How to: Build a Professional Resume on WorknPlay

If you want to teach in Korea, your resume needs to be professional, clear, and tailored to what Korean schools expect. With schools often spending only seconds reviewing applications, every word counts.

That’s where Embark Recruiting comes in. We help your resume highlight your strengths, showcase your experience, and maximize your chances of landing your ideal teaching position.

 

To get started, send us your resume so we can tailor it to match the requirements of Korean schools and help you stand out from the competition.

 

Send Us Your Resume

 

How We Help

Our process ensures your experience, skills, and teaching style are presented in the most compelling way possible. During our call, we ask questions to understand your background and teaching philosophy to find the right jobs based on your qualifications.

 

Sample Questions: 

• Can you tell us about your previous teaching experience(s) and the type of students you worked with?

• How do you tailor your lessons to meet the needs of students at different proficiency levels?

• How has your teaching philosophy and classroom management evolved throughout your teaching career?

• How have you adapted to environments with a strong academic focus and fast-paced schedules?

 

Here’s a breakdown of what Korean schools prioritize in a resume, and how we make sure you meet those expectations.

 

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1. Resume Title

 

Your resume title, or headline, is the first thing schools will notice. It should be short, clear, and impactful—ideally under 15 words. The title should accurately reflect your role and previous experience. We tailor your title to match the language and qualities Korean schools are looking for, helping position you as the ideal candidate. 

 

Examples:   Experienced Teacher: ESL Kindergarten Teacher | 5+ Years Teaching in Korea | Early Learners Specialist U.K. Certified English Teacher | 3+ Years International Teaching Experience   New Teacher: Certified TEFL Educator Skilled in Lesson Planning & Classroom Management Dedicated English Major Skilled in Cross-Cultural Communication and Leadership

 

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2. Personal Information + Photo

In Korea, including personal details in your resume is standard practice. For overseas teachers in particular, providing your visa status and current location helps schools filter candidates more efficiently. We ensure all required personal information is included, so schools can quickly see your eligibility and profile.

• Full name, birth year, gender, nationality, marital status, travelling with pets, partner, etc. (if relevant)

• Recent photo  (smiling preferred, clear with a neutral background; doesn’t need to be professional)

• Visa Type/Status

• Current Location (city/province)

• Contact Details: phone number with country code, professional email address

 

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3.  Professional Summary

 

Your professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be concise, ideally 3–4 sentences, highlighting your work ethic, skills, and teaching experience. We craft your professional summary after our call, making sure it resonates with Korean schools.

 

Examples:   Experienced Teacher: Dedicated ESL teacher with five years of teaching experience in Korea, specializing in phonics, grammar, reading, and TOEFL Junior exam preparation. Skilled in designing engaging, play-based lessons and leading discussions. Excels in fast-paced environments and adapts lessons for students across all levels.   New Teacher: Compassionate, aspiring ESL teacher eager to develop experience with early learners. Skilled at building positive relationships with diverse students, drawing on tutoring and volunteer experience. Committed to fostering student-centered, engaging learning environments.

 

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4. Education

 

Your education section should list your most recent degree first and include the degree, major, institution, country, and graduation year. We ensure relevant honors, leadership roles, and extracurriculars are highlighted to showcase your qualifications beyond the degree itself.

 

​​Example:   University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California Bachelor's Degree | English Literature | Sept. 20XX - 20XX GPA: 3.85/4.0 Honors: Dean’s List, Graduated cum laude. Extracurriculars: President of International Student Association, Volunteer Tutor at English Peer Tutoring Program.

 

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5. Teaching Licenses & Certifications

 

Include all current and valid teaching certifications, such as TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or state teaching licenses. Only list credentials that are active and relevant to the positions you are applying for. We make sure your certifications are strategically highlighted in your resume title and professional summary, so schools immediately recognize your qualifications and expertise.

 

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6. Teaching & Work Experience

 

Your work experience should summarize your responsibilities, skills, and measurable achievements, including full-time, part-time, internships, and volunteer roles. We guide you in structuring your experience to showcase your accomplishments and relevant skills, so every bullet point communicates value to Korean schools. We also check with your professional references to help strengthen your application.

 

​Example:   Poly Gangnam | Seoul, South Korea | Sept. 2022–2023  Taught 20+ elementary students daily, adapting lessons to different levels. Improved TOEFL Junior scores by 15% in one semester. Coordinated school events with parents and staff. Skills: Communication, Classroom Management, Flexibility

 

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7. Visa Status

Schools need to know your visa eligibility upfront. We make your visa information clear and straightforward, so schools can immediately confirm your eligibility.

 

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Send us your resume today, and we'll make sure it gets noticed. Schedule a call with us, and take the first step toward your dream teaching position in Korea.

 

 

Send Us Your Resume