How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Hired to Teach English Online

 Teaching English online has opened up exciting new opportunities for people all over the world to earn money, work remotely, and make a difference in students' lives. But with these opportunities comes growing competition. As more people discover the freedom and potential of online English teaching, platforms are flooded with applications, and students become more selective about who they choose as their tutor. So, if you’re wondering how to stand out and increase your chances of getting hired, you're asking the right question.

This blog is your complete guide to navigating the online English teaching job market and improving your odds of landing that dream teaching gig—whether on established platforms or as a freelance teacher. Let’s dive deep into everything you can do to build credibility, develop confidence, and present yourself as a qualified, desirable online English tutor.

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1. Start With the Right Certifications

One of the fastest ways to gain credibility and edge out the competition is by earning a reputable English teaching certification. Most online teaching platforms—especially those that pay well or have a strong student base—require some form of certification.

The most widely accepted certifications are:

• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is often considered the minimum standard. Many employers won’t even consider candidates without it. It shows that you’ve been trained in lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching methodology. Some courses offer additional specialization, such as teaching young learners, business English, or IELTS preparation—these can be valuable add-ons to boost your profile.

Pro Tip: Choose a course that offers hands-on teaching practice or includes a module on teaching online specifically. These extra components set you apart.

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2. Craft a Professional and Tailored Resume

When applying to online platforms, a generic resume won’t cut it. You need to create a resume specifically for online English teaching.

Make sure your resume includes:

• Your teaching-related certifications (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, etc.)

• Educational background

• Relevant work experience (especially in teaching, tutoring, or mentoring)

• Soft skills like communication, patience, adaptability, and creativity

• Technical skills—highlight comfort with video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or classroom management software

Even if you’ve never formally taught before, don’t underestimate your experience. Volunteering, language exchange meetups, tutoring friends, or coaching roles all count. Frame them in a way that shows your ability to teach, lead, and explain clearly.

Always tailor your resume to match the platform or student type you’re applying for. A business English teaching job requires different emphasis compared to one for teaching kindergarteners in Japan.

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3. Record an Outstanding Introduction Video

Most online platforms will require a short video introduction. This is often the first impression potential employers or students will have of you. It’s also your golden opportunity to show off your personality, clarity, and professionalism.

Your video should:

• Be between 1–2 minutes long

• Have great lighting and sound

• Include a clean, quiet, non-distracting background

• Demonstrate friendly body language and clear pronunciation

• Mention your name, qualifications, experience, and the type of students you teach best

• Offer a glimpse into your teaching style—especially if you’re applying to teach children, where animation and energy are key

Don’t rush through this. Rehearse, record multiple takes, and watch sample videos from successful teachers online to get inspired. Your video can make or break your chances of landing the job.

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4. Polish Your Online Presence

These days, even before hiring you, employers and students may look you up online. Having a strong professional presence boosts your trust factor and makes you appear more serious.

Here’s how to create a professional footprint:

• LinkedIn profile: List your teaching qualifications, experience, and certifications. Include a professional headshot and a compelling summary.

• Online teacher portfolio or website: Include your bio, video intro, lesson samples, testimonials, and a booking calendar if you freelance.

• Social media: If you plan to teach independently, social media is a great marketing tool. Keep your profiles professional, clean, and student-friendly.

Building your online brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even a basic LinkedIn profile with the right keywords and connections can help you network with other teachers and discover new platforms hiring.

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5. Apply to Multiple Platforms Strategically

One of the most effective ways to increase your hiring chances is by casting a wide net. There are dozens of online teaching platforms, each with its own requirements and student base. Some are more beginner-friendly (like Cambly), while others are highly competitive (like VIPKid or Preply).

Apply to a mix of platforms, such as:

• Cambly – No degree or certification required; conversational English.

• Preply – You set your own rates; open to beginners.

• iTalki – Great for freelance tutors; requires self-marketing.

• AmazingTalker – Flexible and diverse student base.

• Open English – Often focused on Latin American students.

• EF Education First – Reputable and professional, often requires experience.

As you build experience, student reviews, and skills, you can move on to higher-paying or more selective platforms. And if one platform doesn’t accept you, don’t get discouraged. Use that experience to improve your next application.

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6. Ace the Demo Lesson

After passing the initial application stage, many platforms ask for a demo lesson or teaching interview. This is where they assess your teaching ability, communication style, and classroom presence.

To prepare:

• Use clear, slow speech (especially for beginners)

• Be energetic but professional

• Include interaction—ask questions, use visuals, and check for understanding

• Prepare a lesson appropriate to the level you're assigned

• Simulate how you’d correct a student gently and clearly

If you’re teaching kids, bring props, visuals, or even puppets. For adults, focus more on clarity, structure, and content depth.

Practice your demo several times and get feedback if possible. Platforms like Preply and AmazingTalker often share demo rubrics, so study them and aim to tick every box.

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7. Develop a Niche

Teaching English is a broad field. Instead of marketing yourself as a general teacher, consider focusing on a specific niche. This allows you to stand out, attract dedicated students, and often charge higher rates.

Popular niches include:

• Conversational English

• IELTS or TOEFL prep

• Business English

• English for Healthcare Workers

• Kids aged 4–8 or 9–12

• English for IT professionals

When you specialize, you become the “go-to” tutor for that topic. Students looking for specific help are more likely to choose you over a generalist.

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8. Offer Trial Lessons and Student Incentives

When starting out, many students want to test the waters before committing to a long-term tutor. Offering a free or discounted trial lesson is a smart way to gain trust and give students a glimpse of your style.

In your trial lesson:

• Ask questions to learn about their goals

• Set a friendly and encouraging tone

• Provide a useful takeaway, like a helpful expression or grammar tip

• Gently guide them toward booking future lessons

You can also offer bundles or referral incentives to boost bookings early on.

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9. Ask for Reviews and Use Testimonials

On platforms like Preply or iTalki, reviews influence your visibility and booking rate. After a good session, politely ask your student to leave a review. Don’t be shy—many happy students just need a nudge.

If you’re freelancing, post student testimonials on your website or in social media ads. Positive feedback builds social proof and trust.

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10. Stay Consistent, Adaptable, and Professional

Finally, your attitude and consistency matter just as much as qualifications. Being professional, punctual, and friendly will not only help you get hired but also retain students over time.

Show up on time, be responsive to messages, and remain open to feedback. Online teaching is a learning curve, and you’ll constantly improve as you go. What matters most is that you’re dedicated, prepared, and committed to growth.

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Final Thoughts

There’s no magic bullet for landing a job as an online English teacher—but there is a formula. If you put in the time to get certified, tailor your applications, polish your image, and showcase your value as a teacher, your chances of getting hired will rise dramatically.

It may not happen overnight, but with persistence and preparation, opportunities will open up. Keep refining your approach, stay visible, and let your passion for teaching shine through.

Soon, you’ll not only be hired—you’ll be thriving in a fulfilling, flexible online teaching career that connects you to students from around the globe.