Applicant's Guide: 4 Key Areas For Aspiring English Educators
Thank you for taking the time to read through this information about Aclipse and our partner schools. We are excited that you have decided to begin the process of pursuing a teaching position in Asia. We at Aclipse have all taught abroad and know the rewards and challenges that come with the experience. We are also well aware of the often lengthy and sometimes confusing process of securing a teaching position and a visa. In order for you to be as informed as possible about working with Aclipse and schools, we have provided some advice on the process.
1. Professionalism
This really means creating a relationship in which both parties feel their time and effort are valued. Candidates who appear professional take the time to win the job. They communicate in a way that shows they are enthusiastic and that they understand that securing a position in any field means proving themselves to the people in charge of hiring decisions. They seek to put their best foot forward and to make themselves seem easy to work with from the beginning of the hiring process. The bottom line is that while each candidate brings strengths to the table, candidates for almost any job these days are competing against a large pool of qualified people. Those who really shine get the jobs.
2. Communication
Communication, for good or ill, gives an impression of someone’s overall competence. Presenting oneself well includes crafting clearly written emails without errors. Regular and consistent communication is also key. Keeping your recruiter informed about your progress in various stages of the process helps ensure you are considered a reliable and committed candidate. This can lead directly to positions offered more quickly and recruiters being more willing to put you forward for contracts.
3. Diligence and Reliability
Obtaining a position overseas is a multi-step process that requires a lot of paperwork and follow-up. Meeting deadlines is very important to making a teaching position overseas happen. We have also found that it is a clear reflection of how someone will do once placed overseas. In our experience, candidates who do not meet deadlines tend to perform at a lower level once on the job. When there are hiccups or delays in the process, keeping recruiters informed will help a candidate appear more organized and improve his or her chances of obtaining a contract.
4. Emotional Intelligence
Above all, the strongest candidates keep in mind that they are applying for a position working with students and dealing with differing cultural norms. This means instructors should come across as approachable, adaptable, and able to create a rapport with others. This is especially important in the interview but also is a skill needed throughout the hiring process. This skill area as exhibited in the hiring process is directly related to how someone performs as a teacher.
Overseas Employers often ask applicants to submit videos and photographs.