Basic Format

I. Personal Information – List your name, contact information, citizenship/nationality, any

work/residency visas that you may hold (particularly in the country where you seek employment),
gender, age, and marital status. This is listed at the top left of your resume. It may seem
unusual or intrusive to an American but this is standard around the world for international jobs.

II. Education – include any and all programs, degrees, certifications, and other formal training
programs that you attended in-person or online.

 Highlight your TEFL Certification, including the number of hours, hours of practicum.
The course is internationally accredited and meets or exceeds all international standards,
but some employers still hold biases based on the fact that many other online courses
are substandard. The minimum number of class hours is 100 and the minimum of
practicum is 6 which is the standard set by the British Council and accepted
worldwide.

 List your highest-level qualifications first.

 Be specific and detailed about the institution, major, campus location, date of completion
of final degrees listed.

 If you are applying for an ESL Teaching assignment and do not have an Education
Degree, mention courses taken in related fields including English literature, journalism,
public speaking and foreign languages.

III. Skills – summarize your skills in education, foreign languages, computers, animation, sales,
and any other areas.Example: HTML, Adobe, Quark and Flash Programmer. Fluent in Spanish,
working knowledge of German.

IV. Career Experience – List your past employers, job titles, and dates of employment for each
position you have held over the past 10 years.

 Bear in mind that many foreign companies and institutions are very keen on job titles.

 Be very clear and concise in your descriptions.

  List your work experience starting with the most recent or relevant assignment.

 For each position, list your Job Title (using universal career titles), list the start and end
dates, list the Company’s name and its location, and be sure to highlight any relevant
accomplishments and accolades as well responsibilities.

 You may be right out of college and have little job experience. Highlight relevant
activities to teaching, i.e. teaching or working at a summer camp, tutoring. Don’t forget
to list your volunteer work in an ESL classroom for your practicum. Paid or free
experience is still the same experience.

V. Extracurricular Activities and Accomplishments – list the things you like to do in your spare
time, particularly if they involve teaching, coaching, public service and mentoring others. Many
potential employers want to make sure that when you come to a country you are outgoing,
independent, and can find your own way. List any accolades or recognition you have received
and other achievements, whether it be climbing a famous mountain, completing a marathon, or
winning a writing contest.

VI. References -- While they are not mandatory, they are a good addition to the International
Resume. There is no need to list your current employer unless you want them contacted. Try to
list at least three references that you know well. Provide their name, title, company/school name,
telephone number (include country code) and email address.

Sample Resume