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Career transition can be exciting, yet challenging, for teachers seeking new horizons beyond the classroom. Resumes for teachers are powerful tools and crucial for those wanting to leave teaching for a new career. Resumes for teachers need to showcase skills, experiences, and potential to employers in different fields.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the secrets of a compelling resume tailored specifically for teachers transitioning careers. So, grab a cup of inspiration, get ready to redefine your path, and let’s dive into the art of resume writing for teachers leaving the classroom.
When you’re already overloaded and possibly burnt out, the thought of having to apply for another job or even create a resume can be over-whelming let alone applying for a job outside of teaching. It doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal and you can create a resume that really highlights the amazing skills that you have. Firstly, you need to think about the accomplishments that you have made as a teacher. Think about the amazing things you can do and don’t forget it’s actually good to brag a bit about how awesome you are.
A Cover Letter is another tool
In addition to your resume, don’t forget you need a cover letter too! This needs to be specific and you need to change it for each job you’re applying for, don’t use a generic letter. You want to show off your expertise but also show that you took the time to actually research the company that you are applying for. Think about how your skills will be useful for the job you’re applying to work for. Just remember you don’t need to write a novel, keep it short and sweet. Introduce yourself, show off your skills, show your enthusiasm for the job and why you think the company needs you! Why wouldn’t they hire you! You are awesome, they just need to see it.
You are more than a ‘teacher’
It’s important that we think of ourselves as more than just a ‘teacher’ when applying for roles outside the classroom. It will also depend on the industry that you want to venture into as to what sort of language you might need to use on your resume. If you are staying within the education field, jargon such as pedagogy and curriculum might be suitable. However, if you’re going for a corporate position and completely out the realm of teaching then you might need to do a bit of research and creatively link your experiences to those more suitable for the position you’re applying for. Remember to look at the advertisement for the job, usually employers embed the keywords they are looking for in their role descriptions. You might have to address selection criteria as well, make sure you read what is asked of you carefully and respond simply. Make sure you really address the question or statement. Think about your skills from teaching and how they are relevant to the selection criteria.
Create an Eye Catching Heading
Capture the attention of employers by creating a captivating heading that highlights your unique journey as an educator. Be honest about your transition from teaching to the corporate world. It’s important that you find an employer who will embrace your expertise and unique qualities. It’s pointless not being upfront about where you’re coming from. Why not use it to your advantage and show off your creativity, it might be just what you need to stand out in the crowd.
For example, consider a heading like “Educator Extraordinaire: New Possibilities Beyond the Classroom” or “Transformative Teacher Turned Innovator: Embracing New Challenges.“
Show your Passion and Adaptability
Infuse your resume with a conversational tone that reflects your enthusiasm and adaptability. Showcasing your ability to connect with students, colleagues and carers can translate into valuable skills for various roles. Demonstrate your flexibility and eagerness to take on new challenges, emphasising your passion for continuous learning.
Align your skills with New Fields
Take the time to research your target industries and job roles. Identify the transferable skills gained from your teaching career that align with the requirements of your desired field. Tailor your resume to demonstrate how your teaching skills can seamlessly transfer to the new role.
Example: “Having researched the marketing and design industry extensively, I recognise that my communication, design and presentation skills acquired as a teacher are highly valued. By connecting with professionals in the field, I have gained insights into the key skills required for success. I am extremely proficient in the Microsoft suite, Adobe, Photoshop and Canva.”
Highlight Transferable Skills
While transitioning out of teaching, emphasise transferable skills that hold value in different contexts. Highlight skills such as communication, leadership, organisation, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively. These skills are highly sought after by employers across industries. Skills such as goal setting, planning, stakeholder relationships, data analysis, conflict resolution and customer service are all skills used daily in teaching and very transferrable in the corporate world.
Example: “As an educator, I have honed my communication and leadership skills by effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including students, parents, and colleagues. My ability to adapt to changing circumstances and creatively solve problems makes me a valuable asset in any team setting.”
Leverage your Teaching Achievements
Although your previous roles may seem specific to education, there are undoubtedly achievements that are applicable to your new career path. Emphasise accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to drive results, manage projects, and positively impact individuals or teams. As teachers we use data and numbers all of the time. Analysing and interpreting data is a highly regarded skill in the corporate world and you have a multitude of experience in this area. Ensure that this stands out if the role requires it.
Example, “Developed and delivered a staff training program in models of leadership, mentoring and team building which increased staff involvement in mentoring and leadership structures from 20% to over 70% in the space of 3 months. It also raised the general view of staff culture from a negative space of 20% to 80%.”
Example: “As a teacher, I successfully implemented innovative teaching strategies that resulted in a 20% increase in student engagement and improved academic performance. My experience in managing and coordinating extracurricular programs showcases my ability to multitask, organise events, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders.”
Professional Development and Training
Include any professional development, certifications, or specialised training you have undertaken to enhance your skills beyond teaching. Highlight courses or programs that are relevant to your target industry or desired role. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. If you have been in a leadership or mentoring role this is also a great one to highlight.
Example: “Investing in my professional growth, I completed a digital marketing certification to develop a strong foundation in online marketing strategies, social media management, and data analytics. This training has equipped me with the necessary skills to contribute to marketing teams in a dynamic and evolving landscape.”
Showcase any personal projects, side ventures, or volunteer work that align with your new career direction. Highlight the impact and outcomes of these projects, emphasising the skills and experiences gained from them. This demonstrates your proactive nature, initiative, and passion for making a difference beyond the classroom.
Personal Projects and Community Involvement
Example: “In addition to my teaching role, I initiated a coding club for middle school students, introducing them to basic programming concepts. Through this project, I developed my project management skills, fostered teamwork and problem-solving abilities, and witnessed the transformative impact of technology education on young minds.”
Optimise the Resume Format
Create a visually appealing and well-organised resume that allows employers to quickly grasp your qualifications and experiences. Utilise bullet points, headings, and subheadings to structure information effectively. Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases to enhance visibility and pass through applicant tracking systems. Keep your resume simple, don’t use colour, it needs to look professional. Make sure when you save your file it’s a PDF or Doc not an image.
Perfecting the Final Touch
Before submitting your resume, proofread and edit to ensure its flawless presentation. Eliminate any spelling or grammar errors, and ensure consistency in formatting and style. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or professional mentors to gain valuable insights and make necessary improvements.
Key points to remember in Resumes for Teachers…
As you navigate the process of writing your resume, it’s important to keep in mind these key points:
- Tailor your resume to each specific job application: Avoid using a generic resume for all the positions you apply for. Customise your resume for each job, highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific role. This shows employers that you’ve put thought and effort into your application.
- Use action verbs and quantify your achievements: When describing your experiences and accomplishments, use strong action verbs to convey a sense of impact and initiative. Additionally, whenever possible, provide quantifiable results to demonstrate the outcomes of your efforts. For example, instead of saying, “Improved student engagement,” you could say, “Increased student engagement by 20% through the implementation of interactive teaching strategies.”
- Emphasise your adaptability and willingness to learn: Employers value candidates who are adaptable and eager to learn new skills. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully adapted to change or taken on new challenges in your teaching career. This showcases your ability to thrive in different environments and indicates your willingness to embrace growth.
- Leverage technology and digital skills: In today’s digital age, proficiency in technology is highly valued across industries. Highlight any experience or skills you have with educational technology, learning management systems, data analysis tools, or any other relevant digital platforms. This demonstrates your ability to navigate technology and adapt to digital workflows.
- Showcase your teamwork and collaboration skills: Collaboration is a key aspect of many professional settings. As a teacher, you’ve likely worked closely with other educators, administrators, parents, and even community members. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects, teamwork, and effective communication to showcase your ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
- Include relevant certifications and professional affiliations: If you have obtained any certifications or memberships in professional organisations that are relevant to your new career path, be sure to include them. These demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development and can boost your credibility in the eyes of potential employers.
Remember, the goal of your resume is to grab the attention of employers and convince them that you have the skills, experiences, and passion necessary to excel in their organisation. By incorporating these tips and strategies, you can create a compelling resume that effectively communicates your value and increases your chances of landing your desired job.
Do You need extra help with your resume?
If you are finding crafting a resume to suit your chosen field is too difficult we recommend you contact the brilliant Kate Langford.
Kate Langford owns two businesses (Kate Langford Career Consulting and Kate Langford Business Consulting) She is passionate about helping people find their passion and genius zone in both careers and/or starting a business for themselves. She has over 18 years’ experience in leading recruitment businesses, Human Resources, Recruitment and started her own in 2018. She holds a Grad Cert. in Career Development, Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of HR and a Diploma in Management.
Leading a team of 15 and servicing Australia wide and NZ in her businesses, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to leave the career as a Teacher behind and find a new role in a different industry! It can be overwhelming and daunting when you are not sure what transferable skills you have, especially how to create a resume that is NOT based around teaching! If you want help with this transition, want to gain confidence and get the tools to make it happen, get in touch www.katelangford.com.au/book-appointment
Kate would like to offer our Exit Stage Teach Community 15% off all services using the code: KLCCEXIT at checkout.
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