Our Top Tips for Writing a CV

Writing a strong CV is the first step to securing your next role in education. Whether you're applying for a teaching job, a teaching assistant position, or another school-based role, your CV needs to make an immediate impact.

Did you know? Research shows that recruiters spend just 6–8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to shortlist or move on. That’s why it’s essential your CV is clear, concise, and tailored to the role you're applying for.

Flourish Education Teaching Agency's top tips on writing a CV

Here are our top CV writing tips to help you stand out and land that all-important interview:

Keep It Short and Relevant

Your CV should ideally be no more than 2 A4 pages. If you're early in your education career, one page may be enough. However, never go over 3 pages – clarity and brevity are key.

Save It as a PDF

Saving your CV as a PDF ensures that it can’t be accidentally edited or reformatted when opened by someone else. It also avoids compatibility issues – some computers may not support Word (.doc/.docx) or Apple Pages files, which means your CV may not display correctly. A PDF guarantees it looks exactly how you intended.

Use a Clear, Consistent Layout

Choose a clean, professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Tahoma. Use bold or slightly larger font sizes for headings and keep the body text no larger than 12pt. Consistent formatting throughout gives your CV a polished, easy-to-read look.

Proofread – and Then Proofread Again

Ask someone else to read over your CV before sending it out. Spelling mistakes, grammar errors, or inconsistent dates are easily missed when you’re reviewing your own work. A fresh pair of eyes can make a big difference.

Use Keywords to Boost Visibility

Recruiters and employers often search online CV databases using specific keywords. Make sure your CV includes variations of your job title and relevant terms. For example, if you’re a School Administrator, also include terms like “Admin Assistant” or “Receptionist.” Teaching Assistants might also be known as Learning Support Assistants or Learning Support Practitioners depending on the school or area.

Tailor Your CV to Each Role

It might seem time-consuming, but tailoring your CV to match each job description significantly increases your chances of being invited for an interview. Prioritise relevant skills, highlight specific experience, and tweak your personal statement to match the role.

Be Honest About Employment Gaps

Leaving unexplained gaps can raise red flags. Be upfront and explain any periods out of work – whether due to travel, caring responsibilities, further study, or something else. You can often present these in a positive light.

 


Need Help With Your CV?

If you’d like professional advice on writing your CV for a teaching or school support role, or you’d like us to proofread it before you send it out, we’re here to help.

Find out what to include in your CV here.

 

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