How to Write the Perfect Teaching CV

Writing your CV is the first step towards applying for a new role. It can feel like a daunting task and knowing where to start is the hardest part. We have put together a guide to help you put your CV together, ready to apply for that dream job. 

The Format

Your audience will most likely be a head teacher, who already has an extremely busy schedule and now needs to find some time to read CVs. You have one chance to stand out, so make sure your CV looks clean, concise and not too long. Follow these steps below to ensure your CV stands out.

Easy to read layout

The CV should look very easy to pick up and read. There should be clear headings so it’s simple to navigate throughout.

Short paragraphs

Keep your paragraphs to a maximum of 4 to 5 lines. Be clear, concise and don’t waffle.

Bullet points

Bullet points are great when outlining your duties in a previous role. They are far more appealing to read than large paragraphs.

Universal font

Use a generic easy to read font. Don’t get too creative with areas like font, you should look professional.

Maximum of 2 sides 

If your CV is filling more than 2 pages then you’re providing too much detail. The employer won’t read more than 2 pages, keep to this as a limit.

Font size no smaller than 11

Don’t be under the illusion that tiny font means you can fit more on the page. You want to encourage them to read the CV not put them off it because they need a magnifying glass to see it!

Your name should be clear and bold at the top of the page

Not Curriculum Vitae in big bold letters! The employer knows it’s a CV, it’s you that needs to stand out.

Your details should be very easy to find

Make sure your telephone number, email address and other important details are at the top. If they do decide to contact you, you should make this as easy as possible for them to find.

No spelling or punctuation errors

This is the first thing to put employers off. Check it thoroughly before sending it through. 

The Structure

It’s key that you get the most relevant information across in your CV, putting the structure together can be one of the most difficult tasks. Use the headings below as a guideline for your CV and it should incorporate all the information an employer would need to see.

Summary

This should be an overview of you and your experience. It should be specifically related to the job you are applying for and demonstrate a genuine interest in the role. In this section, you can make it more tailored to your personality, although remember to remain professional. 

Career History

This is the key part of your CV ensure this is accurate. Always start with your most recent position and work backwards. This should include the year and month you started and finished at the job. You don’t need to include your entire career history if you have moved jobs regularly, up to 10 years back should be fine in this case.  If there are any gaps in employment due to travelling or family commitments, explain why this is. This section should also give an overview of the main tasks involved in that role. Be sure to mention key facts and achievements like Ofsted visits, exams etc., and any extracurricular activities you got involved in. 

Other Relevant Experience

If you have had other jobs which support the application to this role, then include them here. For example, you worked at a Teaching Assistant prior to going to university. Do not include this section if it is not applicable for you.  

Qualifications

Similar to work experience, its key that you get this area accurate. List the qualifications you have achieved along with the date and place of study. Your whole life of qualifications is not required, for example, once you reach GCSE you are fine to simplify it by putting; ‘10 GCSE’s achieved grade A-C’. 

Personal Achievements and Interests

This area again should only include points you believe are relevant to the role. For example, if you are applying to become an English teacher and you chair a book club once a month it demonstrates a genuine interest in the topic. You may choose to leave this section out if you do not believe its applicable to you. 

Supporting Statement and Objectives

This should be the summary of the application. It’s often interesting here to outline why you chose to go into teaching and what your objectives are. Do not make this the usual generic objective, for example, ‘I want to make a difference to children’s education’, make it personal to you and the role. 

References

If you’re still in employment and do not want to distribute these at this stage, that is fine, simply write ‘References available on request’. If you have references ready to go then include the referee's name, contact details, position and which organisation they work at.

Once your CV is ready to go be sure to register with Tradewind and let us find you that dream job.