Check your teacher CV against the job advert
Teaching adverts check your status, your subject and phase, then look for evidence that pupils learn well with you. Here's how to show it without invented results.
Start with your advert
Every teacher advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What teacher adverts usually ask for
Qualified teacher status and phase
Why they askMost state school roles need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or an Early Career Teacher (ECT) who's completing induction.
How to show itPut QTS, your training route, phase and subject at the top. If you're an ECT, say which year of induction you're in.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Qualified Teacher Status ([year]), [training route]; [subject] teacher, [phase or age range].
- Early Career Teacher, [year 1 or 2] of induction, at [type of school].
Subject knowledge and curriculum
Why they askSecondary adverts often ask for the ability to teach to GCSE or A level, or to teach a second subject.
How to show itList the key stages, exam boards and courses you've taught.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Taught [subject] at Key Stages [3, 4, 5], including [exam board] GCSE and [other courses].
Pupil progress and assessment
Why they askSchools want evidence you know how pupils are doing and act on it.
How to show itDescribe how you assess and adapt. Use results only if you have real, shareable figures.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Used [assessment method] to identify gaps and planned [intervention or reteaching] for [group].
Behaviour and relationships
Why they askCalm, consistent behaviour management is one of the first things heads ask about.
How to show itShow how you set routines and follow the school's policy.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Built clear routines with [year group] classes, following the school's behaviour policy.
Adapting for SEND and wider contribution
Why they askAdverts ask for adaptive teaching for pupils with SEND, and often for clubs, trips or responsibilities.
How to show itGive one line on adapting teaching, and one on what you contribute beyond lessons.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Adapted lessons for pupils with [needs], working with the SENCo and teaching assistants.
- Ran [club or activity] for [year groups] [how often].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost teacher applications
- Burying QTS, subject and phase.
- Copying the Teachers' Standards instead of giving examples.
- Quoting exam results you can't back up or that weren't yours to claim.
Questions
Do teachers use a CV or an application form?
Many schools use an application form with a supporting statement, partly for safer recruitment checks. Keep a CV for agencies and independent schools.