The teaching market is exceptionally varied. Jobs for non qualified teachers can vary from 5,000 rmb right up to 18,000 rmb. These jobs can often been held by teachers of similar experience and qualifications (e.g a TEFL.) So how can you get one of these higher paid jobs? Quite often it can be down to being in the right place at the right time, or knowing someone who is already working there. One thing thing that you can control is having a good C.V. A good C.V can make you stand out from the crowd where as a bad one can see your excellent experience and skills being ignored. This is why I have written these tips on how to make a good C.V.

1) Get the basics right!

There is no right or wrong way to write a CV but there are some common sections you should cover. These include: personal and contact information, make sure to give your skype address as this is one of the most common forms of interview for teachers. Also have an e-mail address and phone number.

Education and qualifications, work history/experience limited only ones that are relevant to teaching. If your teaching experience and qualifications are a bit slim then show how your previous jobs have given you transferable skills. If you have a masters, often you can negotiate a slightly higher salary so it is worth mentioning, whilst degrees even if not relevant are important when applying for a work permit.

2) Presentation is key

A successful CV is always carefully and clearly presented, make sure to save it as a PDF and a word file and send both. After changing the format double check there are no typos or pictures moved about. Make sure you have a photo of yourself, employers often want to see who they are employing. Try to make the layout clear, so that an employer can give it a quick browse and take in the key information. Save your C.V as your name, it makes it easier for employers to find it!

3) Stick to no more than two pages of A4

A good CV is clear, concise and makes every point necessary without waffling. You don't need pages and pages of paper – you just keep things short and sweet.  Also, employers receive dozens of CVs all the time so it's unlikely they'll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgment about a CV within sections, so stick to a maximum of two pages of A4 paper. This is why you should put just your most relevant work experience and skills on your C.V to save space. If you have teaching experience it is not necessary to list every non teaching jobs.

4) Understand the job description

Read about the school that you are applying to, how do you fit the job description? The clues are in the job application, so read the details from start to finish. Take notes and create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can't. With the areas where you're lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have. 

5) Making the most of interests

Under interests, highlight the things that show off skills you've gained and employers look for. How would you be a useful member of staff other than your teaching? What extra curricular activities an you assist in?

6) Making the most of experience

I would be careful with this, as most employers can look past some fancy description. If the jobs is not relevant to teaching I would avoid focusing too much time or attention to it. However things such as scout leaders, summer camps do have easily transferrable skills, whilst stocking shelves in a super-market don't really. If a candidate has listed that they developed time keeping skills from a super-market job, I personally feel that time keeping is such a basic skill that if you are listing it you must have a lack of skills. 

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7) Including references

References should be from someone who has employed you in the past and can vouch for your skills and experience. If you've never worked before you're OK to use a teacher or tutor as a referee. Try to include two if you can.

8) Keep your CV updated

It's crucial to review your CV on a regular basis and add any new skills or experience that's missing. For example, if you've just done some volunteering or worked on a new project, make sure they're on there – potential employers are always impressed with candidates who go the extra mile to boost their own skills and experience.

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