Writing an effective teacher or administrator resume can sometimes be a challenging and daunting task. It can be quite easy to inadvertently make mistakes and unknowingly sabotage your chances of securing an education job. To prevent some of the most common resume writing mistakes, we have put together a listing of the errors and what you can do to avoid them.

  • Typing and grammar errors:

    It is imperative that your resume and cover letter documents be grammatically correct and error free. An employer will take a close look at your resume and if it is riddled with errors and typos, they will more than likely draw a conclusion that care was not taken, leaving a not so flattering impression of your abilities. Have your family and friends re-read your document to ensure it flows properly and is error-free.
  • Multi-use resume:

    Trying to develop a multi-useful resume will most certainly guarantee you will not meet every requirement put out in a job listing. It is essential your resume be tailored to each and every job posting for which you are applying. It should be manipulated and revised to you address each identified skill and requirement specified in the posting. Remember your resume is the document that will secure an interview. Paying close attention to this detail will have your calendar filled with interviews.
  • Lack of action words & competencies:

    Never use the words "responsible for" when describing your position duties. Instead use action words that will emphasize your responsibilities and outcomes; for example: "Increased student test scores by providing additional individual assistance..." Using descriptive words throughout your resume will entice the reader and capture their attention.
  • Using "I" or "me":

    A resume is your communication document, therefore, it should be written in a concise manner. You should not use the words "I" or "me" when writing your accomplishments.

    As an example: "I developed and implemented creative lesson plans that allowed me to engage students in the learning process."

    Instead, use the following to eliminate pronouns and articles: "developed and implemented creative lesson plans that allowed students to engage in the learning process."
  • Personal information on your resume:

    Information such as birth date, marital status, your height and weight should not be placed on your resume unless you are seeking employment overseas.
  • Resume is too long or too short:

    Many individuals have the idea that their resume should be only a one-page document. Trying to squeeze your career achievements into one page may cause you to leave out impressive accomplishments. Likewise, there are those people who love to ramble on about irrelevant experiences, leaving the reader lost and confused. There really is no rule about how long a resume should be, but the standard length, if you have a more than five years of work experience, is usually two pages.

    If you have an extensive listing of career development or special projects, it is acceptable to make reference by indicating "A comprehensive listing of career development courses is available upon request." You can then devise a separate listing which is ready and available should an employer make a request.

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Success Stories

"Dear Candace,

I just wanted to thank you for the awesome resume that you created for me in such a short notice of time. I was able to take it to the XXXX County job fair in XXX. I was only able to meet with one principal at the job fair and she pretty much offered me a job on the spot. I am now moving from XXX to XXX to be with my boyfriend, which I would not be able to do if I did not have a teaching position. I will definitely recommend your services to anyone I know or meet that needs a resume.

Thanks again for everything!

Sincerely,"

S. W.

"Dear Candace,

Thank you very much for meeting me on the phone to discuss my interview strategies. It was an extremely enlightening and productive meeting for me. I'll use my new, "enlightened" approach this coming week. I'll let you know if I got a job, or need more help!

Thanks again,"

T W

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Candace Davies ACCC, CRW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
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