Finding a country to teach English in can be a daunting task in itself, let alone trying to find a legitimate company to get you a job. A simple Google search reveals that there are countless individual recruiters offering jobs to teach English all over the world. It is important to do your research before applying to a job offered by a recruitment agency and be skeptical when something seems too good to be true.
The unfortunate truth about many internet recruitment agencies is that they will try to tell you everything you want to hear in order to accept the job. This includes, but is not limited to: working conditions, salary, vacation, housing and benefits. Any recruitment agency that isn’t completely forthright about possible disadvantages of a position suggests that they have chosen not to reveal them, since it may be a deal-breaker for the job candidate. No job is ideal for everyone so if it seems way too good to be true, it probably is.
When conducting your research, take note about how the employer presents themselves. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the job posting ridden with spelling and grammar mistakes? (Lack of professionalism and thoroughness)
- Is there specific contact information and a physical office location?
- Is there a website or online profile of the employer?
- Do they refer to a specific partner school/affiliate that they work with? If not, why?
- Have they sent any teachers abroad before? Is there any proof of this?
- How long have they been in business?
A recruiter with no contact information or website can indicate that they either have something to hide from the public or that they may be going out of business. Also, recruiters that offer jobs without requesting an interview, references, and proof of a university degree are not considered legitimate. Not requiring these things may also suggest that the school they recruit for is not legitimate, since all of the above procedures are required by virtually every reputable ESL school and/or government program.
Try looking for online discussion boards or blogs about certain recruiters, since personal testimonials can go a long way in sensing public perception of the company. The odd negative comment may not suggest much, but a general negative perception from a group of people should be taken more seriously.
Leaving your comfort zone to go teach English in another country can be very overwhelming. Therefore, it is expected that you will be offered acceptable benefits and salary as a means of support. Recruiters who try to pressure you into signing a contract without offering sufficient support should not be trusted. Teaching English abroad should be a fun and educational experience, not an anxiety-ridden and overwhelming one.
So after knowing these realities about applying to ESL positions, who can you trust? Finding a reputable and trust-worthy recruiter can be hard when they are buried among the countless illegitimate ones. Here are a variety of characteristics that a legitimate recruiter usually has:
• Contact information: Including a phone number, e-mail address and physical office location in their job posts. This suggests they are intent on creating an information exchange with you and are available to answer questions or concerns about the job.
- Web-site: Indicates that they are real and have taken the time to display information about their company, their schools and anything else they offer.
- Honesty: Reveals the pros and cons about the jobs. Provides unbiased information to allow for informed decision-making.
- Recruits for multiple schools/countries: suggests that the recruiter is considered valuable by others and is successful in sending quality teachers.
- Sufficient support/benefits: Doesn’t disappear and end communication after you sign your contract. Is available to offer assistance in whatever way possible.
These are general guidelines to keep in mind and are not exhaustive. If you use the above criteria to assess recruiters, it should help you find a legitimate company that can offer you the ESL teaching position you’re looking for!