Are you an overseas teacher looking to apply for jobs in the UK? Writing a CV to the UK standard can be tricky, especially if you are used to writing them in a different format. Fortunately, there are some key tips you can follow to make sure your CV is up to scratch and meets the expectations of UK employers. In this blog post, we’ll be going through five of the top tips for writing an overseas teacher CV to the UK standard.
1) Elaborate on your experience
When writing your CV as an overseas teacher, it’s important to take the time to really highlight your experience. This means going beyond simply listing your past jobs and including details that showcase what you bring to the table. Focus on highlighting skills and competencies, any relevant certifications or qualifications, and of course the achievements you are proud of. Make sure to be specific about the responsibilities you had in previous positions, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Don’t forget to include transferable skills like leadership, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork that you have developed in your career. Remember that employers are looking for someone with the knowledge and abilities to hit the ground running, so be sure to include anything that could make you stand out from the competition.
2) Education and grades
When writing your CV as an overseas teacher, it is important to include all of your educational qualifications, including the institution where you received your degree. You should also include any relevant certifications or qualifications that are related to teaching. In addition, be sure to include your grade point averages (GPAs) and any awards or accolades you may have received during your studies. If you are applying for a role that requires specific coursework or a certain grade, make sure you include this information in your CV. Finally, provide accurate dates of completion for each course and/or program. By providing this information, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the educational background necessary for the role.
3) Dates
When listing dates on your CV, make sure to be accurate and consistent. Use the same date format throughout and if you’re using a US format, use month/year instead of the British standard day/month/year. Additionally, when you list a range of dates, make sure to include both start and end dates, such as “August 2018 - June 2020”. Dates should be in chronological order, starting with the earliest and ending with the most recent. Also, don’t forget to include any breaks in employment and to list them accurately.
Finally, make sure that your dates are easy to read and understand by providing detailed information such as full month names or abbreviations. If a job has lasted over one year, try to express it in terms of the years and months, for example “March 2016 - January 2017 (11 months)”. This helps employers to get an overview of your work history at a glance.
4) Check your grammar
It’s important to check your grammar when writing a CV. Many recruiters will judge your CV based on the quality of your writing, so it is essential to have correct grammar and spelling. The UK standard for grammar is quite strict, so you should use a good online grammar and spellchecker before submitting your CV. Additionally, if you are applying from an English-speaking country, it is important to make sure that the spelling and grammar conventions used in your CV match those of the UK. In particular, if you are applying from the United States, ensure that you spell words correctly (e.g. ‘organisation’ instead of ‘organization’).
It is also important to check for any typos. Typos can suggest that you have not taken the time or care to proofread your CV thoroughly, which may lead recruiters to think that you are not a serious candidate. Read through your CV several times, and ask someone else to review it as well. Pay attention to the details – check that dates, job titles, names of companies and other information are accurate. This will help to ensure that your CV stands out from the crowd and conveys that you are a professional and reliable candidate.
5) Use a professional tone
When writing a CV, it is essential to maintain a professional tone. This means avoiding overly informal language and slang, and being aware of the cultural conventions of the area you’re applying to. When applying for jobs in the UK, it is important to be aware of their standards. Keep your language formal and free from any errors. Additionally, make sure you sound confident and enthusiastic, while still being polite and respectful. Avoid any phrases or terms that may appear too casual or too flippant.
Your CV should be clear and concise and show off your skills and knowledge without being overly wordy. Make sure that everything you include on your CV is relevant to the position you are applying for. Take the time to tailor your CV for each job you apply for, as this can make a big difference in how employers view your application. Finally, double-check your CV for any typos or mistakes before submitting it.