If you are looking for work teaching and not getting any res...

Having taught in Myanmar and Bahrain, that is good advice, but go even further. Find out how long the school has been in operation. If they are advertising to fill many positions, ask why. I almost accepted a contract at AIS in Kurdistan, until I asked a ’recruiter’ these questions, he had a low opinion of American teachers, especially ’old timers’, and preferred teachers who were in their 40’s and 50’s. The school has ’American Values’, but in America that is discrimination. This school just opened last year, but are already replacing 5 positions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I’m in my 50’s and still have not had an offer in 2 years.

I have applied to a lot of ads listed at SeriousTeachers and else-where. Usually, I don’t even get a response. Since I have seven years of experience, certification, laudatory letters of reference, and publications in the field, I think it is probably because I am over sixty that I don’t get responses.

Formerly, I screened and hired instructors. When I remember the applications of most of the people responding to the ads for our well-paying positions, it’s a joke that some of them probably got hired somewhere but I don’t even get a reply to most of my applications.

P.S.: I am currently in Mongolia, and here there seems to be no age discrimination. If I wanted to stay in the capital, I could have my pick of jobs (few listed online)..

Kim, I am in the same boat, which arrives at the dreaded 60 mark soon. How is teaching in Mongolia? And is it well paid?

Tony, thanks for the good advice. I think searching for jobs has become more of a mountain climb than it used to be, but one should still know the name of the school during the interview!!

Up to 60 shouldn’t be too difficult to find employment. A dated thread, but here are a few tips of my own gathered over time. 1. Teaching is a profession, look professional, especially in Asia. Save the male pony tail hair, nose rings and txt speak for your friends. Cover up any visible tattoo’s, not only are they not acceptable in Asia, they signify a criminal type. 2. The first thing a recruiter looks at is your photo and especially in Asia appearance is everything. Einstein himself wouldn’t stand a chance of being recruited in most schools in Asia, on looks alone! A facially close up, without the scowling and visual angst, is ideal. Smile, look friendly and approachable; some of the photos seen on seriousteachers look positively scary. Difficult to accept, but true; Asia is generally both racist and nationalistic, get used to it. A non NES and/or being coloured will provide a lot of rejections. Emphasise your personal strong points and capabilities instead. 3. Work on your CV and spend time on it. Make up for the age by a professional looking CV and photo. In countries like Thailand and China, if you’re under 60 with a degree and you still can’t find employment then there’s a reason for it. Work out for yourself what that reason is and work on it. A sloppy CV, a bad photo, enunciation, pronunciation . . . . . all are a turn off for schools and recruiters alike. 4. Choose carefully. An elementary school is not looking for an “energetic and fun loving” 50 year old, just as a recent 21 year old University graduate probably isn’t suited to teaching 20 year old University undergraduates. 5. As middle age plus approaches, don’t be discouraged at not being recruited in exotic backpacking destinations. Look further afield and emphasise your educational and employment achievements, rather than wanting the “cultural experiences” in locations better suited to that of a younger generation. 6. If you’re going to teach English, spend some time learning it? If you don’t yet know what adjectives, verbs and nouns are or the basic tenses, it’s time for a refresher course. English or American; “them there critters” (those critters), or “innit” (isn’t it), is not acceptable English grammar in any school and could only be used in progressive type western schools and/or so called academies. Finally, be professional and assertive, but also polite and friendly; listen, don’t interupt, smile and be aware of the cultural ‘saving face’ differences which are a normal occurance in Asia.