If you’ve earned a TEFL certification, you want to make sure it stands out on your resume. Whether you’re applying for teaching jobs abroad or online, knowing how to properly include your TEFL certificate on a resume can make a significant difference in getting hired. A well-structured resume not only showcases your credentials but also demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail.
Why Does a TEFL Certificate Look Good on a Resume?
A TEFL certification is more than just a credential—it signals to employers that you have received formal training in teaching English as a foreign language. It shows dedication, expertise, and the ability to create engaging language lessons.
Employers, whether language schools, online ESL platforms, or international institutions, value TEFL-certified teachers because they are equipped with essential teaching methodologies, classroom management strategies, and language acquisition techniques. So, if you’re wondering, “Does a TEFL certificate look good on a resume?” the answer is a resounding yes—a definite advantage that can help you stand out from other applicants.
Where to List Your TEFL Certification on Your Resume
Your TEFL certification is a valuable asset. To ensure it gets the attention it deserves, you can strategically place it in several key sections of your resume.
1. Add TEFL Certification in the Education Section
The education section is one of the best places to list your TEFL certificate, as it immediately highlights your qualifications for potential employers. This is especially important if your certification comes from a reputable provider, like BeyondTEFL, as it helps build credibility and trust. Additionally, if you completed a high-hour course, such as a 120+ hour program, it demonstrates a solid commitment to your professional development and showcases the depth of your training.
Example Format:
Education
- TEFL Certificate, [Institution Name], [Month, Year] (120-hour Certification)
- Bachelor of Arts in English, University of [Your University], [Year]
This ensures that your TEFL certification is clearly displayed on your resume, making it easy for recruiters to verify your qualifications.
2. Include TEFL Certification in the Certifications Section
If your resume includes a certifications section, this is another excellent place to list your TEFL credentials. It allows you to showcase your TEFL certification in a dedicated space, making it easy for recruiters to spot. This section is particularly beneficial if you hold multiple professional certifications in addition to TEFL, as it helps keep your resume organized and highlights the full range of your qualifications.
Example Format:
Certifications
- TEFL Certificate (120 hours) – [Institution Name], [Month, Year]
- TESOL Certification – [Institution Name], [Month, Year]
By listing your TEFL certificate here, you can emphasize its relevance alongside any other certifications that may enhance your teaching profile.
Ace your TEFL interview with expert tips!
3. Highlight Your TEFL Certification in the Skills Section
Since TEFL courses equip you with various teaching skills, you can include it in your skills section to highlight your expertise. This shows employers that you have practical, applicable skills, such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language instruction, which are essential for teaching roles.
Example Skills Section:
Skills
- TEFL-Certified ESL Instructor
- Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management & Student Engagement
- Adapting Lessons for Non-Native English Speakers
This showcases your TEFL certification while emphasizing its practical applications.
4. Add TEFL Certification in the Work Experience Section
If you have previous teaching experience, you can include your TEFL certificate in your work experience section.
Example Work Experience Entry:
English Teacher | [Name of School] | [Location] | Jan 2022 – Present
- Designed and delivered interactive English lessons to students aged 10-15.
- Applied TEFL strategies to enhance student engagement and language retention.
- Conducted assessments to track language proficiency improvement.
This way, employers can easily see how your TEFL certification strengthens your teaching style.
4 Bonus Tips to Make Your TEFL Resume Stand Out
A well-structured resume can capture the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of securing your ideal teaching position. Here are four bonus tips to help make your TEFL resume stand out:
- Tailor Your Resume for the Job: Customize your resume for each teaching position. Emphasize TEFL-relevant skills, methodologies, and classroom experience that align with the employer’s job description.
- Use Action Verbs & Metrics: Instead of saying, “Taught English to students,” write “Developed and implemented engaging TEFL-based lesson plans, improving student comprehension by 30%.”
- Keep It Concise & Organized: Limit your resume to one or two pages. Use bullet points for readability and make sure each section is well-structured.
- Follow Formatting Guidelines: Apply the following professional formatting rules:
- Font Style: Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (Size: 10-12 pt)
- File Format: Always send your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting
- Photo: Use a professional headshot (passport-style, neutral background, smiling), aka Avoid informal selfies!
- Paper Size: Standard A4 or US Letter format
TEFL Resume Sample Template
Here’s a simple and effective resume template incorporating all the tips:
Maximizing Your TEFL Certification on Your Resume
Now that you know how to include your TEFL certificate on your resume, make sure to present it effectively to maximize your job opportunities. It’s also helpful to explore job boards to understand where and to whom you are applying. Whether you’re applying to teach abroad or online, showcasing your TEFL certification properly can help set you apart from other candidates.
By strategically placing your TEFL certification, following formatting best practices, and tailoring your resume to each job, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing your dream teaching position.
