Special needs teaching assistant CV example

How to add contact details to your special needs teaching assistant CV

Many candidates are so excited to tackle the meatier sections of their special needs teaching assistant CV that they forget to add their current contact details. It might seem like a minor oversight, but it makes it impossible for hiring managers to contact you about the next steps. Hold your horses and ensure to include the following information:

• Full name
• Location
• Phone number
• Email address

Alongside noting these details at the top of your CV, you might like to use a slightly bolder font. Plus, keep it work-appropriate – you’d be surprised how many applicants reach out with silly or even offensive email addresses!

Example of contact section for a special needs teaching assistant CV

Start your special needs teaching assistant CV with a personal statement

Want to stand out from the fierce competition? Create a persuasive personal statement that spotlights your top qualities and proudest accomplishments. This punchy three to four sentence opening paragraph should explain who you are, including years of experience and career focus, what you can achieve, and the unique skills that make you the best person for the job.

You don’t want to overwhelm the reader with pointless information, so keep it short and to the point. Other top tips include:

• Write in the third person to sound more professional
• Use plenty of positive adjectives like “patient” and “motivated”
• Mention any specialisms, such as children with autism
• Avoid jokes – special needs teaching is serious stuff
• Double-check for spelling or grammar mistakes

If you really want to give your special needs teaching assistant CV the wow factor, substantiate claims with facts and figures. For instance, you might have “created exciting learning material that helped 12 children in the class reach their KS3 reading milestones”.

Example of personal statement for special needs teaching assistant CV

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How to present your work history on a special needs teaching assistant CV

Employers love the work history section because it boasts priceless information that proves your suitability. Underneath each position, you’ll outline your key responsibilities and strengths, demonstrating your aptitude for the role. The reader can also discern how long you usually stay with an organisation and whether you consistently exceed expectations via noteworthy accomplishments, like promotions and awards.

As recruiters will spend the most time here, carefully craft each word! Starting from your current or most recent position, run through:

• Job title
• Employment dates
• Company name and location
• Short list of responsibilities
• Noteworthy accomplishments

How many duties should you list for each role? We recommend including up to six for more recent positions and around three for older ones. Keep the information relevant – re-read the job description, get an idea of what the employer is looking for, and use that as inspiration.

Additionally, avoid repetition – not only is it boring, but it’ll portray you as a one-trick pony! If you’ve mentioned “lesson planning” underneath one job, then talk about “administration” in another. Highlighting a collection of duties will show the employer that you’re well-rounded and multi-talented.

Lastly, like the personal statement, blow the hiring manager away with dazzling facts and figures. You could mention how many students you supported during a term or explain how your class materials helped children to reach their milestones. Either way, it’s far more convincing to show the employer how amazing you are rather than simply telling them.

Example of work experience for a special needs teaching assistant CV

Great skills to add to your special needs teaching assistant CV

Win over the grouchiest hiring managers with a glowing CV skills section that confirms you have the core expertise to hit the ground running. It’s a fantastic opportunity to summarise your most desirable qualities through job-specific hard skills and transferable soft skills.

Hard skills are technical and teachable, often learnt via school, college, or university, certification programmes, training courses, or on the job. They might include “creating special needs class materials”, “carrying out risk assessments”, and “supporting children with autism”.

In contrast, soft skills are personality-based and much harder to develop – think “excellent communicator”, “problem-solver”, and “empathetic listener”. Soft skills are equally important because they reassure employers that you’d be a good fit for the organisation and team.

We advise blending hard and soft skills to stand out from the crowd. Include up to 12 in total, split equally between the two. Stuck for ideas? Read through the following lists:

How to add education to your special needs teaching assistant CV

Education is the foundation of experience, and possessing the right qualifications will set you apart from other candidates. Alongside school, college, and university, you can talk about outside training courses and certificates. Don’t be shy – this is your chance to shine and shout about what gives you the competitive edge!

How do you become a special needs teaching assistant? The most popular route is via a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Early Years Educator, or T Level in Education and Childcare. Contact your local college for more information.

Alternatively, learn on the job with an apprenticeship. Some schools offer intermediate and advanced apprenticeships to people who already have some experience in a school environment or with special needs children.

Either way, you must demonstrate a keen understanding of academia – after all, you’ll be in charge of a child’s learning and development. When outlining your education, include:

• Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
• Study dates
• Course title
• Qualification level – e.g. GSCE or T Level
• Qualification result

Example of education for special needs teaching assistant CV