English Teacher in Hong Kong Uses Online Advertising as Competitive Edge

Maria Hruschak is a fresh face to the world of Native English Teaching in Hong Kong. Like many other teachers she has a charming personality, the post-secondary skills and a TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) education at her disposal. Also, coming from Vancouver, Canada, she has the neutral accent that students seek.

However, what truly sets her apart from the rest is her digital media savvy.

Maria, like the most up-to-the-minute job seekers and entrepreneurs in the modern era, has opted to use the Internet as a primary means of attracting clients and employers alike. Her first concern is not nepotism or connections (of which she has none) but rather her rank on Google and other search engines.

Her aim: to be the #1 English Teacher in the world on every major search engine.

This is becoming more and more of a prevalent trend amongst young job seekers. In a previous article about a freelance copywriter I discussed how the effective use of blogs, online forums, and sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Craigslist can be used to build an online presence, and strengthen a personal brand.

In the modern age, everyone is his or her own business. With employers turning increasingly to the Internet to check up on, research and source new talent; readily accessible (and positive) information is more than advantageous, it is essential. A search for Maria Hruschak online, for instance, will prove that she is not only a dedicated English teacher, but also a well-known half-marathoner who has done a great deal of charity work to help those with leukemia, lymphoma and Hodgkin’s Disease.

Search engine ranks tip the scales when attracting clients who rarely search too deeply when sourcing a tutor. In Maria’s case, she plans to be more than top of mind, she plans to be top of the page.

Employers, as well, are beginning to see the benefits of an employee, English teacher or no, that has the capability and technical savvy to build their own brand, and strengthen their business all the while.

Right now Maria is running a blog called Native English Teacher and has placed several ads online and across forums in her attempt to establish herself here. If you would be interested in finding out more about how she plans to bring English Teaching into a new generation, contact her at mariahruschak@yahoo.com.