4th July 2025
Ghosted by Schools? Here’s How to Get Their Attention (and the Job)
So you’ve buffed your résumé until it glows, but schools in Hong Kong (or anywhere else) still aren’t sliding into your inbox with interview invites. What’s going on? The world of English teaching can feel like a game of “Where’s Waldo?”, only with more CVs and fewer stripes. Let’s break down why your application might be getting overlooked and how the right training and strategy could give your teaching career a serious boost.
1. The CV Black Hole: Why Schools Aren’t Calling You Back
Generic Resumes
“Objective: To be a valuable team member.” That line could be on everyone’s CV. If your intro doesn’t show personality or purpose, recruiters will skim right past it.
Lack of Teaching-Specific Qualifications
Having a degree is great, but a BA in English doesn’t automatically translate into classroom-readiness. Schools are increasingly looking for applicants who’ve trained specifically for teaching English, especially in international or ESL contexts. In most contexts, having a teaching qualification as well as a degree is a minimum requirement.
Keyword Blind Spots
A lot of schools now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If your CV doesn’t include key terms like “lesson planning,” “classroom management,” or “Cambridge assessment,” it might get filtered out before a human even sees it.
No Local (or Regional) Connection
Even if you're a brilliant teacher, if your CV doesn’t show awareness of Hong Kong’s exam systems (like HKDSE) or EAL teaching strategies, you risk seeming out of touch.
2. From “Maybe” to “Must-Interview”
Tailor Your CV
- Be Specific: Instead of vague phrases like “taught English,” try “led a weekly phonics club that boosted student literacy scores by 25%.”
- Use the Right Language: Incorporate keywords like “student-centred learning,” “formative assessment,” or “differentiated instruction” naturally throughout.
- Demonstrate Local Understanding: If you’ve researched Hong Kong’s education system, say so, schools appreciate effort and cultural sensitivity.
Write a Strong Cover Letter
- Address it to someone by name if possible (“Dear Ms. Lau” beats “To Whom It May Concern”).
- Share a quick anecdote that shows your personality and passion.
- Mention something specific you admire about the school, show them you’ve done your homework.
Get Networking-Smart
- Online Communities: Join LinkedIn groups like “TEFL Jobs Hong Kong” or Facebook communities like “Asia English Teachers.” Engage meaningfully, don’t just scroll and ghost.
- Events & Webinars: Whether in person or virtual, teacher meetups are great places to connect and be remembered.
3. Why Training Still Matters (Even if You’re a Natural)
You might be confident in your teaching ability, but schools need more than confidence. They’re looking for candidates who’ve built up experience, understand lesson structure, can manage a classroom, and have some grasp of local learners’ needs.
Structured training, particularly with observed teaching practice, goes a long way in demonstrating this. It gives you a foundation in key concepts like language analysis, assessment strategies, and learner engagement, while showing employers that you’re serious about teaching as a profession, not just a job abroad.
Some programs even focus on regional relevance, which is a bonus in places like Hong Kong. Think modules that look at local exam systems, cultural context, or multilingual classrooms.
4. Nail the Interview
Demo Lessons Are Key
Prepare a 10-minute lesson with clear objectives, visual aids, and a short activity to assess understanding. Practice it—out loud.
Know the Common Questions
- Why should we hire you? (Hint: Talk about practical teaching experience and your classroom approach.)
- How do you handle mixed-ability classes? (Hint: Mention specific strategies or methods you’ve used or studied.)
Look Professional
In Hong Kong, polished business casual is standard. Better to be slightly overdressed than underprepared.
5. Keep the Momentum Going
Follow Up
Send a polite check-in a week after the interview. A short thank-you note can keep you top of mind.
Stay Active
Keep applying, but tailor your applications for each role. Keep learning, keep networking, and don’t lose steam. Always double check the spelling of the name of the school you are applying to, I have made that mistake before!
Celebrate Progress
An encouraging email is still a win. A first-round interview that goes no further provides experience for your next chance. Every step counts.
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Apart
The English teaching world is more competitive than ever, and schools are looking for more than just a well-written CV. They want teachers who are trained, prepared, and tuned in to the needs of their learners. That’s where something like a Trinity CertTESOL can really change the game.
The CertTESOL offered by English for Asia gives you exactly that, practical classroom experience, widely accredited training, and guidance tailored to teaching in this region. With job support, networking opportunities, and modules designed with Hong Kong learners in mind, it’s a strong signal to employers that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Ready to move from ghosted applications to real offers? Explore the CertTESOL course here and take your next step with confidence. Hong Kong, and your teaching career, are waiting.