Instructor Resume & Writing Guide

Successful learning requires a solid foundation on which knowledge can be built, and as an instructor, this is something you know very well. You should think of this resume guide as the foundation of your resume. Without this crucial foundational knowledge, your resume will not make the impact it should. 

Whether you are in the fitness, swimming, dancing, or horseback riding field, looking through these informative examples will allow you to create an interview landing resume. 

Instructor Resume Examples

(Free sample downloads are at the bottom of this page)

Instructor Resume Writing Guide

Resume Sections:

1. Contact information
2. Profile Summary
3. Work History 
4. Achievements
5. Education 
6. Skill Section
7. Certification & Licensing
8. Extras: Languages/Awards/Publications/Volunteering/hobbies

What to Highlight as an Instructor

Instructors are educators who lead both group and individual classes and teach varying disciplines uniquely. Your resume needs to reflect an Instructor that has an effective and in-depth understanding of their subject content and reflects an approachable and understanding teacher. The best way to do this is to follow the correct sequence. Just as you would plan each step of a lesson before you teach a class, so you should plan out your resume before you write it. See the steps below:

1. Begin with a professional header that displays your full name and resume contact information.
2. Ensure that each resume section you complete is easy to read and the most important information is listed first.
3. When choosing fonts and designs, keep it simple. Do not overwhelm the reader.
4. Save your resume document as a PDF. This makes it far more universal.

For the recruiter or hiring manager to accurately place you, they need to know what you can do. For example, mention the number of students you have taught, the types of subjects you have taught, and the places you have taught. Another way to impress the reader is to acquire references from your students or your student’s parents. This will add valuable credibility to your resume. While on the topic of students, think back to those few students you really impacted. Mention how you were able to help them and include hard numbers to quantify your statements.

Final things to include:

• Your technological competence. For example, if you integrate technology into your teaching or expertly create interactive presentations.
• If you are comfortable teaching through online platforms such as Skype or Zoom.

1. Contact information

• First & Last Name
• Email
• Physical Address
• Driver’s license (optional)

2. Career Summary/Objectives & Examples

It is definitely no surprise that schools receive a countless number of instructor resumes every year. You, therefore, need to stand out from your competition and capture the reader's attention from the very beginning. The best way to do this is with a career summary or career objective highlighting your most admirable qualities and experience.

When choosing between a career summary and a career objective, simply look at how extensive your experience is. If you have years of experience, then we recommended that you choose a career summary. If your experience is on the thinner side, however, a career objective would be more appropriate. A career summary is used to condense your experience into a short paragraph between 5-6 lines in length. An objective career paragraph is much the same length. However, instead of highlighting experience, it highlights your goals and skills. Your career summary or objective should be placed at the top of your resume to briefly introduce who you are and what you have to offer.

Below are a few things to remember: 

• For a summary, begin with your personal details and finish off with why you want to land this job. 
• Tailor your career objectives around the job description and use keywords that will catch the reader’s eye. If the job description states that the employer is looking for an energetic personality or a detail-orientated work ethic, copy and paste those exact keywords into your resume. The more keywords you use from the job description, the better your resume will look to the reader. (Only if you possess these qualities)
• Include a line that shows off your extraordinary qualities. Qualities such as superb time management skills or problem-solving skills under pressure are very attractive to employers.  
• Finish your summary with your completed academic degrees, certifications, and training programs.
  
  

Examples

Summary Example 1

“Experienced fitness instructor who can motivate people to exercise by demonstrating techniques, customizing routines for various levels of fitness, and monitoring programs. Created a social media page to generate interest and increase profitable enrollment. Referrals also increased because of satisfied clients.”

Summary Example 2

“Certified Ski and Snowboard Instructor with over 16 years’ experience in assessing and developing skiers in various terrain and tactics. Certified to teach children under the age of 12, beginners, and intermediate level skiers. Coached the USC freestyle squad and developed resources such as manuals and input for certifications and exams.”

Summary Example 3

“Enthusiastic Swimming Instructor with an unmatched ability to teach proper swimming techniques to special needs children. The ability to work with timid as well as confident students by executing unique teaching methods. Wide knowledge of safety rules and precautions of a swimming pool environment. Strong ability to organize and instruct water safety and swim classes for individuals or large groups.”

Summary Example 4

“Highly motivated and energetic Yoga Instructor who is comfortable working with people of all ages and has deep knowledge about asana and relaxation and breathing techniques. Enjoy inspiring others to improve their wellness and commit to long-term health and fitness goals. Committed to providing extensive instruction and counseling to clients, while motivating them to find true inner peace and their healthiest self. Possesses skills to modify practices on-demand based on the abilities or injuries of class participants.”

3. Employment History & Examples

When recruiters and hiring managers look through an applicant’s resume, there are specific proven skills, qualities, and experience that they look for. Without this information, applicants will struggle to land interviews and miss out on jobs. To ensure that you include all the necessary information, we have provided a list below that you can follow when writing your employment history section: 

• Use the job description and tailor your resume to what the employer is looking for.
• List your most recent job positions first and work your way backward.
• List the job titles you have held, the name of the institutions you have worked at, and the dates you worked there for.
• For each position, include 5-6 bullet points that highlight your responsibilities.
• Use resume action verbs wherever possible. Examples include provided, assisted, developed, and supported.

Even if you have limited experience, you need to list it here and try and relate your work experience to this field. If you have ever taught, instructed, or demonstrated a discipline to someone, list it here. Below we have provided examples to aid you. You will see how best to list and order your experience. 

Fitness Instructor at Bali Fitness Center

(Jun 2015 to Feb 2021)

Served as a professional instructor and ambassador for the Breckenridge Ski Resort, teaching daily and early evening classes to guests.

• Choreographed fitness routines for both beginner and intermediate-level groups
• Chose specific music to suit the general age group of the class and was open to their suggestions.
• Recorded group and individual progress through the 11-week training program.

Snowboard Instructor at Afriski

(May 2015 to Dec 2015)

Instructed both group and private lessons to new and experienced adult snowboarders. Totaled up nine classes per day and ten classes on the weekends, all in one season.

• Developed lesson plans based on the skill level and athleticism of students.
• Kept lessons safe and entertaining while maintaining outstanding guest service at all times.
• Worked with a group of students aged 6-12 every weekend to accelerate their growth and allow them to experience more advanced terrain.
• Encouraged students to continue progressing and offered further private lessons to aid the process.

Job Descriptions, Responsibilities, and Duties Examples

Examples

An Instructor (Swimming) may:

• Closely monitor activities in the swimming area to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers.
• Educate swimmers about water safety and rescue techniques.
• Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administers first aid if necessary.
• Conduct weekly swimming lessons for +/- 10 children ranging in ages from 3-18.
• Conduct stroke assessments and corrections every week.

An Instructor (Piano) may:

• Plan and prepare lessons for students of all levels.
• Teach music theory and practical techniques.
• Prepare students for examinations and recitals.
• Motivate and encourage progress with monthly reflection sessions.
• Plan and facilitate quarterly recitals and an annual Christmas concert.

An Instructor (Gymnastics) may:

• Build strong rapport with athletes and assistants before, during, and after coaching seasons.
• Act as a positive role model for the community and all team members.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of all rules, safety procedures, coaching techniques, and current gymnastics trends.
• Accept constructive criticism and recognition with humility and composure.
• Work with preschool and school-age children, teaching them the necessary basics and strengthening techniques.

4. Accomplishments

This section can be incredibly tempting to copy and paste your information from resume to resume simply. This, however, is a terrible idea and can significantly decrease your chances of landing an interview. Rather, break out that trusty job description and tailor your accomplishments to what the employer is looking for. Doing this will allow your resume to stand out from the rest and grab the reader’s attention, making them want to read on.

You aim to think about what sets you apart from other Instructors. This could be your teaching styles, the content you teach, or even where you conduct your lessons. Utilize this section to highlight your ability to educate successfully, support, coach, and encourage students. Do not forget to quantify your statements by showing how you make a difference.

Quantify your accomplishments

If you are struggling to quantify your statements, we have a little trick to make this much easier. Simply read over your statements and ask yourself if they answer the following questions: “How much?” or “How many?”

• How many percentage points did the average grade score increase?
• How many levels have you taught in your career?
• How did your students perform at events and championships in terms of placing?

Below are examples of statements that have not been quantified:  

• Programmed group fitness schedules.
• Coached soccer and basketball teams.
• Due to leadership qualities and expertise, certified to Instruct Munitions Accountability Systems Officers on Headquarters Air Force, major command, and base-level munitions accountability operational procedures.
• Provided instructional guidance to many students per year.

Now, the same examples as above, but these have been quantified:

• Programmed group fitness schedules for 12 instructors who had 30-40 classes each week.
• Coached soccer and basketball teams. Won the soccer district championship 2-0 with the 7^th-grade team.
• Due to expert leadership qualities, one of only six instructors in the Air Force certified to Instruct Munitions Accountability Systems Officers on Headquarters Air Force, major command and base-level munitions accountability operational procedures.
• Provided instructional guidance to 140-165 students per year.

From the examples above, you should now see how important it is to quantify your statements. Not only is it more interesting to read, but it is also far more impressive and professional.

5. Education Section

This section is critical to your resume. You need to take the time to list your qualifications and certifications correctly and in a way that is easy to read. We recommend that you list your most impressive qualifications first, as this is sure to catch the reader’s attention. As mentioned previously, an Instructor can be found in hundreds of different fields teaching many different disciplines. You, therefore, need to be specific and include all of your educational certifications and qualifications to highlight how qualified you are.

When listing your educational information, simply include the start and end dates, the name of the qualification, the name of the institution, and lastly, the city’s name and abbreviated state name. For certifications, it is much the same, but you only need to list the finishing date.

Examples of an Instructor Resume for a public-school setting

2018-2020 – Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Chicago State University, IL. 

• Majors: Reading, Literature, Pedagogy. 
• Minors: Curriculum Design, Instructional Technology, Instruction Design.

2017 – ADAPT Certified Functional Health Coach, Primal Health Coach Program Online.

2016 – Advanced First Aid Diploma, National CPR Foundation, Miami, FL

2015 – Red Cross CPR and AED First Aid Certification, Maclean, VA.

2016 – Advanced Life Saving Techniques, United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), Huntington Beach, CA.

6. Skills

In this field, soft skills and personality traits are valued just as much as technical skills. Soft skills are the true indicators of your ability to be an effective Instructor. They show that you can connect with students, that you can communicate effectively, and are patient with your less advanced students. No matter what it is that you are teaching, it involves communicating and listening to people. Without the right interpersonal soft skills, you will struggle to be a successful Instructor. Below we have listed interpersonal skills, technical skills, technological skills, and a few action verbs. Use these examples and integrate them throughout your resume.

Interpersonal/personal

Able to motivate and inspire	Safe supervision	Effective communication
Relates well to all age groups	Well-rounded background	Patience
Good judgment	Appreciation of client’s goals	Persistence

Technical skills

Physical stamina and dexterity	Physical attributes:	Basic MS Office, with proficiency in Excel
Knowledgeable of exercise physiology	Good hearing and sensory sight abilities	Understanding of nutrition and weight management
Strong horsemanship skills

Technology Tools

Skype	WhatsApp	Excel
Blabber	Power School SIS	Blackboard
Google Docs	Springpad	Class kit
Empatico	PowerPoint

Action Verbs

Direct	Teach	Assign
Instruct	Train	Correct
Record	Refine	Rehearse
Identify	Instill	Modify
Arrange	Evaluate	Rehearse
Plan	Demonstrate	Monitor
Choreograph	Explain

Optional Extras for Instructor Resumes:

This is a section that you can use to seal the deal and make your resume really stand out from the other applicants. Whether you lack experience or have some impressive extra information that you want to include, this is the section to do so. Here you can list information about your hobbies, interests, or professional development. This information will allow the reader to see that you are dedicated and are continually striving to improve your skills.

Consider adding the following sections to your resume:

• Activities
• Conferences
• Membership/Associations
• Language skills
• Achievements and awards
• Volunteer experience
• Workshops
  

Instructor Resume Downloads

Professional information of Instructors

Sectors: Various
Career Type: Teacher, Trainer, Counsellor, Supervisor
Person type:  Leader, Motivator, Coach, Trainer, Helper
Education levels: Post School an upwards
Salary indication: Average for $ 204 per hour (Indeed)
Labor market: 15% growth between 2019 – 2029 (BLS)
Organizations: Various