When writing an ESL teaching resume, it's especially important that you put yourself into the shoes of the hiring school. While it's true that you may be taking a risk by traveling to another corner of the world to teach English, the school is also making a big investment by offering a teaching job to a stranger.

Crafting a Good Teaching Resume

Emphasize experience in art and entertainment subjects such as acting, music, theater and writing. Since most ESL teachers spend a good deal of their time working with small kids, having creative skills can make the teaching process much easier and enjoyable.

Let the employer know if you had a job working with children before, whether it was as a babysitter or a Little League coach. Understanding the psychology of children goes a long way when working in ESL. If you worked as a camp counselor, write that into your resume, as many ESL schools run summer camps for their students in which teachers actively participate.

Mention travel and periods of living abroad. Adjusting to a new culture is hard, and employers need some reassurance that you won't pack your bags and run back home a month after arrival. Even if you haven't lived abroad before, traveling on your own or for extended periods of time shows independence and the ability to handle the unexpected.

Make the education section of your resume work for you. Include your university degree, even if it has nothing to do with English or education. Some countries require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in order to get a visa for a teaching job, so it's important that you let them know you have it.

Write about any related ESL experience or education. This includes certifications, workshops, lectures and even volunteer work you have done with immigrants or at a local library study program.