Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They sort applications before a person reviews them. You need your ESL Instructor resume to pass that scan to get interviews.

ATS look for clear section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". They match keywords from the job posting. For an ESL Instructor, include terms like "TESOL", "TEFL", "CELTA", "lesson planning", "curriculum development", "classroom management", "differentiated instruction", "formative assessment", "phonics instruction", "English language proficiency assessment", "online teaching", "Google Classroom", and "LMS".

• Use standard headings and simple bullets.
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and images.
• Choose readable fonts like Arial or Calibri.
• Save as .docx or PDF unless the posting specifies otherwise.

Avoid complex formatting. Tables and headers often confuse ATS. Keep layout linear and left-aligned.

Do not replace exact keywords with creative synonyms. If the job asks for "TESOL certification", list that term. Also list measurable outcomes like class size, exam pass rates, or student level gains.

Common mistakes include hiding info in headers, using graphics for skills, and leaving out key certifications. Those errors can make ATS reject your application. Make each line clear and keyword-rich so the system and the hiring manager can read your achievements.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights teaching experience, certifications, and classroom outcomes. Use a reverse-chronological layout if your recent ESL roles show progression. If you taught many short-term contracts, use a hybrid layout to group related skills and projects.

Keep length tight. If you have under ten years of relevant ESL work, aim for one page. If you led programs, trained teachers, or managed curriculum for many years, two pages can fit, but cut unrelated work.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text at 10–12pt and headers at 14–16pt. Keep margins around 0.5–1 inch and keep line spacing readable. Good white space helps hiring managers scan lesson outcomes and certifications quickly.

Use clear section headings: Contact, Summary, Teaching Experience, Education & Certifications, Skills, Professional Development, and Selected Lessons or Materials. List certifications (TESOL, CELTA) near the top.

Avoid common mistakes. Don’t use multi-column layouts with lots of graphics; ATS and some recruiters will misread dates or job titles. Don’t add heavy color or unusual fonts. Don’t cram text into tiny margins, and don’t bury key achievements under long job descriptions.

For each teaching job, write short bullets that show impact. Use numbers when you can, like class size, pass rates, or curriculum adoption. Put classroom technology and curriculum design skills near the top if you use them often.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for an ESL Instructor role. It shows you understand teaching needs and the students you will serve. A good letter complements your resume and explains why you fit the school.

Keep your letter short and direct. Use active sentences. Show enthusiasm for the program and students. Mention specific teaching methods or certificates that match the job.

Key sections to include:

• Header: Put your contact details, the date, and the school's name or hiring manager if you know it.
• Opening: State the ESL Instructor role you want. Say where you found the job. Share your top qualification in one clear sentence.
• Body: Connect your experience to the job needs. Highlight classroom experience, lesson planning, assessment skills, or certificates like TESOL or CELTA. Name technologies you use, for example LMS, Zoom, or interactive whiteboards. Mention soft skills like communication and patience. Use a few numbers to show impact, such as class size, pass rates, or improvement percentages.
• Closing: Reaffirm your interest in the specific school and role. Ask for an interview or meeting. Thank the reader for their time.

Write conversationally, like you would explain your background to a colleague. Tailor each letter to the school. Pull keywords from the job description and use them naturally. Keep tone professional, confident, and warm.

Before you send, proofread for clarity. Cut filler words. Make every sentence earn its place. Aim for two-thirds of a page or about 250 to 400 words.

Teaching English as a second language demands clear communication. Your resume must show your teaching skills, certifications, and classroom results.

Small errors can make you look careless. Fixing common mistakes helps your resume present you as organized and student-focused.

If you teach English to speakers of other languages, your resume should show teaching skill, classroom results, and cultural fit. These FAQs and tips focus on clear ways to present your ESL experience, certifications, and lesson outcomes so recruiters can see your impact fast.