Writing a focused resume is your first step to a new teaching job. Writing a compelling and unique resume will be the initial stage of your job search. There are right and wrong ways to write a resume for a teaching position.
If unsure how to write a resume correctly, review the tips below or check out the A to Z resume writing tips for teachers.
Ensure your resume looks professional, contains all pertinent information, and is easy to read.
A Resume Should Be Precise and Organized:
- Include relevant information to communicate your value clearly and leave out unnecessary fluff.
- Be specific and concise when detailing your education, experience, skills, and accomplishments.
- Use a clean, organized format and clear language to enhance readability.
Networking vs. Your Resume:
- Networking is valuable, but your resume is often the first thing school principals will review.
- While connections may help secure an interview, they do not guarantee the job.
Why Your Resume Matters:
- Clearly highlight your achievements and qualifications to stand out to potential employers.
- An unprofessional or poorly written resume can significantly reduce your chances of securing a teaching position.
- Treat your resume as a professional representation of yourself, ensuring it leaves a strong and positive impression.
Your Resume is a Reflection of You
A resume should contain your top skills and accomplishments. It is the first thing a potential school will review. The first tangible point of communication between you and your potential school principal is your resume and cover letter.
Selling the value and benefit you can bring with this significant piece of paper is vital to success.
If your resume is organized, current, and professional, it reflects the type of teacher you are likely to be. Sell yourself not only by what the resume contains but also by its appearance. Your resume’s content, design, and overall appearance are critical.
Keep Your Teacher Focused Resume Current
When hiring, school administrators and hiring representatives read through a stack of resumes. This is time-consuming, and often, they lack time. The more precise, organized, and shorter your resume, the easier it is for them to read.
Your resume should explain your skill sets and experience to help the school’s hiring authorities understand the benefits of hiring you. It should also contain your complete contact information, enabling them to connect with you quickly. Keep it up to date, especially if you gain new knowledge or experience, change your contact information, or take new courses.
Focus on the Teaching Skills Relevant to the Job
When hiring, school administrators and hiring representatives sift through stacks of resumes. This process is time-consuming, and often, they lack the time to analyze each one thoroughly. The more precise, organized, and concise your resume, the easier for them to evaluate your qualifications.
Your resume should clearly outline your skill sets and experience to demonstrate the benefits of hiring you. It should also contain your complete contact information, enabling the school to connect with you quickly. Regularly update your resume whenever you gain new knowledge, skills, or experience, change your contact information, or complete new courses or certifications.
Focus on the Teaching Skills Relevant to the Job
A resume’s primary purpose is to showcase your skills and career achievements. It should also clearly explain why you are the ideal candidate for the teaching position. When applying for a specific role, tailor your resume to highlight the most relevant skills.
For instance, if you are applying for an ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching position, emphasize your ESL teaching experience, any ESL-related certifications, coursework, and an English degree. Highlight any unique accomplishments, such as successfully implementing innovative ESL teaching techniques or creating tailored lesson plans for diverse learners.
Conversely, avoid including unrelated skills or experiences. For example, your ability to drive a limousine or remodel a house might be impressive, but these details are irrelevant to a teaching role. Focus exclusively on experiences and skills that align with the job description.
Construct the Right Kind of Resume
When pursuing teaching positions, mainly through online job boards, it’s crucial to have a well-written, keyword-rich resume that can pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job description, so ensure your resume includes terms directly related to teaching and education.
Additionally, create multiple file formats of your resume, such as MS Word, Rich Text, Text, and PDF, to accommodate different submission preferences. Make sure your files are easily editable so you can tailor your resume and cover letter for each position. For example, if applying for a primary school teaching role, emphasize classroom management skills, lesson planning for young learners, and any experience with early childhood education.
Be Grammatically Correct
Before submitting your resume, check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Use tools like Grammarly or have a colleague review your document to ensure clarity and professionalism. A polished resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for educators.
The quicker a school principal can navigate through your resume, the sooner you may secure an interview and, ultimately, the position you desire. To streamline the process, make a comprehensive list of your education, experience, specialized skills, and attributes before drafting your resume. This preparation ensures your resume is both practical and targeted.
