When applying for an education position, some educators wonder whether a cover letter for a teaching position is necessary. The answer is yes!
A cover letter is your first form of correspondence and should provide an introduction to your resume.
Using the correct application letter format is essential when applying for any teaching job. People often ask the questions, “why can’t I just post or email my resume or application form and let it speak for itself?”
“Is it necessary to include a cover letter?” Yes, include a cover letter.
Those in the ‘know’ say the first impression of someone is made within approx. Eight seconds. Even scarier is if a first impression is formed; it’s doubtful to change.
If the selection committee chair opens your resume and discovers that you haven’t bothered to include a cover letter, your application may end up in a “do not interview” pile.
Helpful Writing Tips on What to Include in a Cover Letter
Appearance Counts:
Spelling or grammatical errors are unacceptable in a cover letter for any teaching job application. Give your letter a thorough proofread. Once completed, your letter should be printed out using a standard font style on resume bond white or off-white paper. Show you are a professional by keeping it neat, correct, and straightforward. Ensure that you spell the school principal’s name and the school correctly and include your full name and contact details.
Quote a Job Reference Number Or Be Specific:
The first paragraph of your application letter should include some vital details. You will want to include the job you are applying for, the job reference number, and where you heard about the vacancy.
Research Before Writing:
It’s important to show in your letter that you have some background information on the school to which you are applying. A letter that sounds like a mass-produced copy emailed to 10 different schools just won’t cut it. If the school has its website, this can be a great starting point. Find out as much as you can and make a point of explaining what specifically interested you in this school.
Explain What You Have to Offer:
Knowing as much as possible about the school can make a difference. Explain why your teaching skills and attributes would benefit the school. Communicate what kind of contribution you could make. Incorporate what is relevant, for example: If you discover the school is big on music and languages, mentioning you coach a local basketball team may not be beneficial!
Let Your Personality Shine Through:
The beauty of a cover letter is that it’s personal to you. It’s a chance for the selection committee to get a glimpse of your personality characteristics. Don’t be tempted to download a second-hand template and use it to create yours. It will be quite apparent to the person reading it. You’ll come across as lazy and unimaginative.
Injecting personality and passion into your letter doesn’t mean filling it with irrelevant anecdotes. It means putting time, thought, and creativity into what you write. Try to make a connection with the reader and let your personality shine through what you say.
Review these application letter writing mistakes to ensure you don’t make the same errors.
