If you want to stand out from everyone else, create a strong teaching resume with ‘wow factor’. Our 5 top tips for resume writing will help you get noticed by potential employers that you would like to work for. This blog focuses on what to include in your resume to make it not only sound good but look good too.
Over the years we have seen thousands of resumes. The best are clear, easy to read, include information relevant to the position being applied for, and are short, 1-2 pages maximum.
Generic Resumes sent out to 50 different employers won't get you your dream job. A generic resume is great for general information about you. If you are applying for a specific position you should always change your resume so that it addresses the selection criteria for that position. No two job applications will be the same so it makes sense that you will need different information in your resume.
Cover letters should be separated from your resume, give a summary of who you are and why you would be the ideal candidate for that position. 2 paragraphs is all potential employers will read. You can however have the first page of your resume as the cover letter and then the second your resume as long as you name the file that way so employers know that's what you have done. Cover letters will be discussed in a separate blog but basically are to address why you would be a good fit for the job that you are applying for.
What is a resume really for?
Resume writing is the first part of the application process for employment. It is designed to give the potential employer enough information to showcase who you are. In short, it's there to get you to the next stage of the application process, the interview. An employer will refer to your resume during an interview and ask you questions about your previous employment. They may ask about your qualifications and anything else you may have included.
Below are our Top Tips for writing your best Teaching Resume
1 - Organise your resume into sections
Try to keep your resume to one page if you can. Use a template to start with and develop it from there. Make it appear clear and concise. Additional information is usually asked for with Key Selection Criteria and this will need to be in a separate document. We will cover key selection criteria in a separate blog. Templates are useful if you would like to add some ‘pop’ to your resume and allow you to present the information effectively. Not to mention, finding a pre-existing template will save you time on formatting the document.
2 - Use a template
Organising your resume into clear sections helps to direct the employer’s attention to elements that make you a potential candidate. Include your full legal name, contact details and VIT number at the top of your resume, then separate the rest of the page into sections like education, achievements, skills etc. Consider only including past employment and skills that are relevant to the teaching industry. If you don't have any teaching experience you can list your previous employment. Eg. Coles as a cashier, Maccas, etc.
3 – Include a career objective/personal summary
This statement should introduce you and your teaching career goals. It should be personalised and written by you, not one found online. Employers can always tell the difference. This powerful statement should give a strong first impression and be about you. Write it how you would say it, don't use words you wouldn't say out loud or have to look up to find the meaning.
4 – Include a section for education & achievements
Include a section that highlights your own education and any relevant achievements. These can be a useful way to prove your academic degree, hard work and skills to potential employers.
5 – Include relevant referees
Most employers will want to contact previous employers to gain further information about you. Leaving this out can sometimes look like a red flag. However, don’t stress if you don’t have any professional referees (ie. If you’re a graduate). You can also include personal references, such as, supervising teacher, university lecturer, real estate agent etc.
Below is an example of a great resume.
The key to writing a perfect resume is to make it relevant for the position you are applying for, and keep it to the point.
There are plenty of websites out there to help you choose a template to stand out. Below are a couple that may help you create a resume that gives the reader a sense of who you are and if you would be good for the position.
https://www.beamjobs.com/resumes/teacher-resume-examples
https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/teacher-resume-examples
