Getting a Job with a High Salary

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Index
● Looking for jobs? Go to The LA Job List
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Getting a Job with a High Salary
Updated 12 November 2009

Although many will try to tell you that you'll never get a good paying job by teaching English, they're out there. It's just up to you to find them. If you're looking for jobs, find links for jobs in the Job Sites article.

● Apply to jobs you're underqualified for. I'm not saying apply to jobs that you are seriously underqualified for, like if they ask for an MA and you don't even have a BA. But, if they want you to have five years experience and you only have four. Or if they require an MA, but yours is in process. You should apply.

● Ignore start dates. Schools advertise when they need teachers. If you find a school that you like, but you're not available now, send them your CV anyways and let them know when you will be available. Chances are that they will need teachers in the future and you'll have a bigger chance of being contacted since they already have your CV on file.

● Make sure you have a stellar CV and cover letter.

● Nix chain schools. They usually have a high turnover and set levels, so it will be hard to find a good paying job here, In addition, you'll usually be working long hours for little pay.

● Get qualifications and experience. If you plan on making TEFL a career, the more experience and qualifications you can get, the better chance you'll have of getting a high paying teaching positions. And don't forget about attending congresses, workshops, and conferences. Getting articles published and giving workshops will also help.

● Ask for it. Institutes want great teachers. Although they usually offer teachers similar salaries, asking for a higher salary or more benefits is often to your advantage. Of course, you'll have to deserve it and be willing to give and take, but most places are willing to pay more to have a good teacher who will give their institute a good name and bring in students.

● Connections are key. Teachers move around and good jobs come up all the time, they're just not often advertised. By being in the know, you'll find out who's leaving and when to apply.

● Don't forget about benefits. Although some places don't want to pay more, they can make up for it in benefits. Long vacations, better teaching hours, gym membership, or language lessons are just a few benefits you could ask for if they're not willing to pay more.

● Remember to always ask for a written reference when you leave a job, no matter if it's paid or a volunteer position. Have your employer write when you work, job title, levels worked with, and what your responsibilities were. It should be printed on school letterhead and carry your employer's stamp (if they have one), their signature, their name, job title, school address, phone, and email. Try to get two copies of this.




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