10 ways to tailor your teaching CV for international schools
Applying for jobs at international schools might feel like a daunting process, especially if this is your first time. The schools you’re applying to might be based in places you’ve never been, and the curriculum could be unfamiliar.
But this shouldn’t be a reason to worry. You simply need to draw on any relevant experience you have. And with many international schools using the British curriculum, there’s a good chance you’ll have lots of applicable and desirable skills.
What should my CV say about me?
Your CV should sell you as an outstanding candidate who is perfect for the role, students and specific school.
You must include specific information that tells the headteacher or HR manager to choose you as a teacher at their school.
This means studying the advert, job description and school’s website thoroughly before tailoring your CV for the role.
This information must be laid out clearly and concisely, so the hiring panel can easily learn who you are, what you have achieved so far, and why you are the best fit for the job and for the school.
Top tips for an international CV
1. Don’t forget the basics
When including your contact details, make sure to add your email address. It may seem obvious, but this is how headteachers abroad will most likely contact you for an interview.
It’s also important that your email address itself is professional – an informal or inappropriate address could get your application immediately rejected.
If you have one, it can also help to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, too.
2. Mention relevant experience
Even if all your experience is in the UK, make sure you highlight any experience you have teaching students from various backgrounds or with English as a second language.
This is common for teachers in international schools around the world, and highlighting your experience in this area demonstrates that you understand the reality of (and are prepared for) teaching in an international setting.
3. Share your interests
Most international schools run extracurricular activities such as clubs, and a range of these can be a big draw for parents choosing an international school for their children.
Use your CV to showcase any hobbies or interests you have that could be suitable for extracurricular activities – this also gives the hiring panel a look into your personality, which can help you stand out.
4. Consider how you’ll fit in
Like in UK schools, headteachers overseas will also consider how well you’ll fit in with the school’s culture and staff.
While this is often most relevant at interview stage, consider how you can demonstrate your teamwork skills and ability to collaborate with others on your CV.
5. Research schools
Make sure you carefully research the schools you are applying to. You will likely already have read the school’s website – but if it’s part of a group, make sure to read the group website too.
Then, you can use any appropriate insights from the school's website to tailor your CV. For example, if there are specific initiatives, clubs or events mentioned that align with your own experience or interests, you can make sure to highlight your expertise in this area.
You can also get in touch with other migrant teachers at the school or in the same city via Facebook groups or online forums.
They may be able to tell you what the school you plan to apply to usually looks for in a candidate, as well as provide information on the school’s latest initiatives.
Remember to always be friendly and professional when communicating with other teachers, especially if they work at the school you are applying to.
6. Showcase experience with high-ability students
In a lot of cases, students attending international schools are ambitious, hard-working and eager to achieve high grades.
As such, when applying to such schools, describe how you challenged and motivated these kinds of higher-ability students in your previous roles.
This could include specific methods or tools you used, as well as data showing how your students improved.
7. Complete professional learning programmes
Like schools in the UK, many international schools are completing more and more work online. Whether that’s assigning and submitting homework or communicating with students and parents, being able to evidence your digital literacy can be a big help.
Courses like Apple’s Teacher Program are free and enhance your CV – evidencing both your digital skills and a commitment to your own development and learning.
8. Demonstrate impact
International schools value teachers who can show the difference they’ve made. Use measurable improvements, student outcomes and assessment data to demonstrate your impact.
You can provide evidence with statistics related to student success, such as the percentage of your GCSE and A-level candidates that achieved expected or above their predicted grade in your subject.
9. Parental engagement matters
Parents of students that attend international schools often pay high annual school fees and so may be much more involved in their children’s education than you are used to.
Your CV should provide evidence of how you effectively communicate with the parents of your students, how you form relationships with them and how you ensure they have a healthy involvement with their child’s education.
10. Tailor your CV to the school
Study the school’s job advert and description carefully and have a good look at its website.
Tailor your CV as much as you can – use the keywords and language the school has used and make sure you focus on the skills that best match the requirements in the job description.
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