CV Writing Tips for Teachers
Writing a CV after teaching can be daunting. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and out of touch. The tips below can help you create the perfect CV for your next career.
As a teacher changing careers, it's important to highlight the transferable skills you've gained from your experience in the classroom to show how they can be applied to a new field. These are not inconsiderable but with a change of career comes a change in the way you think about your skills.
By highlighting your relevant skills, achievements, and experience, you can show that your background as a teacher has prepared you for a successful career change. Make sure to customize your CV for each job you apply to, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills for each position.
Here are some key elements to include in your CV when making a career change.
Objective Statement
Start with a clear and concise objective statement that highlights your career goals and how your past experience can contribute to the new field.
For Example
A dedicated and experienced teacher seeking to transition into a new career as a [desired position], leveraging strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Results-driven educator with over [number of years] years of experience seeking a new challenge in the field of [desired industry].
A passionate teacher seeking to bring [skill or attribute] to a new role in [desired industry], leveraging [number of years] years of experience in [relevant field].
Seeking a dynamic career change as a [desired position], utilizing strong communication, leadership, and [skill or attribute] skills developed over [number of years] years in the education sector.
A motivated and skilled teacher eager to transition into a new role in [desired industry], leveraging [number of years] years of experience in creating engaging lesson plans and fostering positive student relationships.
Relevant Experience and Key Skills
Emphasize your relevant experience, such as project management, teamwork, and communication skills, which can be applied to any industry. List specific skills that demonstrate your abilities, such as proficiency in a particular software or programming language, as well as soft skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
My top tip is to write down all the CPD you have done, all the experience you have gained and 'translate' it to generic professional skills and attributes.
Don't know where to start with this sign up with your email to receive my guide to translating your teaching experience to a professional CV.
Education and Certifications
Include your education background and any certifications that are relevant to the new field, such as a teaching certification, training in specific software, or a certification in a related area of expertise.
Accomplishments
Highlight any achievements you have earned in your past positions, such as successful projects or awards, to demonstrate your capabilities and accomplishments. Don't forget any promotions or TLRs you achieved. Phrase TLRs as ' leadership responsibilities.
Volunteer Work and Extra Curricular Activities
Show how you have applied your skills and experience outside of the workplace, such as volunteering or participating in professional organizations, to demonstrate your commitment to your field.
If you are worried this is slightly lacking, sign up to some Future Learn courses or similar, and make sure you sign up to LinkedIn and follow industry professionals in your chosen field who will be able to sign post you to the latest thinking/research and training in their sector.
Personal Interests
Finally, consider including a section on your personal interests, as this can give employers a sense of your personality and values, and how they align with the company culture. Be prepared to answer questions in interview about this.
If you require any help with writing or proofing of your CV please feel free to get in touch.