What do you think of my résumé and cover letter?

Question

I want to improve my résumé and cover letter. I'm putting this question in Polls & Surveys because I don't want all expert opinions. I actually think that expert opinions are what's goofing me up. Just tell me what you think:

EMAIL:

I have attached my resume for your review in the interest of pursuing a position as an ESL teacher. Also attached are letters of recommendation. The letter attached separately is from Marilyn Monroe who was my supervisor at Any Community College in Anytown, USA.

I have twelve years experience teaching ESL. I have taught at Any Community College and Berlitz schools both in the US and in Europe. I have experience teaching ESL to all age groups. At Berlitz, I was one of the teachers whom the students most often requested. I attribute my success to my sensitivity to errors in nonnative speech and to my knowledge of and interest in foreign languages and cultures. Although I do not use translation in my lessons, I feel that my experience learning foreign languages enables me to better understand the needs of my students.

I encourage the students to speak as much as possible and to go above and beyond what is expected of them. I have found that my approach has not only helped my students to improve their English, but has instilled in them self-confidence and a more positive attitude toward learning.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how I may be an asset to your program.

Sincerely,
Aiden Winterling
MA TESOL
ESL Instructor
1234 Your Street
Anytown, USA 00000
Cell: 000-555-1212
Home: 000-000-1212





RESUME:

Aiden Winterling
1234 Your Street
Anytown USA 00000
Cell: 000-555-1212
emailaddress@emailaddress



SUMMARY: Experienced ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher with
expertise in grammar and pronunciation. Sensitivity to nonnative errors and a strong ability to correct. Promote enthusiasm and motivate students to learn through equity and personal expression.
Fluent in French; conversational German.

EDUCATION:

Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), May 2005, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, Graduated with a GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Bachelor of Arts in Communications, August 1995, Emerson College, Boston Massachusetts. Graduated with a GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.

EXPERIENCE:

Freelance ESL Tutor, August 2007 to present, New York City.Use a direct teaching method with which there is no translation. Utilize visual aids to assist in the learning process. Enable the students to speak at length. Develop content based lesson plans according to the students’ interests.

ESL Instructor, September 2005 to December 2010, Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood, New York. Exercise teamwork (e.g. students often role-play situations typical in business, social life, etc.).

ESL Teacher, February 2000 to March 2005, Berlitz Language Centers, Frankfurt, Germany and Mineola, New York

ESL Intern, September 2004 to May 2005,Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York. Teach ESL on tertiary levels.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I think it's really good. Except for the "Marilyn Monroe" part of it. Because as soon as they read that, they won't take you seriously. And they might not give you the job because of that. I know your trying to put some humor into it, and that's good. But I would seriously re-think that part. Because you are going there for a job. Not a open mic night at a comedy club (if you know what I mean). I mean this is just my opinion. But I hope this helps.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

OK