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To get into teaching can be a difficult task which is made even more daunting when faced with writing a cover letter. When looking for teaching jobs, a cover letter is at the heart of your application. It provides you with an opportunity to show off your skills and make a great first impression in an attempt to guarantee yourself an interview. The better your cover letter, the better your chances are of landing your next teaching job. But what do you need to know about writing a cover letter? We’ve outlined what to include on a cover letter and how you should write one.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

A cover letter should tell your potential employer everything they need to know about you. But more importantly, it should highlight why they should hire you for the role they’re advertising. Remember, when you’re applying for a teaching job, there’ll be other people applying too! And that’s why it’s important to write a great – if not outstanding – cover letter. It’s the only chance you’re going to get to stand out from the crowd. Here’s what to remember when writing a cover letter: 

• Talk about your teaching skills and experience

• Emphasise your strengths related to the requirements of the role 

• State why you got into teaching and why you’ll be a great employee of the school

• List qualities you have that will be able to help both the school and the students

• Explain a situation in which you’ve excelled

• Describe how previous experiences have made you become a better teacher

Make it Personal

Sell yourself and tailor your cover letter to each individual application. By making it personal, you’re sure to outclass those who copy and paste the same cover letter for each teaching job they apply for. You only have one chance to make a great first impression. Here’s how to make a cover letter personal:

• Be specific when it comes to addressing the cover letter by including the name of the person (if known) responsible for hiring

• Research the company and the role so you can add specific references

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be

Although you want to get all the good stuff into a cover letter, it’s also important to remember to keep it concise. If you put too much into it, the reader is likely to lose interest. Unless otherwise stated, do not make your cover letter longer than 2 sides of A4 paper when writing in a size 11 or 12 standard font like Arial or Calibri.

How to Format a Cover Letter

Straight to the point and well presented, cover letters are usually all formatted in the same way. A cover letter doesn’t need to be over embellished or distracting, it simply needs to be about you and why you’re the perfect candidate for the role. There’s not actually that many set rules when it comes to formatting a cover letter, other than that it should flow well. However, this is how many teachers tend to write theirs:

Section 1 – Opening the Letter

A paragraph that simply explains who you are and why you’re getting in touch. It should only be a couple of sentences that talks about how you found the role and why you’re applying for it.

Section 2  – Why You’re Suitable for the Role

Go back to your CV. Reference the skills you’ve picked up and how they’ve helped you in your career so far. Talk about any qualifications that will specifically help with the role as well as any others that stand out. Highlight any important experiences that you think the employer would like to know. This also might be a good place to outline any career goals and why you think this position will be perfect for getting you there.

Section 3 – How Can You Help the School

Now you’ve talked about your experiences, it’s time to tell the employer how you’ll use this to benefit them. If possible, add in some stats or figures of your previous job to show how you can help the school be a better place.

Section 4 – Closing the Cover Letter

Reiterate your interest in the role and why you’ll be great for it. Also emphasise that you’re looking forward to coming in for a potential interview and that you’re excited about hearing back from them.

Section 5 – Signing Off

Sign off the cover letter with a simple “Kind Regards” or “Yours Sincerely”. You’ll also need to leave your contact details somewhere on the page so that the employer can get in touch with you.