Teaching Job in Thailand; How to Get Your First Job Teaching in Thailand

Applying for your first teaching job in Thailand can be a real step into the unknown. I have worked as a teacher for almost eight years here and have seen people make simple mistakes that meant they didn't get the job due to a bad interview. Here are some tips to ensure that you get your first teaching job in Thailand.

1. Thailand is a famous holiday destination, but you have to get out of holiday mode when you come to your interview. A frequent mistake that people make is to arrive at their interview dressed for the beach. Never wear shorts, sandals, or a t-shirt. Dress as you would to an interview back in your home country; this should mean a shirt and tie. If you can you need to completely hide and tattoos and remove piercings.

2. Take care that your CV/ resume looks professional. If you apply for an ESL teaching Job in then expect the interviewers to show a lot of interest in your documents. Many Thai interviewers and non-native English speakers feel more comfortable with written text in English rather than speaking it; they will likely give your resume a lot of attention.

3. Do not submit false documents. I am always amazed at the number of people who arrive for a teaching job in Thailand with false documents. This could get you in a lot of trouble and even deported. It normally only takes a few minutes on the internet to check fake certificates.

4. Speak slowly and smile a lot. The speaking slowly bit has always been hard for me as I really speed up when I'm nervous. A large part of an ESL teaching job is your ability to speak English clearly so use the interview to demonstrate that you can do this.

5. Arrive at the interview prepared to teach a demo lesson. This is another hurdle that those attempting to get and ESL teaching job fall at. Make sure whatever lesson you give shows you off at your best; avoid lessons that are too simplistic like, "what is your name?" and "where do you come from?"

6. Make sure you don't arrive at the interview stinking of booze or obviously suffering from a hangover.

7. When asked, "why do you want to teach here?" do not reply using any of the following; "I love Thailand", "I have a Thai girlfriend/ boyfriend" or "I miss school".

8. Ask questions about the school; the questions you ask should be also a demonstration of your professionalism.