Whether you are already working abroad or looking to save up the money so you can get paid to travel, a much deserved raise can really improve your lifestyle. I have been in positions where I have felt underpaid and therefore undervalued. It’s not a nice situation to be in and for me, it was de-motivating.

So, what can you do if you are in that same situation? You want more money. You think you deserve more money.You need more money in order to realize your travel dreams. You want to approach your boss. Yikes. Where do you start? Here are a few ways to get you on that path to a fatter bank account.

Know You Deserve it

Being wishy-washy about what you’re worth isn’t going to cut it. You need to ‘know’ you are valuable. You contribute above and beyond what you have to, and your confidence needs to reflect that. If you go into the meeting with your boss thinking you probably won’t get the raise you want – chances are – you won’t.

Blow Your Own Horn

Be prepared before you meet and make a list of all your achievements. Many times, employers don’t even realize the extent of the accomplishments of each employee. Perhaps your day-to-day duties have increased or even changed and that has not been made clear. Don’t forget to include extra projects or assistance you have given others in different departments or things that clearly fall outside your job description.

Check the Market

Do some snooping around and find out what other companies are paying their employees for similar roles. Watch if new positions are being advertised and look to see what salaries are being offered. Many times, to bring in new people, companies have to sweeten the pot. Go to your Human Resources or check online if your company has that information posted on your intranet, and see where you fall in your pay level. If you are still near the bottom and your tenure is growing, you probably have a good case.

Know Your Company Policies

Sometimes companies offer annual raises and that’s it – no exceptions. If that is the case, you may not have any luck. Perhaps cold hard cash is not available but benefits might be. Some companies have more leeway with vacation time or other perks. Keep an open mind to see what other options may be available to tide you over until the next round of pay increases.

The Big Meet
Schedule an appointment with your boss when you’re confident you will have no interruptions and a good block of time to state your case. Dress well, be confident, bring your notes, and bring your ears. Be open to other solutions. Perhaps there’s even a different position available you hadn’t been aware of that might bring you into a whole new pay scale. Listen for leads that may open other possibilities. If your boss implies that you do not deserve more money – ask what you need to do to prove otherwise. Perhaps there is training available that you could attend.

Most importantly, if you don’t get what you ask for – do not infer that you will resign. Be professional, and then quietly start your search to go elsewhere, if you really feel that is the next best move for you.

We all want to feel valued. Sometimes that takes a little bit of work to make sure others value us as much as we want. Asking for what we want is always a good thing. Just do the research and then go for it. What do you have to lose?

The familiar adage, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, is losing its credibility in these times. Competition is fierce, job markets are constantly evolving, technology is advancing, and you are best served by keeping up with the pack. This does not have to be a daunting or overwhelming chore. Learning new skills and challenging your mind isn’t something that you need to fear. It is something that can bring new opportunity into your life and allow you to accomplish your goals and achieve your dreams. Whether you are looking to get paid to travel, work abroad or even just improve your life at home, building on your education can be an excellent step in the right direction.

Making a commitment to yourself to continuously learn is important. Research shows that the more you’re willing to learn, the more likely you are to prosper and thrive at work, at home, and in your community. Now access to learning has become even easier. There are many different choices available, depending on your lifestyle, your location, and your available time. You no longer even have to leave the coziness of your home to continue your education.

People have different preferences on how they want to learn. Some prefer sitting in a classroom, some prefer self study with books, and some enjoy learning via their computer - or e-learning. Think about a learning experience you had in the past. Ask yourself what worked and what didn’t work.

Did you enjoy the social aspect of being with others? Did you like going out again after work to a community college or school? Did you prefer having a more flexible schedule so you could slip study time in between your family obligations? Or did you dread having to leave home late at night when it was dark to drive to class? Reflecting on past experiences can help you determine what worked for you and how best you can venture into a new challenge.

There are also three different styles of learning:

●         Visual -  these learners like to see what is being taught via written information, and visual aids – such as pictures or drawings on the blackboard or overheads.
●         Auditory – these people like to listen to instructions being explained. They can either be very distracted by noise and need a completely quiet environment, or they learn better when listening to music or if a TV is on in the background.
●         Kinesthetic or tactile – these students like to learn through physically performing tasks in a hands-on environment.

People can be a combination of two or even all three of these styles. Usually one is slightly more predominant than the others. Take five minutes and complete this quiz to ascertain your own particular style:

http://www.jobsetc.ca/toolbox/quizzes/styles_quiz.do?lang=e

Once you have determined the way you learn best and your writing style, you just need to decide what exciting new skill you want to acquire. Do you want to learn something for personal reasons; perhaps a new language to help you find your way around a new country for an upcoming vacation? Would you like to add to your skill set for an existing job? Find a way to get paid to travel or lock down a job abroad? Or how about planning farther ahead toward a change of careers completely? The possibilities are endless and the resources available to you are increasing all the time.

Some places to start looking for courses:

●         Community Colleges – There are thousands of community colleges that are offering continuing education classes. Their calendars often offer over 500 courses – surely something for everyone. Check out colleges in your area.

●         Parks and Recreation – Most cities offer a multitude of inexpensive courses from knitting, to dancing, to second language training. Flip through their calendars and see what is available.

●         On-line - Distance is not a factor. You can sign up for a course offered anywhere in the world. Goggle your area of interest and see what comes up. Pick and choose from thousands of options.

●         Check with your own human resources department – a lot of companies support employee learning. They may run their own on-line courses or have video and support materials for loan. Some companies even reimburse fees once an employee successfully completes a course.

We are never too old to learn. Do this for you, do this for your own well being and do this to feel better about yourself. It is never a waste of time to expand your mind and your horizons. You never know which new opportunity can open a door to the world and allow you to get out there and travel and work abroad.

Happy learning!

A number of people have been there. After almost 25 years in one career, they have decided to take a much needed hiatus. Explore other options during their time away, but when it was then necessary to get a ‘real job’ it was tough. Often times when you are looking to move abroad and get paid to travel, you may be switching careers and taken on a lower playing, less substantial position.

“You’re overqualified” is what people hear time and time again. Many managers live by the rule that they will never hire anyone smarter than they are– but when you are on the other end of that statement, it can give you a whole new perspective.

Sometimes it’s hard to even figure out if you’re being discriminated against because you never even hear back from the hiring managers. But if you think that’s a possibility, it’s time to hit that perception head-on before they even have a chance to think about it.

         If it’s a lower paying position you are applying for – explain why.
         If it’s a lateral position you want but it will give you an opportunity to learn new skills for a different position further on – explain that.
         If it’s a lifestyle change – less responsibility = less stress – explain what’s happening.

Here are a few other suggestions to help get you past this hurdle.

1. Finding work through word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get hired. Have someone you know speak on your behalf; sometimes others represent us better than we can ourselves.
2. Downplay skills not relevant to this new position. If there is no supervision, then don’t highlight all the management attributes you’ve acquired.
3. Leave out salary expectations, especially if you are applying for a lower paying position.
4. If you think you can be a financial benefit to your new potential employer, make sure you explain exactly how.
5. Teamwork is always a bonus for an employer. Emphasize how you are interested in the team or company’s success.
6. Ensure you highlight new skills and attributes you’ve acquired that are relevant to the position, so they know you are not stuck in the olden days of doing things.
7. If you have had longevity with employers in the past, make sure that’s highlighted. Just because you’re ready for a change now, doesn’t mean you are a fly-by-night.
8. Just get in the door – do what ever it takes to get a face-to-face interview. Sell them on just meeting you so you can deal with the overqualified issue in person.
9. If you know the hiring manager is younger or way less experienced, try not to overwhelm them or overshadow their skills.
10. Always show enthusiasm; a positive attitude is still the best selling feature.

If you are still not getting the desired results, try changing your tactics. If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten. It’s almost as if managers can smell ‘old.’ Switch things up, try a new cover letter, revise your resume, but keep at it. No matter how many rejections you’ve received, stay positive;

You only need one ‘yes.’

The internet and job market is flooded with potential opportunities for work as an English teacher abroad. The problem is that there are so many sources focused on getting you to accept the position that no one really gives you the information you need to make an informed decision. Many people find that they end up applying for a job on a whim, or sign up with a recruiter only to be rushed through the entire process. Rushed into making final decisions that will shape their lives for at least the next year such as location, accommodations and even the contract they are signing.

 

If you really want to enjoy working abroad and getting paid to travel, then it is a necessity to sit down and consider your options. Weigh the negatives against the positives and make a final decision on a schedule that works for you, not the recruiter or company you are working with. The truth is that many schools and companies are in desperate need of a teacher, and there are a lot of scams and shoddy opportunities out there. If you feel pressured, take a step back and ask yourself why. So before you go jumping on a plane towards that perfect sounding job, think some important things over.

 

Location, Location, Location

 

All countries have diverse cultures, methods and provide different experiences for all kinds of people with differing interests. You may at first believe that teaching in Asia must be the same, no matter the country. This could not be further from the truth. Do your research, consider the subtle differences and really ask yourself what you want.

 

What interests do you have? Are you really into winter sports such as skiing, or are you all about the beaches? Is there a certain culture that has always fascinated you or a language you have been dying to learn? Answering these simple questions will give you a lot of insight on which location may offer you the most positive experience to get paid to travel.

 

Interview YOURSELF First

 

 

I urge you to remember that money is not everything. Some countries will pay you more to work there, and there is good reason. Of course a nice, big paycheck looks appealing from your living room couch, but if you cannot hack it out with the job you take, it simply is not worth the effort. Doing something you love and being somewhere you want to be will always allow you to work harder and be more successful. If you have mind numbing student loans or are money hungry, then all the power to you.

 

However if you are looking to experience new cultures and really get into the opportunity you have, do not let money be a deciding factor. Really and seriously ask yourself what is more important, saving money or having the adventure of a lifetime. This is a question many people fail to ask themselves in the haste of the whole process, and you can regret it rather quickly.

 

Do you Love Kids or Do you Really Want to Teach?

 

As you already know, when it comes to teaching abroad you have an almost infinite amount of options, as long as you are appropriately qualified. You can work with adults looking to improve their business English, college students, high school students or even children just getting started in kindergarten. The majority of the job offers you receive will be for teaching positions in private schools where the students will usually be between the ages of 7 and 14. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then keep looking. There are a number of opportunities that may not be readily present at first. Keep looking and do not be in a rush to accept the first job offer you get, even though there will be a lot of pressure to do so.

 

Consider how you handle children. Do you love one or two cute little kids? Well an entire classroom can be a lot different. If you work better with adults, then seek out a relating job, or vice versa. On major difference to keep in mind between private and public schools is that class sizes are generally much smaller in private academies. You will have a class size between 5-15 students usually, while public schools will throw a healthy, large group of around 45 at you, all at the same time. But then again, public schools offer a whole lot more opportunity for vacation. So once again, be sure to take the time to write down all the pros and cons so you can make a truly, informed decision.

 

Now in no way am I saying that this article is the be all and end all of getting a job teaching English abroad. There is a whole host of information you need to access and decisions you need to make. I am simply urging you to not get caught up in the entire process and be forced into an uninformed decision. Teaching abroad and finding a way to get paid to travel can truly be one of the best experiences of your life, but it can also swing quickly in the other direction. I have seen people break contracts to go running home, people screwed out of supposedly guaranteed money and seen people have complete nervous breakdowns. Is there a risk involved in teaching overseas? Absolutely. Will every job be cushy, rewarding and beneficial to your overall life plan? Probably not.

 

Make the Most of your Opportunities

 

However, you can greatly reduce your chances of having a bad experience, and increase the likelihood that you will have a completely rewarding and satisfying experience, by simply doing your homework. Do not buy into the selfless promotion of companies and recruiters. Many of them will tell you they are offering you the only chance you have, and that a better opportunity will not come along. The fact is that there are thousands of opportunities and hundreds that can fit your interests and desired lifestyle.

 

If something does not feel right, walk away. If the details of the contract seem unfair, negotiate or turn down the opportunity. The last thing you want to do is gamble on a year of your life just because you succumb to the unnecessary pressure. In the end, the more information you gather and the more questions you ask yourself, the more likely it will be that you have a positive experience. This while in turn make you a better teacher. Live life, have fun and take risks, just make sure they are calculated, and fun will follow you wherever you go.

 

It’s anxiety at its highest. You see the job of your dreams and you know you have to have it. You’re perfect for the job, you know it and your friends know it. So what are you going to do to make sure your boss-to-be knows it?

Here are a few tips to help you nail that interview and land that new career:
 
1.      Plan Ahead – do some digging. Research the company and the position. If they have a website, read it over. Look for related news releases or other communications. Ask around – if you find others who have worked there, see if you can get a feel for what they’re looking for.
 
2.      Practice – see if you can find someone to help you practice for the interview. Make up some of your own mock questions you think they might ask. Interviews have changed over the years to include more situational types of questions, i.e., Give us an example of when you feel you helped defuse a potentially volatile situation with a customer.
 
3.      Look over your own resume – be prepared to relate your past accomplishments directly to the position you are applying for. Even if the position is a new career stream, many of your skills you have acquired are transferable. Be confident that you can help others see that.
 
4.      Dress for the position – nothing new here, but it’s amazing how many people go to an interview with wrinkly clothes or dirty shoes. First impressions still count for a lot.
 
5.      Don’t lie – several studies have shown that over 60% of people lie on their resumes: from years in a position, to university degrees. If you’re caught – you can count on being fired. It’s not worth it.
 
6.      Keep eye contact – you know this one, but it still can be challenging. Show them with your body language that you want this job and you are interested in whatever they have to say to you.
 
7.      Stay on the positive side – when asked questions about previous employers or co-workers, slamming your old boss for his disorganization and lack of management skills, although probably quite true, are still things better left unsaid in an initial interview.
 
8.      Listen to your interviewers – pay close attention to their style of communication. Watch and follow their body language. If they are speaking slowly and quietly, try to emulate. If they are sitting up straight and asking direct questions, sit up and reply in the same tone.
 
9.      Engage your interviewer – ask pertinent questions about the company and even about themselves. Some like to share their personal company history. Ask open-ended questions like, how did you get started here? Showing a personal side as well as professional interest helps them remember you when it comes to decision time.
 
10. And lastly – don’t forget to thank them for their time. Firm handshakes are still good form. And it’s okay to ask for when you can expect a call back. Follow up with an email reiterating your interest and saying you look forward to hearing from them again.
 
Simple, straightforward and spelling success. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

On a recent job interview I went on, one of the interviewees made a point of telling me my cover letter was the best he’d ever seen and he was going to borrow it.
 
It might not have landed me the job, but it certainly helped secure me an interview. What made this letter stand out from the others they received? Here are a few dos and don’ts to assist you in writing that super letter that helps get you in the door:
 
Do:
• Remember that this is your one time to make a good impression.
• Use a persuasive tone.
• Be positive and upbeat.
• Allow a small sampling of your personality to shine through and make them feel like they must get to know you better.
• Use the opportunity to peak the employer’s interest.
• Tell the employer which position you are applying for.
• Include relevant experience and education.
• Highlight skill sets that they are looking for.
• Showcase your knowledge about the company and industry.
• Show the employer how your skills are going to help them.
• Avoid over use of “I”. I can do this… I have these skills… I did this…etc.
• Make sure you do your homework and tailor the letter specifically to the job and company.
• Keep the cover letter to one page.
• Make sure you include all the pertinent contact information for them and you.
• Personalize the contact information – find out the name of the person who will be reading the resumes.
• End the letter explaining how you will follow up.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread.
• Make sure you apply in the manner the employer has laid out – whether by fax, email, or hard copy.
 
Do Not:

• Use a generic cover letter – that will ensure it goes right into the garbage.
• Wait until the last minute to apply – get it in as soon as possible.
• Just regurgitate what’s in your resume – cover letters should compliment not just copy your resume.
• Write the story of your life - keep the details pertinent to the specific job you are applying for.
• Use run on sentences – short and to the point sells you better.
• Write with passive verbs or voice.
• Make any typos!
• Just say you look forward to hearing from them – take charge and say you will call to follow up within a specific timeframe.
• Include an obvious and redundant sentence such as, I have enclosed my resume.
• Forget to include your resume and indicate enclosures on the bottom of the cover letter.
 
Remember your cover letter is strictly about selling you. It’s the one opportunity you have to blow your own horn and get your foot in the door. Don’t hold back – this is no time for being shy or humble.
 
Write it, read it, reread it, and then have someone else read it again. Make your passion shine through and hopefully you’ll hear those magic words – you’ve got the job!