Why Soft Skills Are a Teacher’s Superpower in Any Career

Transitioning from a teaching career to a new industry presents unique challenges.

Many teachers craft CVs that highlight their teaching-specific responsibilities, such as planning Key Stage 3 maths curricula in line with national standards.

While this reflects dedication and expertise in education, it may not immediately resonate with employers in other industries.

The challenge arises when hiring managers overlook the soft skills embedded in these experiences, failing to recognise the immense value former teachers can bring to their teams.

This can lead to frustration, missed opportunities, and a sense of being undervalued.

Recognising Transferable Skills

Many teachers focus more on the tasks that they can do when trying to transition out of teaching, rather than the skills that the tasks demonstrate.

As a teacher, you are absolutely amazing and your skills set is phenomenal. Skills such as:

• Communication Skills – Teachers excel in conveying complex information clearly, a skill invaluable in roles requiring effective communication. (Moreland University)

• Leadership and Teamwork – Managing classrooms and collaborating with colleagues demonstrate strong leadership and teamwork abilities. (Moreland University)

• Problem-Solving – Educators are adept at identifying challenges and developing solutions, a competency crucial in various industries. (UMass Global)

• Adaptability – The dynamic nature of teaching requires flexibility and quick thinking, highly valued in fast-paced work environments. (UMass Global)

Recognising and articulating these transferable skills can bridge the gap between teaching and other professions, allowing former educators to showcase their full potential.

Imagine dedicating years to developing engaging learning experiences, managing diverse needs, and adapting to constant change, only to find that potential employers struggle to recognise how these skills translate beyond the classroom.

This lack of recognition can lead to career stagnation and feelings of being undervalued. However, teaching equips professionals with a suite of soft skills—communication, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership—that are highly sought after in various sectors, including project management, corporate training, and human resources.​

The Demand for Soft Skills

A survey revealed that 91% of talent professionals agree that soft skills are very important to the future of recruitment and HR. (​Ciphr HR Solutions)

In 2024, nine in ten UK employers believed soft skills were more important than ever, with communication, leadership, and problem-solving named among the most in-demand skills. ​(Personnel Today)

The dynamic nature of teaching requires flexibility and quick thinking, traits that are highly valued in fast-paced work environments.​ In addition to this, teachers

Addressing Skill Gaps

Despite a well-educated and diverse workforce, an estimated 20% of the UK workforce will be significantly under skilled for their jobs by 2030. This underscores the critical need for professionals who possess strong soft skills, such as those developed through teaching.(​CloudAssess)

The Teacher CV Trap

I recently worked with a former teacher whose CV focused heavily on her teaching credentials. She detailed how she designed and delivered maths curricula, ensuring alignment with national standards and incorporating creative learning techniques.

While impressive, this wasn’t connecting with hiring managers outside of education.

By shifting her CV to a skills-focused approach, we reframed her experience:

“Planned and structured a curriculum in alignment with national standards, integrating creative problem-solving and strategic planning to deliver engaging and effective learning experiences.”

This simple yet powerful change caught the attention of employers in multiple industries—suddenly, her CV spoke the language of business, strategy, and leadership rather than just education.

The Outcome

This shift from a role-based CV to a skills-oriented one opened doors to new opportunities in project management and consultancy, where her ability to structure processes, engage teams, and drive outcomes was highly valued.

As she progressed through interviews, her confidence grew, and her perspective on career possibilities broadened.

For the first time, she truly saw her own value beyond the classroom, recognising that the skills she had honed for years were not just transferable but deeply valuable.

This newfound sense of self-worth ignited her motivation, pushing her to take decisive action—refining her applications, reaching out to new networks, and actively pursuing roles that excited her.

Teaching was no longer her defining label—it was the foundation for something bigger.

If you’re a teacher considering a career change, your experience already equips you with the skills needed to thrive in a range of industries. The key is reframing your experience so that employers see your value beyond the classroom.

Are you ready to redefine your career path?

Your CV showcases your worth to future employers. Does yours focus on skills or tasks? Make the shift to selling your skills a priority.

If you need support, book a free consultation today—let’s create a compelling narrative that showcases your true potential and helps you secure a role that values your experience.