CVs & Personal Statements
As an educator, you’ll know that the way information is presented and expressed is just as important as the content itself. A CV works the same way – if you have fantastic CV content, but your presentation falls short, you can lose the attention of employers and miss out on landing your ideal job role! At cvapp.nz, we offer professional designs that cater to a variety of industries and professions. We’ve compiled this guide to help you secure your next teaching role!
Your first point-of-call will be your personal statement. Personal statements are the introduction to your professional profile. In around 3-6 sentences, you’ll want to introduce who you are and your career aspirations to employers. Use descriptive, actionable verbs and language to highlight any stand-out career achievements and motivations for applying for this role. Check out some great examples here:
Passionate and productive educator with extensive experience in early childhood education. Committed to exploring the unique talents and interests of each student. Dedicated to supporting the individual learning journeys of students and unlocking the potential of New Zealand's future leaders.
Employment History: where experience meets opportunity
The employment history section on your CV demonstrates your experience and skills to potential employers. This section should include a comprehensive summary of your previous employment experiences, including the name of the employer, your job title, length of employment, and notable tasks or achievements accomplished during your time in your role.
As an educator, it is essential to provide as much detail as possible regarding your previous teaching positions, including the name of the school or institution, grade level, and subjects taught. For instance, you may want to highlight any innovative teaching methods you use in the classroom, ways you helped improve student performance, or your contribution to developing a new curriculum. Always try to include numbers or figures to demonstrate your impact where possible.
Additionally, it's also important to tailor your employment history section to the job description. We recommend incorporating keywords from the description text throughout your CV -- provided it's in the right places! That said, look out for specific requirements and qualifications that an employer is looking for and try to match them with your experience.
If you're struggling to find the right words or structure when writing this section, our cvapp.nz website has several examples to help inspire you. Just keep in mind that your employment history section should be clear, concise, and demonstrate why you're the best candidate for the role. Check out a great example of an educator’s employment section here:
Year 5 Teacher, St Sylvester Primary School, Kerikeri
January 2015 — Present
- Engaged each student's interests and encouraged cultural inclusivity in the classroom
- Created classroom plans tailored to student's interests and the New Zealand curriculum
- Supervised Year 5 students and ensured each student's safety and well-being needs were met in accordance with New Zealand health and safety regulations
- Met with parents to discuss the individual needs of students and made classroom provisions for students with additional needs
- Developed the St Sylvester Primary Healthy Eating Plan to encourage healthy lunch choices at school
- Organised school trips to the Kerikeri Pools, Auckland Zoo and National New Zealand Aquarium in accordance with New Zealand health and safety regulations
- Created the St Sylvester Anti-Bullying Campaign to raise awareness of bullying and how to prevent bullying at school
Early Childhood Educator, Cove Point Kindergarten, Kerikeri
August 2012 — November 2014
- Collaborated with other staff and educators to create a healthy, safe and fun environment for each child
- Communicated with parents and created progress reports for each child
- Created family-friendly events for families and children at Cove Point Kindergarten to express their individuality, including costume days and cultural food days
- Taught children basic arithmetic and reading comprehension skills
Skills: showcase your professional superpowers
Today’s job market is highly competitive, and employers are looking for candidates who have the right combination of expertise, experience, and skills. When it comes to your skills section, it’s important to highlight the depth of what you can bring to the classroom. A well-crafted skills section should include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific, technical abilities that can be measured, such as language proficiency, computer skills, and specialised training. Soft skills are more interpersonal, intangible qualities that are more difficult to quantify, such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Some key technical skills that could be worth adding to your profile could be knowledge of specific teaching methods, familiarity with grading systems, lesson planning software proficiency, and experience with classroom management tools. As important as technical skills are, soft skills such as communication and adaptability are becoming increasingly critical in today's teaching environment. Teachers who can make learning engaging and interactive, handle challenging situations with patience, and connect well with students and colleagues are in high demand.
When it comes to building your skills section, it’s always a good idea to read the job posting carefully before applying. You may see specific skill sets or keywords that are emphasized that you can then try to incorporate into your profile. Remember, the key is to highlight what makes you unique and what specific skills and qualities you bring to the table.
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
- Computer Skills
- Classroom Management
- Effective Time Management
- Leadership Skills
- Microsoft Office
Education: illustrate your educational journey
Since you're an educator, you're well aware of the significance of education and how it can impact one's career. In your education section, it's important to highlight your tertiary qualifications. Additionally, including your registration from the New Zealand Teachers Council may also enhance your profile, although it's not always essential. Don't forget to showcase any exceptional grades, training, scholarships or academic accomplishments that can set you apart from candidates. Potential employers will pay close attention to this section, so be sure to highlight your academic accomplishments. Check out our example below for more inspiration:
Graduate Diploma in Teaching, The University of Auckland, Auckland
June 2011 — February 2012
Bachelor of Teaching, The University of Auckland , Auckland
February 2007 — May 2011
NCEA Level 3, Kerikeri High School, Kerikeri
January 2004 — December 200L
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