Creating a Teacher Resume that Stands out
Creating a teacher resume can feel like an overwhelming task for many, especially when you’re looking at a potentially daunting job search. We recently sat down with Marie Morris to discuss resume writing with the goal to debunk some of the scary parts of the process.
Keep Your Resume Clean
Your resume is not the time to show off your flair for color, clipart, and decor. You want your resume to be professional and very easy to read.
Research shows that hiring managers (aka principals) will spend 6 seconds scanning your resume to determine if they want to place you in the rejection pile. Your resume needs to be very easy to read and should highlight your top strengths and experience.
If you are adding color or your photo, make sure it augments your resume for easier reading and understanding of your experience.
Diversify Your Work and Personal Experience
Your work experience is a no brainer on your resume but your personal experience and interests can catch the eye of a future employer. Spend time going back through your life experiences and see if your interests make you attractive to an employer.
Love to travel? Use that to show that you would be willing to lead a cultural club at your school. Did you start your own successful Etsy store - you may be the perfect candidate to lead fundraising at your school.
Use your hobbies and interests to show that you will be willing to contribute to the greater good of the school and community.
Personalize Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Use your cover letter to tailor your resume/cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.
This is where you can speak to their particular school culture and goals. Check out the school's website, social media, and marketing to see what types of clubs and activities are going on at each school and highlight the strengths that you have that align with the school.
Principals and school leaders are looking for candidates who want to be part of the staff for the long haul and are willing to contribute to staff and student activities.
