Are you looking for a way to break into the world of Gulf teaching jobs, but you’re not sure where to start? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

You’ll learn all about the best ways to land your dream Gulf job in this short guide, and you’ll be able to get started on your new teaching career before the end of the year.

Create a Resume that Stands Out.

The resume that accompanies your application is the first contact you have with a potential employer, so it is important to make a good first impression. Never send out a resume that has any typos or grammatical errors.

Always have a friend or professional proofread it for you. Be specific about your achievements and make sure they show how you can contribute to the company for which you are applying.

Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs, and make sure that your most relevant experience comes first on your resume.

Finally, tailor each version of your resume to match the job description of the post for which you are applying; this will help ensure that employers will see at once why you are the best candidate for their school.

Broaden Your Horizons.

When you’re looking for a teaching position in the Middle East, don’t limit yourself to one country or city. If you have specific places in mind, great.

But don’t let your dream job slip through your fingers because “Abu Dhabi doesn’t have enough shopping.” Remember that there are plenty of other cities in the region with bustling expat communities and top-notch schools waiting for a teacher like you.

The same goes for schools; if you’re applying to a ton of places at once, chances are you won’t get an interview at all of them, so take advantage of any opportunity that comes along.

Don’t exclusively apply to international schools just because they’re what you know best or what was available back home. The Middle East is rich with private schools that cater specifically to students from the Gulf region and beyond and they’re always looking for new teachers.

Don’t be afraid to venture into unknown territory if the salary is right, especially if you have experience teaching English as a second language (ESL).

While international schools can be more competitive than others when it comes to hiring requirements (most require several years’ experience or even master’s degrees), ESL jobs can often be obtained by recent grads with little more than an education degree under their belt, so if Abu Dhabi doesn’t pan out, consider trying Qatar instead.

Don’t Forget to Network.

Network, network, network. A saying so true it must be repeated three times. This process is about people connecting with people and when you start talking to someone who wants what you have, the job is halfway done.

• Network Online: Emailing a university asking if they are hiring qualified English teachers will not hurt anyone. Once they know you are out there, they can get in touch with you when a position opens up. You can also subscribe to email listservs (lists of subscribed emails that receive regular group mailings) which send out alerts for available teaching jobs all across the world.
• Network in Person: Job fairs and teacher’s conventions are great places to meet other educators, international schools representatives and current Gulf teachers who might have information about vacancies within their schools or even recommendations on how to get hired at their institutions.
• Network with Friends and Family: Close friends and family members might also help by telling their friends who may live overseas or work for an international school about your experience and qualifications as a potential employee in their organization.

Prepare for the Interview.

Once you’ve landed the interview, it’s time to prepare. Research teacher interview questions and jot down your responses. You may want to practice with a friend or family member if possible.

Prepare some interview questions that will show you are interested in the school and its students. Try to research the school and come up with questions about its programs, faculty, student body, curriculum, etc.

Dress appropriately for the interview–this means something different at every institution. If you are unsure of what constitutes appropriate business attire at your potential workplace, contact someone who works there and ask.

Thinking of yourself as an ambassador for your own culture is also advisable; remember that while this is an opportunity to embrace new cultural experiences, it is also an opportunity not to offend anyone with inappropriate dress or behavior.

Go with a Recruiter.

Going through a recruiter is your best bet for finding the perfect job in the Middle East. Recruiters have long-lasting relationships with schools across the Middle East, and they know exactly what they’re looking for in a candidate.

They’ll make sure that your resume and cover letter are top notch, and will help you prep for any interviews you have lined up. As part of their service, recruiters will also help you negotiate your contract and plan your move abroad.

It’s all free too. The only time you’ll pay is if they successfully place you in your dream job.

They’ll also help find jobs that aren’t advertised on other sites or papers. Lots of teachers have found their dream job this way because it’s just not always possible to list every opening online or elsewhere.