Embarking on a teaching career in Malaysia’s international schools can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, to land your dream job, you need to have a CV that stands out from the crowd. Here are six tips to help you create an impressive CV that will catch the eye of recruiters in Malaysia’s international schools.
1. Tailor Your CV to the Job
Just like a well-tailored suit, a CV that fits the job description perfectly can make a huge difference. It’s important to remember that every school and every job is unique, so your CV should reflect this. Avoid the temptation to send a generic CV to multiple schools. Instead, take the time to tailor your CV to each specific job.
Start by carefully reading the job description and understanding what the school is looking for. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. For instance, if a school is looking for a teacher with experience in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, make sure to emphasise your experience and training in this area.
2. Highlight Your Qualifications and Experience
International schools in Malaysia, like many others worldwide, value qualifications and experience. Therefore, it’s crucial to highlight these in your CV. Start with your highest qualification and work your way down. If you have a Master’s degree or a PhD, make sure to include it. Similarly, if you have a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, it’s worth mentioning.
When it comes to experience, don’t just list the schools you’ve worked at and the years you were there. Instead, focus on the impact you made during your tenure. Did you implement a new teaching method that improved student performance? Did you lead a successful extracurricular activity? These are the kinds of experiences that can set you apart from other candidates.
3. Showcase Your Cultural Sensitivity
Working in an international school means working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, it’s important to show that you’re culturally sensitive and can adapt to different cultural contexts. If you’ve worked in different countries or with students from various cultures, make sure to highlight this in your CV.
Moreover, being in Malaysia, it’s beneficial to show an understanding of the local culture. If you’ve learnt some Bahasa Malaysia or have experience working with Malaysian students, it can be a plus point. Remember, it’s not just about teaching; it’s about connecting with students and helping them feel comfortable in their learning environment.
4. Include Relevant Skills
Aside from qualifications and experience, international schools also look for specific skills in their teachers. These can include proficiency in a second language, IT skills, or experience with special needs students. If you possess any of these skills, make sure to include them in your CV.
However, it’s important to only include skills that are relevant to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a science teacher, your proficiency in Adobe Photoshop might not be relevant. On the other hand, if you’re applying for an art teacher position, this skill can be a great addition to your CV.
5. Keep It Concise
While it’s important to include all relevant information, it’s equally important to keep your CV concise. Recruiters often have to go through dozens of CVs, so they appreciate a CV that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point. Aim for a maximum of two pages, and use bullet points to make your CV more readable.
Moreover, avoid including unnecessary information. For example, you don’t need to include your primary school education or jobs that are not related to teaching. Focus on the information that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.
6. Proofread Your CV
Last but not least, make sure to proofread your CV before sending it. Spelling and grammar mistakes can give the impression that you’re careless and not detail-oriented, which are not qualities schools look for in a teacher. If possible, have someone else proofread your CV as well. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot mistakes that you might have missed.
In conclusion, creating a CV for international school jobs in Malaysia requires careful thought and attention to detail. By tailoring your CV to the job, highlighting your qualifications and experience, showcasing your cultural sensitivity, including relevant skills, keeping it concise, and proofreading it, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Good luck!
Elevate Your International Teaching Career with The IQTS at UWE
Now that you’re equipped with these CV tips, take your international teaching career to the next level with The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) Programme at UWE. Overcome the common barriers of strict qualification requirements and stand out in the competitive job market. Join the iQTS programme to boost your interview callbacks, accelerate your career progression with a significant salary increase, connect with a global professional community, and gain a deep understanding of international curricula. Embrace the flexibility of online study to balance your professional development with your current commitments. Make Your Next Step towards a fulfilling international teaching career with iQTS.