When looking at hundreds of CVs and letters, what do many school heads want to see? Unless you are sending a speculative application you will have read about the post on their website or in an advert somewhere. Good schools will ask you to send specific documentation: CV, letter of application, photo, statement of philosophy, completed application form, etc. Make sure you send the school what they ask for. Many schools will not read your application if you have not sent what was requested (or if you send lots of unnecessary attachments). Check what is requested and follow their instructions.
CV or Resume Support to Do It Yourself
Application Letter Support to Do It Yourself
CV or Resume
A curriculum vitae (CV) is usually requested by British style establishments and a resume is often requested by US style establishments. Whilst they have similar information, a resume is typically one page long and a CV will be two pages. Any more than two pages and many schools will stop reading, the exception is listing your referees which can go on a separate page if needed. The purpose of the CV or resume is to get noticed by the school and to let them know why you are going to be worth their time to find out more about you. Good CVs and resumes will have the following:
Sense of organisation in your writing
How your CV looks and is organised will give the important first impression, in high density applications this may even decide if your application is read or not.
Photograph
Many schools request a recent headshot photo as part of your application, this is usually for safeguarding purposes to recognise who is being interviewed or arrives at the school. Do not use photos from a night out or photos of you with children. Formal but friendly.
Personal Details
Address, contact phone number, email address, marital status, number of dependents, etc. Date of birth is not required but age is as some countries have age restrictions for working visas. No need for your passport number at this stage but a teaching reference number e.g. DfE can be useful.
Personal Statement
Some Heads of School prefer to see a small statement about you and some do not. If you choose to use one, make it count. A couple of direct sentences that sums up who you are as a professional educator. Similar to a LinkedIn profile.
Education
Reverse chronological order with most recent / current qualification first. Include dates started / completed, what the subject / qualification is and where it was studied. Lists of I/GCSEs are not needed, though stating your A levels (or equivalent) can be helpful.
Employment
Reverse chronological order with most recent / current employment first. Include full name of school worked at and include the location city as well as the country. Indicate the position of employment held and if only a couple of schools listed, a brief description of responsibilities. Make sure there are no time gaps in your education or employment history that are not explained.
Professional Development
List your relevant professional development in the past five years, though no longer than ten years if you have the space to fill. You can also include membership of relevant professional bodies.
Interests
A small section, list or paragraph about you and your interests, what you like to do in your spare time. This can help with extra curricular clubs and also give a sense of individuality for schools to get to know you better. Often information from here can be used to 'chat about' in interviews, it may uncover similar interests with your interviewer.
Referees
Three referees from your current and previous school and include contact details: email and phone number, as well as their role and where from. First referee is typically your current Head of School. If the school you are applying to asks for referees, do not have 'referees available on request' , they have requested, so provide the names and contact details. It is a courtesy to let your referees know in advance they may be getting contacted by potential new schools.
Follow our 8 step video guide:
An Introduction to Writing a CV
Download and watch this video tutorial to support yourself when writing your CV or resume,
then do the same for writing your letter of application.
then do the same for writing your letter of application.
|
CV writing course for 29.99
|
Both CV and Letter writing courses
|
Letter of Application / Supporting Letter
If you have written a good CV, the chances are the school will want to know more about you. A supporting letter of application is your opportunity to sell yourself and it's purpose is to get you noticed to be called for an interview.
Good letters are well written and presented, typically on to two pages in length, they tell a story about your professional career, educational beliefs, why you want to work at the school you have written to, and what you will bring to the school that makes you better than the other candidates.
Always address the letter to the Head of School by name. Do your research, check their website, all good schools will name the school leader. Unless the advert asks otherwise, use the Head / Principal's formal name e.g. Dear Dr Smith, Mr Smith, Mrs Smith, Ms Smith, etc. or even Dear Mr John Smith, or Mrs Joan Smith, etc. This also means you should end your letter with yours sincerely, not faithfully or best wishes or regards, etc.
In the same manner, check your spelling, punctuasion and grammar. Nearly all word processors include red and blue squiggly lines for words and phrases you need to check. Did you see how punctuation was spelt incorrectly just before? Do the same for your letters, check and re-read. If you use a template, make sure you have changed all the words and phrases that need changing. Especially school names!
Letters should tell a story, where you are now, what you are doing, where have you been, why you want to come to the new school, what skills or opportunities you will bring and how your experiences will support this. There are many ways you can present yourself but make it personal to the school you are writing to. Use the school's name, try to reference information that is specific to them from their website (but don't simply copy).
If you have a strong CV and letter the school will most likely want to interview you and find out more. Good interviews will use information from your CV and letter to ask you to discuss more.
Good letters are well written and presented, typically on to two pages in length, they tell a story about your professional career, educational beliefs, why you want to work at the school you have written to, and what you will bring to the school that makes you better than the other candidates.
Always address the letter to the Head of School by name. Do your research, check their website, all good schools will name the school leader. Unless the advert asks otherwise, use the Head / Principal's formal name e.g. Dear Dr Smith, Mr Smith, Mrs Smith, Ms Smith, etc. or even Dear Mr John Smith, or Mrs Joan Smith, etc. This also means you should end your letter with yours sincerely, not faithfully or best wishes or regards, etc.
In the same manner, check your spelling, punctuasion and grammar. Nearly all word processors include red and blue squiggly lines for words and phrases you need to check. Did you see how punctuation was spelt incorrectly just before? Do the same for your letters, check and re-read. If you use a template, make sure you have changed all the words and phrases that need changing. Especially school names!
Letters should tell a story, where you are now, what you are doing, where have you been, why you want to come to the new school, what skills or opportunities you will bring and how your experiences will support this. There are many ways you can present yourself but make it personal to the school you are writing to. Use the school's name, try to reference information that is specific to them from their website (but don't simply copy).
If you have a strong CV and letter the school will most likely want to interview you and find out more. Good interviews will use information from your CV and letter to ask you to discuss more.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar - check and check again then get a critical friend to check
- Incorrect information - it is very annoying if email addresses or phone numbers are wrong
- Wrong names - make sure you have the correct school name and name of school leader
- Bad choice of photo - formal but friendly is the best advice
- Using clichés in writing and graphics - try not to use jargon or trendy graphics
- Bad formatting - always send PDF versions
- Poor layout - what you send is a representation of you and your work
- Time gaps - clear timeline of what you have been doing and where you have been from leaving school to present day
- Too long or too short- stick to one or two pages
Follow our 8 step video guide:
An Introduction to Writing a Letter of Application
Download and watch this video tutorial to support yourself when writing your Letter of Application,
then do the same for your CV or resume.
then do the same for your CV or resume.
|
Letter writing course for 29.99
|
Both CV and Letter writing courses
|
Create your own CV and Letters
with guidance and templates from across the web:
with guidance and templates from across the web:
If you would like a review of your new documents
contact us when you are ready.
contact us when you are ready.
"I used your advice and re-wrote my CV and within weeks had got offers for three interviews."
Kerry B, Canada
"Thank you IH. I am certain using your website has helped me get my first international teaching post."
Kristel V, USA
