How to get a job teaching English

Here are all the steps you need to find a job.

(1) Fly over to Taiwan, Teaching jobs in Taiwan can by very competitive -- there are programs like Hess which is a for profit school that may hire you from the US but there is no guarantee that will hire you full time after orientation. I actually started working for Hess, and my roommate was never offered a full time position. He spent all his money from South Africa to come to Taiwan and they rejected him. 

(2) Go to www.tealit.com to see all the teaching positions out there. Tealit really has a monopoly on ESL jobs on the island. It's best to go here. If you are a first time teacher, look for jobs that accept first time teachers. Generally these positions pay less or in less convenient locations in the island but it will get your foot in the door. 

tealit.com

(3) When you find a school that interests you, call them up or e-mail them. Generally it's best to send your resume and a picture of yourself. Make sure the picture looks professional or somewhat professional. Say you are excited to meet up with them.

(4) When you get invited to do an interview with the school. Dress professionally. It's shocking how poorly dressed lots of foreign English Teachers are. I had a friend who would win over schools with a lackluster education because he dressed sharp.  You'll need to do a demonstration or "demo" during the interview. It's very impromptu, they just want to see how you handle yourself. Don't worry if your demo doesn't work out well, it never does. They'll ask you to teach something you don't you've never taught before and you'll teach it in a way they don't like. Just try your best, don't act flustered (even if you are and wing it.  Also, act like you love hanging out with kids. High fives and hellos. You'll want to act like a "cool teacher" (whatever that means) so the kids like you. If you nailed the demonstration in terms of teaching but they kids don't like you -- no job. Yes this part is kind of stressful but try your best at it. 

(5) Probably 80% of the time they'll offer you a position right after the demonstration if they like you. If they don't -- don't worry about it. I did demonstrations at schools where I didn't get the job and I'm happy I didn't get those jobs because it wouldn't have been a good fit. Places that constantly interview new teacher is a really bad sign. That means teachers are leaving that school left and right, either because they were fired or quit -- either way it is a horrible sign. 

(6) Keep on repeating steps 2 - 4 till you get a job. Really it just takes time.Probably three weeks of interviewing should be enough. Be prepared for public transportation expenses and hotel/hostel/buddy's place rent until get a position. It will happen, it might be a rough ride at first, but it will be an incredible experience. 

(7) Great you've found a job. Show up on time, be courteous to your colleagues, prepare for your classes and you'll do well.