Name and contact details not on all pages
If laid out correctly, the header should instantly provide the reader with your name and contact detail and it should be on every page. Don’t make the recruiter hunt for this basic information.
Adding a photo
You want your teacher CV to be judged on the merits of your achievements, skills and work history. You do not want a recruiter to judge your suitability for a position based on your appearance at this stage. Apart from this, a photograph is very subjective and no matter how professional recruiters are, there is always room for bias as they are, after all, only human.
Missing or inappropriate email address
A teaching CV is effectively a sales brochure of you, the professional teacher. Why would you either omit your email address from your CV or worse still use an inappropriate email address?
No clear section headings
To increase the readability of a CV it is advisable to break the CV up into relevant sections. These sections should each have a header that is differentiated from the bulk of the CV text by using bold or underlined text, just like this article.
No bullet points
Large chunks of text are very hard to read. To increase your chances of making that first selection, you need to ensure that the pertinent information is clearly visible and the easiest way to achieve this is with the use of bullet points.
Reverse chronological order not used
Writing your CV in reverse chronological order is the most advisable order should you be using the chronological CV format. Using this order requires you to place your most recent work history at the top of the employment section of the CV and work backwards in time.
Excessive details on interests and hobbies
Listing of all your interests is unwise as it only adds to the length of your CV and could distract the reader from the more important aspects. Only include interests they demonstrate skills useful to the workplace such as team sports
Adding date of birth to personal details
Under data protection guidelines, the inclusion of a date of birth on a CV is considered unwise. Should these details fall into the wrong hands, they could be used for the basis of identity theft.
Including details of references
Include referenced on a teacher CV adds more detail which creates more opportunity for distraction, plus you could be opening the door to the referees being plagued with calls from recruiters which could have an adverse effect on your future relationship.
Spelling mistakes typos
A CV is no place for these errors. The only way to avoid this is to proofread your CV
CV over 2 pages in length
For a highly experienced teacher this can prove difficult, however, under no circumstances should a teacher CV be longer than 2 pages. Keeping the CV short improves the readability and ensures that the key achievements aren’t lost amongst a wealth of waffle!
Gaps in employment history
Don’t leave gaps in your career history and qualifications unexplained. They will only create questions in the recruiters mind and stop you from getting an invitation to interview. Add an explanation to justify the disjointed nature of your CV and settle the recruiters curiosity.
Wrong Person
Create a professional image. Ensure your CV is written in 3rd person and sticks with this throughout the CV
Colours
Unless you are working in the design industry its best not to include colour in your CV. It’s a very subjective subject and why run the risk of losing an interview because the recruiter was put off by your colour scheme.