When you're applying to teach English abroad or online, your application is more than just a formality—it's often your only shot at standing out in a crowded field. Many TEFL jobs receive hundreds of applicants, and most schools or recruiters won’t read beyond the first line if something feels off.
A strong application shows that you're professional, prepared, and ready to step into a classroom. A sloppy one? That signals potential issues before you’ve even met. The reality is, even great candidates get overlooked for small mistakes—things that could’ve been fixed with a second look or a little research.
Whether you're new to TEFL or just switching jobs, learning what not to do can be just as useful as knowing what to include. Let’s start with one of the most avoidable (but surprisingly common) errors.
Ignoring Application Instructions
It might sound basic, but this is one of the most common ways applicants shoot themselves in the foot.
Many TEFL job ads are quite specific—asking for files to be named a certain way, emails to include certain subject lines, or applications to be submitted via a form instead of by email. And yet, recruiters constantly receive emails with missing documents, wrong file types, or no subject line at all.
From the employer’s perspective, this raises red flags: if you can’t follow a few basic instructions, how are you going to manage a classroom, submit lesson plans, or deal with parents and admin staff?
Tips to get it right:
- Read the job post twice. Then scan it one more time before sending.
- Create a checklist: CV, cover letter, photo, video (if needed), file naming format, submission method.
- Double-check email addresses, subject lines, and document formatting.
It takes five minutes to get this right—and it can make all the difference between getting shortlisted or ignored.
Submitting a Generic or Untailored Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your first real chance to speak directly to the employer. But if it sounds like a copy-paste job you’ve sent to every other school, don’t expect it to make much impact.
Hiring managers can spot a generic letter instantly. If your message doesn’t mention the school’s name, the job details, or any clear reason why you’re applying there, it just looks lazy—even if the rest of your application is strong.
A well-tailored cover letter shows that you’ve taken the time to read the job post, research the school or company, and genuinely want the position. That’s the kind of effort that gets noticed.
How to stand out:
- Mention something specific from the job ad (e.g., age group, teaching method, location).
- Look at the school’s website or social media—what’s their vibe? Casual? Academic? International?
- Share why this particular job excites you—not just why any TEFL job would.
You don’t need to write a brand-new letter from scratch every time. Create a strong base and tweak 3–4 sentences per job. Those small customizations can move your application from the slush pile to the interview list.
Failing to Proofread (Especially as an English Teacher!)
This is a big one. Nothing undermines your application faster than typos or grammar mistakes—especially when you’re applying for a job where you’re supposed to be the expert.
Even native speakers mess this up. Maybe you’re rushing, maybe you’ve read it 10 times and can’t see the errors anymore. Either way, spelling mistakes and clunky sentences make you look unprofessional, and in TEFL, that’s unforgivable.
Many employers will stop reading after spotting a single error. Some even use it as an easy way to filter the first batch of applications.
How to fix it:
- Use free tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to polish your writing.
- Read your application out loud—it’s easier to hear mistakes than see them.
- Get a friend (or fellow TEFL teacher) to look it over before you submit.
Remember, your application is your first “teaching demo.” Show them you know your stuff.
Applying for Jobs You’re Not Eligible For
It’s tempting to apply for that dream job in Japan or South Korea, even if you don’t meet the visa requirements—but doing so is a waste of time for everyone involved.
Many TEFL destinations have strict legal requirements: a bachelor’s degree, a passport from a specific country, or a clean criminal record. These rules aren’t flexible, and no amount of enthusiasm will override them. Applying despite this often marks you as someone who didn’t do their homework—or worse, someone willing to break the rules.
Even if you somehow get hired, working without a visa can mean fines, deportation, or worse. It’s not worth it.
Smarter move: Focus your energy on countries where you can teach legally. Plenty of great destinations—like Cambodia, Latin America, parts of Eastern Europe, or even online platforms—welcome teachers without degrees or with non-native passports.
Helpful resources:
- Where You Can Teach English Without a Degree
- Best Countries for Non-Native English Speakers to Teach Abroad
Skipping the Cover Letter Altogether
A surprising number of applicants send off a CV without any kind of message, intro, or cover letter. In TEFL, that’s a fast track to the “no” pile.
Your CV shows what you’ve done. Your cover letter shows who you are—your passion for teaching, your interest in the school, and your ability to communicate clearly. Hiring managers use it to decide if you’re a good fit, not just in skills, but in attitude and professionalism.
A good TEFL cover letter:
- Is short—half a page to one page max.
- Has a clear structure: introduction, why you want the job, what you bring to the table.
- Matches the tone of the school—professional but warm.
Skipping the letter suggests a lack of effort or interest. That’s not the impression you want to make—especially when you’re up against teachers who did take the time.
Need help? Try: Tips for Writing a TEFL Cover Letter
Using the Wrong Kind of Photo (or None at All)
In many countries, especially across Asia and the Middle East, a photo is a standard part of a teaching job application. Skip it—and your application might not even get opened. But sending the wrong kind of photo can be just as damaging.
Common mistakes:
- A passport photo that makes you look tired or stern.
- A cropped selfie with bad lighting.
- A vacation picture or anything too casual.
Your goal is to look professional, approachable, and like someone a student would enjoy learning from. Think of it as your first classroom impression.
Tips for a great TEFL photo:
- Wear smart but friendly attire (no suits needed, but avoid tank tops).
- Use natural lighting and a clean background.
- Smile! You’re applying to teach—not to apply for a government ID.
Need more tips? Check out:
Sending a Weak or Outdated CV
Your CV is the heart of your application—and one of the quickest ways to get overlooked is by using a generic, cluttered, or outdated one.
A strong TEFL CV isn’t the same as a corporate résumé. It needs to highlight:
- Education (especially your TEFL certification)
- Relevant experience (teaching, tutoring, mentoring)
- Skills (classroom tech, language ability, age group specialties)
- Nationality + visa status (important for employers abroad)
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Pages of unrelated jobs with no explanation of relevance.
- No summary or profile section.
- Messy formatting or inconsistent fonts.
Better approach:
- Keep it to 1–2 pages max.
- Use a clean layout with clear headings.
- Tailor it to each job—just like your cover letter.
Need help creating one? Start here:
Overlooking the Intro Video (When Required)
Intro videos are becoming a standard part of many TEFL applications—especially for jobs in Asia and online. Schools want to see who they’re hiring, and a short video can speak volumes about your confidence, communication, and personality.
Why they matter:
- It’s a preview of your teaching presence.
- Helps employers assess accent, clarity, and energy.
- Sets you apart from applicants who skip it or phone it in.
Common mistakes:
- Filming in dim lighting or with background noise.
- Reading off a script in a monotone voice.
- Over-editing or rambling too long.
Tips for a winning intro video:
- Keep it under 1–2 minutes.
- Introduce yourself with a smile and natural tone.
- Mention where you're from, your qualifications, and why you love teaching.
If you’re unsure what to say or how to film it, here’s a guide:
Conclusion: Avoid the Easy Mistakes, Stand Out Early
You don’t have to be the most experienced teacher to land a great job—you just have to show you're prepared, capable, and committed. Most hiring managers can spot a careless application within seconds. Avoiding these small but critical mistakes will put you miles ahead of others in the stack.
Whether you're teaching in-person or online, take the time to polish your CV, double-check your documents, and present yourself with clarity and confidence. That attention to detail tells schools you’ll bring the same professionalism to the classroom.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.