CV Tips for Education Professionals

At Athona Education, we specialise in matching the right candidates to the right schools. Having reviewed hundreds of CVs, we know What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL).

Whether you are a teacher, teaching assistant, or another education professional, these tips will help your CV make a strong impact.

You can send us your CV here, but first, follow these essential tips to maximize your chances:

Keep It Simple
  • Use one colour (usually black) and a clear, professional font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in 10pt-12pt size.
  • Consistency is key: use the same font throughout. Headings can be bolded for emphasis.
  • Avoid using photos, boxes, or flashy colours—these can detract from readability.
Keep It Concise
  • Aim for a two-page CV. While it can be tempting to include everything, long CVs can overwhelm potential employers.
Recommended CV Structure
Contact Details
  • Include your name, phone number, email address, and general location (e.g., Brentwood, Essex).
  • Double-check your contact details to avoid errors that could prevent potential employers from reaching you.
Personal Statement
  • Write a short section at the top of your CV (one paragraph or 3-4 sentences). Highlight your personality, passion for education, and suitability for the role.
Work Experience
  • List your most recent role first. Detail your relevant experience, skills, and personal highlights for each position.
  • Separate each job with a blank line to enhance readability.
Tailor Your CV to the Role
  • Adjust your CV for each application. For instance, emphasize EYFS experience if applying for an Early Years role, or highlight SATs experience for Year 2 or Year 6 positions.
For Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
  • Expand on your placement experiences. Even with limited experience, all classroom exposure is relevant. Use this section to showcase your skills and readiness to contribute.
Address Work Gaps
  • Briefly explain any career gaps, such as “career break to raise children” or “travel” to avoid leaving unanswered questions.
Other Roles
  • Include other jobs, but keep irrelevant ones brief with a few bullet points.
Qualifications
  • Highlight your academic achievements in reverse chronological order. Be specific about degrees and certifications (e.g., “Teaching Assistant Level 3 Diploma”).
Hobbies and Interests
  • Share one or two sentences about hobbies or interests. This personalizes your CV and could add value—for example, mentioning an additional language or coaching a sport.
References
  • Use “references available on request” to maintain control over who contacts your referees.
Use the Correct Perspective
  • Write in the first person (e.g., “I work well in a team…”). Avoid third-person language, as it creates a sense of detachment.
Check Your Work
  • Proofread for spelling and grammar errors. Attention to detail is crucial, especially in education roles.
  • Have a colleague or friend review your CV for additional feedback.
Additional Tips
  • If you are a teacher, use your CV as an opportunity to highlight a unique project, innovative teaching strategy, or extracurricular initiative that you’ve led.
  • Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile to provide employers with more insight into your professional history.
  • Explore online CV templates, such as those offered by Microsoft or My Perfect CV, for inspiration.
Need Help?

Once you’re happy with your CV, send it to us here, and our team will provide feedback. For further advice, contact us at 01277 245840. We’re here to support you.