Here is our ECT guide on how to write your CV, what to include and how to present it; we have a link to our free ECT digital handbook or you can view our ECT support section here.
In our digital handbook, we have done our best to support ECTs to prepare them for their first teaching, it includes how to write your CV as well as other information tailored to ECTs, which you can download for free via our support section. The handbook includes all your need-to-know information to prepare you for your ECT interview and first day of work. To give you a snapshot of it, we have highlighted here a guide to how to write your CV; remember your CV will most likely be picked up by the headteacher, so crafting it correctly will increase your chances of impressing at a senior level; it should be no more than 2 A4 pages.
How to write your CV for ECTs:
Personal Statement
This section should be specifically tailored to the teaching position that you are applying for and state very clearly why you are applying for the post. Reassure the school that you are a suitable candidate by giving evidence; your examples should state how you have added value.
Employment History
This is your opportunity to really highlight your experience, achievements, and responsibilities. Your work history should be ordered in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position first and then working backwards. Mention placements and other previous roles too, even if they were not teaching related. Schools are always on the lookout for fresh talent, and they will consider the transferable skills you may have picked up from jobs outside of a school.
Education
There are a variety of routes into teaching, so make sure that you make it clear when you qualified to be a teacher and how – was it a degree in Education or a PGCE, for example? Also, be clear what area of teaching you specialise in. If you have acquired any other professional qualifications, then be sure to list these as well. Useful courses could include incorporating more IT in the classroom, first aid training, or how to work more effectively with teaching assistants. Whichever course you choose to focus on, it demonstrates that you are committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Core Skills
When selecting core skills, look at your previous roles for transferable and/or job-related skills. Transferable skills such as time or people management are sought after at any job level. Teachers of all subjects are expected to be proficient at using types of IT software, so if you have used teaching programmes or interactive white boards, it is a good idea to mention these. Language and organisational skills are also important, providing you reinforce them with concrete examples.
References
Regarding your references, you don’t have to include these on your CV; you can instead add a section at the bottom of your CV that says, ‘references available upon request’.
Contact Details
Email Address: Keep your email address simple and professional, preferably just your first and last name. Avoid nicknames or random words and numbers as it looks unprofessional. Telephone Number: Make sure this is an update-to-date number, preferably your mobile number rather than your landline number. Include your full address and post code.
Most nearly qualified ECTs are placed between January and July each year and its essential you are placed in the right role, as your first teaching assignment will have an enormous impact on your view of teaching for the future. Statistics suggest 20% of ECTs leave within their first two years of teaching so it’s best to avoid being placed in an unsuitable school. View government changes to ECT induction programmes here