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Writing a CV is never easy. Most of us find it difficult to properly sell ourselves on CVs and often end up omitting crucial information. So how do we ensure that we include everything we need, whilst also making sure that it’s written well and is fairly concise?  

Keep reading to learn our ultimate tips for CV writing in the education sector. 

How to write a teacher’s CV 

One of the best things you can do for your CV is to not overcomplicate matters. Keep it simple, easy to read and written in a way that doesn’t raise questions. Start with qualifications and your most recent experience, working backwards. Don’t forget to include information about each role, including key responsibilities, achievements and the impact that they had.  

For those new to teaching, try to include activities and achievements that showcase key skills and traits. For example, playing a musical instrument to a particular grade or running a university society. Whilst such things might seem trivial, it shows employers that you have experience applying skills such as dedication, communication, collaboration, planning and problem solving in real-world situations.  

Additionally, don’t neglect in-demand skills such as fluency in a second language, knowing sign language or being a first aider/mental health first aider. Such skills immediately lift you above other candidates that might have similar qualifications and experience to you.  

What to include: 

Whilst CVs should be tailored to suit each individual role, the key elements that are expected in a CV are: 

• Personal and contact information  

• Short personal profile that briefly outlines who you are and your career to date 

• Education and qualifications 

• Teaching experience 

• Other relevant work experience 

• Any relevant skills 

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CV writing tips for teachers 

1. Make it easy to read with a clear structure 

Make your CV clear, simple and easy to read. Formatting is key here:  

• Use a sensible structure with your personal information at the top 

• Education and employment history should be relevant to the role and be listed by most recent 

• Keep the CV to 1-2 pages 

• Get to the point – don't waffle 

• Use simple sentence structures that are easy to read 

2. Explain points with insights 

When listing achievements and success, ensure to include insights and key information that helps employers understand what you did. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is great for this.  

3. Make sure you can back up claims of excellence 

Similar to the above, make sure you can back up claims of excellence – you can lose credibility if something seems a little too good to be true. An example here would be a newly qualified teacher claiming to be excellent in various aspects of the role despite limited experience. You may well be a very good teacher but you need to be able to back up bold claims with examples of how you have excelled.  

4. Tailor your CV (and cover letter) 

Don’t just send the same CV to each school and role you apply to. Know your audience. Research each school and work out how to tailor your background to meet their needs. Plus, this is a great way to see if they meet your needs. 

5. Keep career summaries concise 

Whilst summaries are an important part of your profile, you should avoid summarising your entire CV or duplicating information which can be found elsewhere (such as qualifications or current work responsibilities). Instead, capture elements such as your track record, current professional interests and future ambitions. 

6. Explain any gaps in your CV 

If you have any significant gaps in your CV, this can raise questions. It can be a good idea to concisely address such gaps, explaining what the gap in employment was for and highlighting any relevant skills or experiences you gained during this time. Try to frame the gap as a learning opportunity or a time for personal growth. 

For those that may have taken a break due to raising children, follow a similar process, highlighting any transferable skills acquired during this time. 

7. Include any relevant hobbies, activities and interests 

Whilst we wouldn’t recommend spending too much time discussing hobbies and interests, it’s worth including those that are: 

• Relevant (e.g. Scout leader, sports coach) 

• Offer learning opportunities (e.g. learning languages, writing a book) 

• Have built transferable skills (e.g. creative hobbies such as knitting and sewing involve a great deal of mathematical precision, attention to detail and perseverance) 

8. Let your personality shine through 

Employers will read tens if not hundreds of CVs that will all sound alike. Stand out by letting your personality shine through. Don’t resort to generic statements that you think the employer wants to hear. Tell them what you have to say. 

Whilst a CV needs to showcase your ability as a teacher, it also needs to tell employers what kind of person you are and make them want to know more about you. 

9. Proofread multiple times 

Errors and typos on a teacher’s CV are an immediate red flag and suggest a lack of attention to detail. Be sure to proofread multiple times and, ideally, have someone else check it too.  

10. Don’t overlook LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is your online CV and has fast become a necessity in any job search. It’s the first place that an employer will look for more information about you. Therefore, it’s important to at least keep it up to date even if you don’t actively post and engage on the platform (although, this will build your credibility and show that you’re up-to-date with industry news). 

Learn more with Tes Jobs

Browse thousands of teaching and education jobs on Tes Jobs. We also offer a wide range of careers advice, information about training and CPD, and helpful articles for new teachers. 

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