If you’re applying for a headteacher job, you want your CV to stand out for all the right reasons.
But what statements do you need to include? And how can you back them up with evidence?
Here’s some advice to help you ensure that your CV delivers what the governors are looking for, and on how you can find the experiences that will make you the perfect candidate.
Headteacher CV: your pedagogy pedigree
Experience of teaching and learning is absolutely essential for every headship CV.
However, in your current role you might not have much opportunity to make an impact on whole-school teaching and learning.
The good news is that you can gain fantastic experience to update your credentials in this area - all you need to do is think beyond the classrooms in your school.
For example, why not make contact with university education departments and find out about what they are researching? Look on the National Foundation for Educational Research website . There may be opportunities to get involved in research projects.
More on teacher job applications:
Keep your knowledge of teaching and learning current by listening to podcasts and attending teaching and learning events such as those run by the Chartered College of Teaching, WomenEd, ResearchEd or TeachMeet.
You can then share any findings with colleagues by setting up a weekly drop-in session in your school.
Understand the big picture
Governors will always be interested in what you have done to strengthen your community.
It could be working with employers, facilitating parent learning schemes or delivering information sessions about the school across the community.
Showing your commitment to a shared vision and moral purpose is vital. In my own school a number of years ago, there were daily complaints about litter in the area. Residents said this was caused by students, and this was damaging the reputation of the school.
The solution was the “Big Tidy Up”. This litter-picking project had impact and helped community relations, as well as giving students and staff a sense of collective responsibility and achievement.
If you can do something similar, it would definitely show the kind of leadership and community focus a headteacher needs.
Network, a lot
Schools work effectively when people work together. Governors want their headteachers to be outward-looking and collaborative, so it helps to show how you have partnered up with others.
Social media has made it easy to reach out and create networks wherever you are. If there isn’t a learning hub or professional learning community in your area, start one; if there is, join one.
Use moderation and standardisation of work to network across schools. The time and effort you put in will reap benefits for learners in your school and experience points for your CV.
Make like a mentor
Learning to be a good coach is key for a career in school leadership.
There are coaching qualifications that you can take, but these are often expensive. So make it your mission to seek out other ways of learning about coaching.
A good place to start might be the Chartered College of Teaching website to see what it has on offer.
Hone your skills by coaching others. In addition, find yourself a coach. Find out who coaches in your school and ask them for help.
Coaching others shows a commitment to training and development. And being coached demonstrates one of the most desirable leadership attributes: that of reflective practitioner. It tells the governors of a school that you are emotionally intelligent, goal-orientated and keen to learn.
Don’t forget the extras
Don’t forget to show the panel that their prospective headteacher has a life outside of school. Are you a prolific fundraiser, volunteer or artist? Do you play in a rock band or did you build your own home or trek across Nepal?
Talk about the reasons for your activities and what impact they make on your life, as well as any skills you have learned along the way.
This gives any shortlisting panel the essence of who you are.
If you can turn your words into a lust for life that jumps off the page, your CV is definitely ready to take you to interview.
Ruth Golding is deputy headteacher inclusion and designated safeguarding lead at Tor Bridge High, Plymouth
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