How to Find Online English Teaching Jobs

English is the most spoken language in the world by both native and non native speakers. Because of its importance globally, the number of non-native speakers is significantly higher than those for whom it is native.

In countries such as Nigeria, where it is the official language, secondary school students must have a good grade in English in order to secure admission in most tertiary education programs.

The ever-increasing demand to learn this important language all over the world has made online English teaching jobs a reliable way to earn income remotely for those with the competencies.

The online teaching jobs industry is growing and projected to grow even further in years to come. A growing industry signals more job opportunities.

Are you a passionate industry newbie pondering how to find online English teaching jobs? If yes, then this short post is for you.  

Steps to Finding Online English Teaching Jobs

1. Get Qualified

The first step to finding online English teaching jobs is ensuring you meet the basic requirements.

Most employers expect teachers to have strong English language skills and a recognised teaching qualification, such as TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA, university degrees or other nationally/internationally recognised training, depending on the specific teaching context. 

While some employers insist on hiring candidates with university degrees, other platforms focus more on communication and teaching ability than formal education qualifications.

2. Build Some Teaching Experience

Teaching experience helps you stand out, even if it is informal. You can start by creating and posting some tutoring videos (e.g., on a YouTube channel), an internship or volunteering on online learning platforms.

These early experiences will help you understand how to explain concepts clearly, manage time, engage students and more. 

3. Create a Strong Online Presence

A professional online presence puts you in the job market by providing the visibility employers need to estimate how ready you are.  Maintaining a well-optimised LinkedIn profile is essential. 

Complement your LinkedIn profile with a strategic presentation of your skills, experience, credentials, industry knowledge and professional networks in your other social media profiles.

All these show that you are serious about online English teaching jobs.

4. Prepare Your CV and Other Relevant Documents

Your CV or resume should be simple, well-organised, and tailored specifically for online English teaching jobs.

Part of your preparation should include working on your language and presentation skills, and building expertise in the use of online communication tools such as Zoom or Google Meet. 

Apart from a CV or resume, employers may also request a cover letter, copies of certificates, or a short teaching plan.

5. Set Up Your Workspace

A professional workspace is essential when teaching English online. Make sure the space has a clean, quiet background and a stable internet connection that supports high-resolution video and audio displays.

Audio quality is arguably more important than video quality. A clear, crisp external microphone is highly recommended over a computer's built-in mic to minimise background noise.

While a professional stand isn't strictly necessary, a stable mount for your camera (whether it is a phone, webcam, DSLR, tablet or laptop) is highly recommended to eliminate shaky footage and enhance ergonomics.

Also, organise the space with bright lighting, as well as ergonomic sitting and desk arrangement(s). If possible, consider having at least one alternative workspace to support your main space (e.g, in a coworking space).

6. Understand Pay Rates

Before accepting an online English teaching job, it’s important to understand payments and work schedules. 

Pay rates vary depending on variables such as the platform, your qualifications, and the type of students you teach. Most organisations pay per hour, but other payment options are available as well (e.g.,  per lesson and per minute).

Understanding pay rates helps you choose roles that match your income goals.

7. Start Searching and Applying for Online English Teaching Jobs

Once you have overcome the above hurdles, it is time to face the hurdle of how to find online English teaching jobs.

But before you start searching, commit a few hours to learn about how to write application documents that can scale through applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

While searching, have in mind that job scams are real, hence the need to exercise caution if you don’t want to fall victim to fraud. 

Always research companies carefully and avoid roles that ask for upfront payments, as legitimate employers do not charge application fees.

For peace of mind, search and apply for online English teaching jobs only on reputable platforms such as Remote4Africa.

Customised applications often receive better responses than sending the same message to multiple employers.  Instead of applying to every available role, focus on teaching jobs that best align with your competencies and lifestyle.

Work expectations can differ. Some employers require fixed schedules, while others allow you to set your own availability. You may be expected to strictly follow a provided curriculum and lesson plans or enjoy some flexibility. 

8. Prepare for Interviews

Interviews for online English teaching jobs usually involve a mix of behavioural, situational, technical, and other question types, so you have to be holistically prepared. You can practice teacher interview questions and answers.

Some interviews may include a short introductory demo teaching session by applicants. The session is meant to give recruiters a sense of your personality, subject matter knowledge and communication style(s). 

Employers also check your technical setup to ensure you can teach smoothly online. Practising teaching sessions, testing your equipment in advance and dressing well can help you feel confident and professional during the interview process.

Challenges When Teaching English Online

Locational challenges can affect how easily or efficiently Africans teach English online.

One of the most common issues is unreliable internet connectivity, which can interrupt lessons and undermine student satisfaction. Power outages are also a problem in many areas. 

Another challenge is access to global payment platforms. International payments to Africa can sometimes be challenging. Some payment companies (most notably PayPal) either do not support or provide limited services in some African countries.  

Time zone differences may also require teachers to work outside typical local hours, especially when teaching students in Asia, Europe, or North America.

Thankfully, none of these problems is insurmountable. All you need, if affected, is to understand them and devise ways to overcome them. 

Conclusion

The growing online teaching industry is expected to continue expanding in the future. If you have the passion and skills, teaching English online can be a viable career path to explore.

The steps enumerated above should help you enter the industry and start finding and applying for scam-free online English teaching jobs in no time.