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by Derek

An ESL guide to resume (1/3)

How to Write a Professional Summary

What is a professional summary? A professional summary is a quick overview of your qualifications, experience, and skills summed up into a few sentences. Most summaries are about 3-5 sentences long and usually placed at the top of a resume or online resume. A professional summary is your first impression to employers and can help you land an interview. Anyone and everyone can benefit from a professional summary! How do I get started? First, choose your desired work industry and search for positions in that field. By comparing similar keywords and skills that are listed in different job posts, you can choose the ones that are the most common and add them to your professional summary. By adding these keywords, you will grab the attention of employers right away! Write your summary in a friendly, but professional tone. Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate well, so try not to use speech that is too formal or casual, such as slang. As always, be sure to proofread your summary for spelling and grammar. Check out the tips below to write the best summary: 1. Fresh Graduates As you just graduated from university, start by highlighting your field of study and relatable coursework. If you have any internship or relatable work experience, be sure to highlight that as well. While a high GPA is important, most employers prefer to see relevant experience and skills. If you’ve been involved in any clubs or led any activities or projects, be sure to briefly include these in your summary and mention any transferable skills that may be used in a professional setting. By outlining your career goals, you can help employers know if you would be a good fit for their company. 2. Entry-Level Job Seekers If you have around 1-3 years of experience, give an overview of your work experience and projects you have worked on. Don’t forget to include any awards or certifications you have received. In your summary, be sure to cover your professional growth and how you’re pursuing your career goals. Happen to have a portfolio for marketing or graphic design? Be sure to link it to your resume and mention it in your professional summary. 3. Experienced Professionals With 4-10 years or more of professional experience, list your business-related accomplishments. In your summary, add the accomplishments that relate to the industry you are applying for. Providing statistics and numbers of the goals you’ve reached will make your profile stand out to employers. A professional summary may not be able to cover everything, so be sure to include any other relevant information in a cover letter. 4. Career Changers Looking to change careers? It’s never too late! In your summary, state the experience that you have and how it transfers to the industry you’re looking to enter. Breaking into a new career is challenging, so taking some courses or getting a certification in that field will help you stand out to employers. This is something you should mention in your summary! Employers are always interested in candidates who take the initiative to learn something new. Also, be sure to give a little background into why you’re looking to change industries and your new career goals. So, there you have it! A few tips and tricks to help you begin or continue your professional journey. Be sure to add your professional summary on your resume on TheWorknPlay to grab the attention of employers. You can create up to 10 different resumes, so you can create 10 different professional summaries.

An ELS Guide to Writing a Winning Resume

by Derek

An ESL guide to resume (1/3)

An ELS Guide to Writing a Winning Resume

An ELS Guide to Writing a Winning Resume Most professional recruiters have a resume format specifically created to match the items employers want to know. We receive many applications from all over the world and try to review each resume with the same level of attentiveness. However, it is difficult to move forward with the recruiting process when a resume lacks much of the information needed by employers. There will be a lot of wasted time and energy from the recruiter and jobseekers if the resume does not contain the appropriate information. Therefore, it is advisable to create a suitable resume from the start. Most employers prefer a traditional resume format. Many job seekers might think that an eye-catching resume template will boost their chances of getting an interview, but this is just a falsity. These resume templates prioritize design over the content, so we recommend using a resume style that conveys your basic information and qualifications. 1. Personal information ① Photo Your photo is the first impression you have to show your potential employer. This impression determines many future outcomes. Therefore, we suggest that jobseekers appear professional in their photo. When preparing for your picture, you should dress in formal attire and cover visible piercings or tattoos. ② Date of Birth, Gender, Marital Status, Accompanying Partner or Pet Tell us in advance if you are traveling with your partner or plan to bring your pet so that we can find the appropriate housing options. ③ Nationality, Working/Residence visa In Korea Native English teachers must hold a passport from one of seven countries: The United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa. Then you must also have a minimum of a bachelor's degree obtained from a university in one of the previously mentioned countries. ④ Current Residence and Desired Residence Your current location is meaningful in terms of visa issuance. If you specify your desired locations, it will help us understand more clearly and meet your desired working and living conditions. 2. Professional Summary You should clearly state the reason and purpose of submitting your resume. Even though some information might be explained in more detail later in your resume, emphasizing it here is critical. By doing so, it will help employers recognize your abilities and qualifications promptly. Employers will figure out more quickly how suitable you are for them by Clearly describing what age group and area you prefer, expressing your professional goals and ideals, lesson planning, class progress, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills are necessary to maintain a good relationship with students, parents, and other teachers. Also underline your computer skills, various teaching tools, as well as your time and crisis management skills. If you have no prior teaching experience, you must attempt to show how you will be a prepared teacher. Present your educational philosophies and a premade lesson plan to show you can adapt to teaching. Also, it would be helpful to display an understanding of overseas teaching jobs. 3. Education List all the degrees, qualifications, and programs you have completed. The highest level you have achieved should be listed first. Be as specific and detailed as possible when describing your institution, major, and completion date. In particular, if you majored in education, have a teacher's license, or completed a course related to education, provide a detailed description of the process of attaining it. 4. Career For education or education-related work experience, list the institution, location, position, and detailed job description. Don’t forget to add the curriculum, subject, and level taught. List your most recent experiences first. If you have just graduated from college or have little teaching experience, emphasize teaching-related activities. Examples such as teaching or working in summer camps, tutoring, or volunteering with youth are all helpful in landing your preferred job. 5. Qualifications and Skills Here you will need to provide detailed information about your qualifications or skills: Teaching license, TEFL certificate, other spoken languages, computer skills, animation, etc. Provide the certificate’s issuing country, institution name, and expiration date for your teaching license. 6. Extracurricular Activities and Achievements List other achievements you have received, such as teaching, coaching, volunteering, climbing famous mountains, running marathons, or winning writing competitions. Many potential employers want to make sure that you are outgoing, independent, and can adapt to new environments. 7. Suggestions List the organizations you have worked for and provide their name, title, phone number (including country code), and email address. Above all, the letters of recommendation they write can be an important evaluation factor. If you have experience, Korean employers and recruiters evaluate you through a career inquiry. Sometimes, even if you have no experience, you may be asked for a recommendation letter from a professor or a friend. Employers and recruiters start evaluating you from the moment they receive your resume. Branding a resume which means expressing one's strengths and sharing those with employers to become a better candidate allows having more employment opportunities.

by Derek

An ESL guide to resume (1/3)

An ESL guide to resume

Factors to consider before creating a resume In most Korean education institutes, the primary role of a Native English Teacher is to help students improve on a general understanding and use of English through reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Thus, no special teaching qualifications are necessary unless teaching at an International School. Employers would prefer someone with a teacher's license or who majored in education. On top of everything, the schools seek someone who understands Korea's educational system and customs and has a passion and love for students. The recruiting process in Korea is completely different from that of the western world. If you want to receive a teaching job in South Korea, you need to create a quality resume to start the process. Understanding the standards of the Korean recruiting process beforehand is essential. Job Seekers MUST add a professional and current photo on their resume along with their date of birth. Sometimes, you may be asked additional questions about your personal life. Have you ever sent your resume to employers or recruiters in Korea? Every company you applied for might have asked you the same questions regarding your photo, date of birth, and personal life. Unlike Western societies, adding a photo to your resume is fundamental in Korea and other Asian countries. Age is also considered very important in Korea because more respect is shown to older people, thus creating a hierarchy according to age. In addition, the marital status MUST be noted to get visa approval and receive appropriate housing options. Thoroughly inspect job descriptions and company profiles. Where is the exact location of the academy? What subject am I required to teach, and how? Everyone wants to perform admirably for a company they enjoy, but they don't spend the time researching beforehand. This often results in being resentful and even quitting the job early. Because of these obstacles, please review a job posting meticulously and check the company website, social media, etc. You should apply with a suitable resume after grasping what they are looking for from an applicant. Some employers want to make a quick decision on applicants by simply reviewing their resumes. Employers are primarily concerned about your experience and certifications. You need to prioritize informing the employer of your previous experiences regarding ESL teaching, the certificates you received in preparation for teaching overseas. Mentioning prior experience living and working abroad can go a long way to helping you secure an interview. Even if you do not have any teaching experience, you will be expected to show you are prepared to teach. The best way you can do this is by constructing an educational philosophy and a lesson plan. Therefore, an interview must be conducted to determine whether or not you will be hired. Delete your resume saved on your laptop. We are constantly searching for information on the internet and learning more about AI recruitment or big data. However, we continue having our old resumes stored on our computers instead of out on job databases or websites. So, create a resume that resonates with employers. Those who actively express themselves will be prioritized in the recruiting process. Adding introduction videos to your resumes will help you stand out against the sea of other applicants. Updating your resume will give you more interview opportunities and will definitely upgrade your salary.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for South African Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for South African Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for South African Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Apostilled Diploma (Apostille Stamp Visible) 3. Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Before you start applying for teaching jobs in Korea, make sure you have the physical copy of your diploma and your criminal record check apostilled and ready to go! Preparing Your Diploma Find a notary public in South Africa. You can find one near you by searching online. Some universities can also make a notarized copy of the diploma for you. 1. The notary public will make an official copy of your diploma. 2. The copy will be notarized. In some cases, you will sign the copy and then they will sign and notarize it. 3. Attach an apostille to the copy. Preparing Your Criminal Record Check The nationwide criminal record check is conducted by the South African Police Services. Note: The original Police Clearance Certificate must be signed and stamped by the South African Police Service (SAPS) - Criminal Record Centre. Learn more here. In South Africa, the entire process may take up to 6-12 weeks, so apply as soon as possible. 1. Order a nationwide criminal record check via SAPS. 2. Attach an apostille to the original criminal record check. The Apostille Process Have an apostille attached to: 1. The notarized copy of your diploma 2. The original, hard-copy of the Criminal Record Check. Since the regulations regarding the apostille process in South Africa are subject to change, check the International Relations & Cooperation site to learn more. Remember: The photocopy of your diploma must FIRST be notarized before you get an apostille attached. Once you have both your diploma and criminal record check with the apostilles, you will be ready to go and can start applying for teaching positions in Korea! Once you have these documents ready, schools will know that you are serious about pursuing a position in Korea and will be able to move forward with your application.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for New Zealand Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for New Zealand Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for New Zealand Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Apostilled Diploma (Apostille Stamp Visible) 3. Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Before you start applying for teaching jobs in Korea, make sure you have the physical copy of your diploma and your criminal record check apostilled and ready to go! Preparing Your Diploma Find a notary public in New Zealand here. Note: DO NOT use a Justice of the Peace or a Solicitor. 1. The notary public will make an official copy of your diploma. 2. The copy will be notarized. In some cases, you will sign the copy and then they will sign and notarize it. 3. Attach an apostille to the copy. Preparing Your Criminal Record Check The nationwide criminal record check is conducted by the Ministry of Justice. Criminal record checks that were issued 6 months prior to the visa submission date will not be accepted by Korean Immigration. In New Zealand, the entire process may take up to 6 weeks, so apply as soon as possible. 1. Order a nationwide criminal record check via the Ministry of Justice. 2. Attach an apostille to the original criminal record check. The Apostille Process Have an apostille attached to: 1. The notarized copy of your diploma 2. The original, hard copy of the criminal record check. Since the regulations regarding the apostille process in New Zealand are subject to change, check the New Zealand Government Site to learn more. Remember: The photocopy of your diploma must FIRST be notarized before you can get an apostille. Once you have both your diploma and criminal record check with the apostilles, you will be ready to go and can start applying for teaching positions in Korea! Once you have these documents ready, schools will know that you are serious about pursuing a position in Korea and will be able to move forward with your application.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Irish Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Irish Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Irish Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Apostilled Diploma (Apostille Stamp Visible) 3. Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Before you start applying for teaching jobs in Korea, make sure you have the physical copy of your diploma and your criminal record check apostilled and ready to go! Preparing Your Diploma 1. The notary public will make an official copy of your diploma. 2. The copy will be notarized. In some cases, you will sign the copy and then they will sign and notarize it. 3. Attach an apostille to the copy. Preparing Your Criminal Record Check Receiving your criminal record check in Ireland may take 4-8 weeks. 1. Apply for a criminal record check from any Garda Police Station. The criminal record check comes in the form of a clearance letter and must be issued from the Superintendent’s Office of the Garda station with the signature of the superintendent of your local station. Notarization is not required. The Apostille Process If you are applying in Dublin, you can go in person to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has offices in Dublin and Cork. You may also send in your documents via registered post. Learn more here. Along with your documents, you must submit a cover letter with the following: • Your name • Return address • Telephone number • The name of the country the document(s) are for use in • The appropriate fee Once you have both your diploma and criminal record check with the apostilles, you will be ready to go and can start applying for teaching positions in Korea! Once you have these documents ready, schools will know that you are serious about pursuing a position in Korea and will be able to move forward with your application.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Canadian Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Canadian Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Canadian Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Notarized Diploma 3. Notorized Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Before you start applying for teaching jobs in Korea, make sure you have the physical copy of your diploma and your RCMP check notorized and ready to go! Preparing Your Diploma 1. The notary public will make an official copy of your diploma. ‘ 2. The copy will be notarized. In some cases, you will sign the copy and then they will sign and notarize it. You will also receive a cover letter with the notarized copy. 3. Attach an apostille to the notarized diploma and cover letter. You may choose to have your diploma notarized and apostilled at the same time to save time and money. Preparing Your Criminal Record Check 1. Order a criminal record check from your local Commissionaires Office. 2. Have the original CRC verified by a Korean Consulate. Please Note: There are several different methods of acquiring a background check in Canada; however, going through the Commissionaires Office is the quickest method that is accepted by Korean Immigration. RCMP checks are the only ones that will clear Korean Immigration. Therefore, they must state the RCMP records were searched. Provincial, citywide, DOB-based, or name-based checks are not acceptable. Your fingerprints must be on your CRC, or it will not be accepted. You can use a RCMP office, but it will take longer than going through the Commissionaires Office. Commissionaires in Canada Please check the Commissionaires Office here and choose the correct location in the top right-hand corner. Receiving a CRC can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks The Notorization Process Your documents can be verified at the Korean Consulate in your jurisdiction. Before sending in your documents, please call the Consulate to double-check what documents are necessary. In-person, by mail, and by third-party submissions all vary in the documents you will need and each consulate is different. In-person Applications: A photocopy of a university degree that has been notarized by a notary public within your jurisdiction (QC, NB, NS, PEI, NL) Notary public only. No Commissioner of Oaths or lawyers. The following items MUST be included by the Notary Public: Official cover letter of the Notary Public Date of notarization (valid if notarized within the last 6 months) Official seal of the Notary Public Full name of the Notary Public Signature of the Notary Public Full contact information of the Notary Public including telephone number and address One sealed university transcript (must be dated after your convocation, and the submitted transcript will NOT be returned to the applicant) Fee: CAD $5.20 per degree copy (cash only) The applicant’s passport For mailed applications, include the following with the above documents: A self-addressed prepaid return envelope (Xpresspost National from Canada Post or UPS prepaid label (sticker type) ONLY: No waybill accepted) Application for Notarial Service For third-party applicants: If you currently reside in Korea, you must apply through a representative who resides in our jurisdiction (QC, NB, NS, PEI, NL) The following additional documents will also need to be submitted: A permission letter (signed by the applicant) allowing a chosen representative to act on your behalf A photo ID of the representative Plus, the required documents mentioned above for degree verification Korean Consulates are located in the following cities: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Australian Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Australian Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for Australian Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Apostilled Diploma (Apostille Stamp Visible) 3. Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Before you start applying for teaching jobs in Korea, make sure you have the physical copy of your diploma and your criminal record check apostilled and ready to go! Preparing Your Diploma Check here for a list of notaries in Australia. Some universities may also be able to notarize your diploma, either for free or a fee. 1. The notary public will make an official copy of your diploma. 2. The copy will be notarized. In some cases, you will sign the copy and then they will sign and notarize it. 3. Paste an apostille on the back of your notarized copy. Preparing Your Criminal Record Check Receiving a criminal record check in Australia takes anywhere from 2-7 weeks. 1. Apply for 1 nationwide National Police Check via the Australian Federal Police. The Apostille Process Have an apostille attached to: 1. The notarized copy of your diploma 2. The original, hard-copy of the Criminal Record Check. You may send in your documents to have an apostille pasted to them via Apostille Australia Certificate Service. Once you have both your diploma and criminal record check with the apostilles, you will be ready to go and can start applying for teaching positions in Korea! Once you have these documents ready, schools will know that you are serious about pursuing a position in Korea and will be able to move forward with your application.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for U.K. Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for U.K. Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for U.K. Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Apostilled Diploma (Apostille Stamp Visible) 3. Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Before you start applying for teaching jobs in Korea, make sure you have the physical copy of your diploma and your DBS criminal record check apostilled and ready to go! Preparing Your Diploma 1. The notary public will make an official copy of your diploma. 2. The copy will be notarized. In some cases, you will sign the copy and then they will sign and notarize it. 3. Attach an apostille to the copy. The apostille must be issued from the Legalisation Office. Preparing Your Criminal Record Check The nationwide criminal record check is conducted by the DBS. Note: The original Police Clearance Certificate must be notarized and have a federal-level apostille attached. In the UK, the entire process may take up to 40 days, so apply as soon as possible. 1. Order a nationwide criminal record check via DBS. Check-in often to make sure your application didn’t get overlooked. 2. Attach an apostille to the original criminal record check. The apostille must be issued from the Legalisation Office. Remember: The photocopy of your diploma must FIRST be notarized before you can get an apostille. Once you have both your diploma and criminal record check with the apostilles, you will be ready to go and can start applying for teaching positions in Korea! Once you have these documents ready, schools will know that you are serious about pursuing a position in Korea and will be able to move forward with your application.

ESL Visa Documents Needed for U.S.A Citizens

by Derek

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL Visa Documents Needed for U.S.A Citizens

ESL Visa Documents Needed for U.S.A Citizens 1. Copy of Passport 2. Copy of Apostilled Diploma (Apostille Stamp Visible) 3. Apostilled Criminal Background Check (Original) 4. Self-Health Assessment 5. Three Signed Contracts – Please make sure to sign all three copies 6. Two Passport Style Photos 7. Isolation Consent Form 8. Visa Issuance Application Form Preparing your diploma A) University Degree (notarized and authenticated with Apostille. Note: Korean immigration will no longer accept original degrees: only photocopies notarized with Apostille.) -must be a four-year Bachelor’s degree (at minimum) in any discipline -must be from an accredited university -to get a notarized copy with Apostille: * Make a photocopy. * Have the copy notarized by a notary public (this does not have to be in the state as your university). * Send or take the notarized copy to the Secretary of State (in the same state as the notary public) for Apostille Authentication. Preparing your background check B) FBI Criminal Background Check (notarized and authenticated with Apostille. Note: all American Teachers MUST submit an FBI criminal record check. State or local checks will no longer be accepted.) -Your FBI check cannot be more than six months old when you apply for your teaching visa. -Only FBI Checks are accepted: * This will likely take two months to process. -After receiving the FBI check, get it apostilled through the Department of State in Washington, DC. It can take 6-8 weeks to get your apostille if sent through the mail, so be sure to either go in person or have a friend/relative get the apostille for you. There are also private companies that get the apostille for you in only a matter of days. -In some cases, it is possible to get the apostille through the Secretary of State in your own state. In this situation, start by having your FBI check notarized, using a form called an Affidavit. Then, send or take the notarized copy to the Secretary of State for Apostille Authentication.

by Jane

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL teachers change of residency status

(D-4, D-2, D-10) to E-2 If you are currently on a D-2 (student visa) or a D-10 (job-seeking visa) you can prepare the necessary documents and visit the immigration office. However, you are not eligible if you have stayed abroad for more than 3 months on a D-series visa. How to apply (Visitation Only) 1. Qualifications (All ①, ②, ③ requirements must be met) A person who is legally holding a D-4 (language training), D-2 (student visa) or a D-10 (job-seeking visa) A person who meets all E-2 visa qualifications A holder of a concluded and signed contract by the employer and representatives of the institution. Required documents Application form Passport and foreigner residency card Employment contract Degree or career certificates Documents related to the establishment of the facility (business registration, academy establishment certificate, real estate registration, etc.) A criminal record Physical health examination (sealed) Application fee Fee (130,000won) Duration Information provided to the applicant upon visitation Attached find the general application form

by Jane

E-2 Visa for ESL teachers (1/7)

ESL teachers change of workplace

If you are currently on an E-2 visa and want to change your workplace after finding a new job. You must report the change of workplace and residency to the immigration office within 15 days. Reservation for visiting can be done at https://www.hikorea.go.kr/resv/ResvIntroR.pt How to apply (Visitation Only) 1. Target A person who has completed the employment contract and want to change company due to company closure or change of employer A person who has quit or retired due to personal reasons and has obtained a letter of release from the original employer. Note: regardless of qualifications, a person who quits or is fired due to personal reasons cannot change a visa WITHOUT a letter of release 2. Procedure Submit a basic ‘change of workplace application form’ and a prescribed document with reasons for the change within 15 days. Since a change of workplace sticker or seal has to be stamped on your passport, this procedure CANNOT be done online. Required documents Application form, Passport, Foreigner residency card Employment contract (original and copy) Business license Letter of release from the previous employer Documents related to the establishment of the facility Letter of release is exempted for the person who has completed a contract. However, if the change is due to the closure of a company, a document with proof of arrears or wages can replace the letter of release. If the remaining period of stay is shorter than the new contracts period + 1 month, you have to apply for ‘permission to extend the period of stay. Additional documents might be required for evaluation. Income taxation document Application fee Free Duration Information provided to the applicant upon visitation Attached find the general application form