key credentials and contact information.
• Check your email and voicemail messages multiple times daily for potential response from hiring companies: once mid day and once towards the evening.
• Return phone calls and email messages from hiring companies within 24 hours. This shows that you are punctual and serious in your job search.

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