Make your profile stand out
When schools are looking for cover through Zen Educate, your profile is the first thing they see. A strong profile increases your chances of being requested for work - here is how to make yours count.
1. Use a clear, professional photo
Schools need to be able to identify you when you arrive, so your photo matters. A few simple tips:
- Choose a high quality, well lit photo - avoid grainy or dark images
- Make sure your face is clearly visible and towards the centre of the frame
- Keep it professional - holiday snaps and social photos are best avoided
Take a look at our Profile photo guidelines article for more detail on what to include and what to avoid.
2. Write a strong profile bio
Every profile has a free text section where you can summarise your experience and strengths. Schools see an excerpt of this in search results, so make it count.
A good bio covers your experience, your approach to working with students, and what you enjoy about the role. Think of it as a short pitch for your skills - not a list of facts, but a sense of who you are as an educator.
3. Add your experience
Schools are more likely to request someone they can see has worked in similar settings. Take a few minutes to add detail about the schools you have worked at and the roles you covered.
If you have done agency supply work across many schools over a period of time, you can create a single entry covering that period rather than listing each school individually.
4. Add your education
Your experience is the most important thing schools look at, but your education adds useful context - particularly if you are newer to teaching or have relevant qualifications. It is worth a few minutes to include.
What about your CV?
Your CV is a useful addition but not a substitute for a complete profile. Schools find it quicker and easier to scan your listed experience and education than to open a PDF. Add your CV for extra detail, but make sure your profile covers everything you want schools to know.
The bottom line
Your profile is what schools use to decide who to request. A little time spent making sure it is complete and up to date is one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of getting work.