Transitioning from Headship: CV & LinkedIn Tips for New Career

Transitioning from headship to a new career path can be both exciting and challenging. One of the important steps in this process is updating your CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect your transferable skills and leadership experience. By rethinking how you present your headship experience, you can position yourself for success in a variety of industries and open up new professional opportunities.

Navigating the Transition from Headship

Leaving headship and exploring alternative career paths can feel daunting, but your leadership, strategy, and people development skills are highly valuable in various sectors. The challenge is articulating them effectively to new audiences.

How to Update Your CV & LinkedIn for a Career Shift

Rethink Your Headline & Summary

Instead of a title that solely reflects your education background, such as "Headteacher at [School Name]," opt for a broader professional identity like:

• Strategic Leader | People & Culture | Change Management
• Leadership Consultant | Organisational Development | Executive Coaching

In your summary, focus on transferable skills such as leadership, stakeholder engagement, coaching, and operational strategy. Use keywords that align with your desired industry.

Reframe Your Experience for a Wider Audience

Avoid using education-specific jargon. Instead of "Curriculum Development," use "Programme Design & Delivery." Highlight your impact in tangible terms:

• Change Management – How did you drive transformation in your school?
• Performance Improvement – What measurable outcomes did you achieve?
• Financial Oversight – How did you manage budgets and resources effectively?

Showcase Your Transferable Skills

Your expertise as a headteacher is an asset across industries. Translate your skills for broader appeal:

• Leadership & Strategy → Executive Leadership, Organisational Change, Business Strategy
• Coaching & Development → Talent Development, Learning & Development, Organisational Growth
• Budget & Operations → Financial Oversight, Resource Management, Business Operations

Build a Bridge to Your Next Role

Expanding your professional network and engaging with industry content will help position you for new opportunities:

• Connect with professionals beyond education on LinkedIn and at networking events.
• Comment on thought leadership posts to showcase your insights.
• Listen to industry challenges and identify where your skills can add value.

Consider a skills-based or functional CV rather than a traditional chronological format. Unless required for safeguarding purposes, your CV does not need to list every job you’ve held since leaving school. Keep it concise—no more than two sides of A4.

Update your LinkedIn "Open to Work" settings if it’s publicly known that you’re leaving headship, and tailor your profile towards your next career step rather than focusing solely on past roles.

Recommended Reading for Career Transition

If you're seeking inspiration, these books offer valuable insights:

• Five Books I Wish I'd Read Before Leading a Team
• The Art of Innovation
• The Heart Aroused by David Whyte

Final Thought

Your career narrative isn’t confined to education. Your experience as a headteacher is a foundation, not a limitation. What’s the next chapter of your leadership journey?

Frequently Asked Questions: Transitioning from Headship

1. What careers can former headteachers transition into?

Former headteachers often move into roles such as leadership consultancy, corporate training, coaching, HR, operations management, and non-profit leadership. Many also explore roles in education policy, governance, or EdTech.

2. How can I make my CV stand out when leaving headship?

Focus on transferable skills rather than listing school-specific achievements. Use industry-relevant terminology and quantify your impact with concrete examples of leadership, strategy, and operational success.

3. Should I disclose my full work history on my CV?

Not necessarily. A functional CV that highlights key skills and achievements is often more effective than a detailed chronological list, especially when transitioning to a new sector.

4. How do I network effectively outside of education?

Engage with industry events, join professional groups on LinkedIn, attend webinars, and seek mentorship or coaching to explore different sectors.

5. How do I position myself for leadership roles in a new industry?

Highlight your experience in leading teams, managing change, and driving performance. Use your LinkedIn profile to share insights and connect with industry professionals.