Why Many Teachers Are Overlooked by International Schools (And How to Fix It)

Applying for international teaching roles can be frustrating. Many experienced, capable teachers submit multiple applications, only to hear nothing back — even when they meet the basic requirements. In many cases, the issue isn’t experience or qualifications. It’s the CV.

1/9/20262 min read

a woman is reading a resume at a table
a woman is reading a resume at a table

International Schools Look for Different Things

International schools, particularly in the Middle East, shortlist very quickly. Recruiters and school leaders often scan CVs in seconds, looking for clear evidence of:

  • Curriculum experience

  • Impact in the classroom

  • Professional responsibilities beyond teaching

  • Safeguarding and compliance

  • Suitability for an international setting

A CV that works well in the UK or locally may not highlight these points clearly enough.

Common CV Issues We See

At Global EdVentures, we review hundreds of teaching CVs. Some of the most common issues include:

  • CVs that are too long or unfocused

  • Responsibilities listed without impact or outcomes

  • Limited mention of curriculum or assessment frameworks

  • Language that doesn’t align with international school expectations

  • Poor structure for quick shortlisting

As a result, strong teachers are often overlooked.

How Global EdVentures Supports Teachers

Alongside recruitment, we offer optional professional CV and application support for teachers who want to strengthen their chances of being shortlisted.

Our support focuses on:

  • Clear structure and formatting

  • Strong impact-based bullet points

  • International school–focused language

  • Alignment with Middle East school expectations

This service is designed for teachers who are serious about securing international roles and want their CV to reflect their true ability.

Our CV Support Options

We currently offer three levels of support:

  • CV Review & Written Feedback (£39)
    Detailed guidance and improvement notes for teachers who prefer to edit their CV themselves.

  • Full CV Rewrite (£79)
    A complete professional rewrite tailored specifically for international school applications.

  • CV + Cover Letter (£99)
    Ideal for teachers actively applying to multiple roles and looking for a consistent, professional application.

All services are optional, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Why Professional CV Support Makes a Difference

A well-structured, targeted CV:

  • Improves shortlisting rates

  • Saves time for recruiters and school leaders

  • Presents your experience with clarity and confidence

  • Helps you compete in a crowded international market

Many teachers only realise the importance of CV optimisation after repeated rejections. Taking a proactive approach can make a significant difference.

Final Thoughts

International recruitment is competitive, but strong teachers should not be held back by poorly presented applications.

If you’re considering teaching overseas and want honest, professional support from education recruitment specialists, Global EdVentures is here to help.

If you’d like support with your CV or applications, feel free to get in touch or explore our CV support services.