- Avoid using horizontal lines as the computerized applicant tracking systems that most school districts use may misread them as the end of the document so that your resume never even gets read. With this in mind, then, the entire document should have as simple formatting as possible.
- Because employers look at resumes for around only 30 seconds, it is best to have the most relevant and important information as close to the top of your resume as possible.
- Each bullet point should answer the question 鈥淲hy am I unique?鈥� and complete the sentence: 鈥淚 am an effective teacher because...鈥�
- Your resume is you at your best. So, rather than being a generic document vaguely describing the basics of your various roles, it should instead be a collection of your greatest accomplishments in each of your positions.
- Be as specific as possible. Remember that you want to paint a full picture of who you are as a professional. So, this means that you鈥檒l want to address all aspects of the teaching job, not only the instruction part. For instance, consider touching on these topics throughout your resume: Interpersonal skills (with your colleagues), assessment (measuring student success either/or short/long term), classroom management, and self-analysis (reflective practice).
- Employers no longer expect to see 鈥淚nterests鈥� on a resume. If you are willing to supervise an extracurricular activity or club based in one of your interests, you can incorporate that into your objective statement.
- References should be placed in a separate document that has the same header as your resume.
Helen L. Roy
Career Readiness Advisor
National Louis University - Chicago, IL