how to write a cover letter for school application

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Sample Cover Letter for a School Position

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Before You Write Your Cover Letter

How to write a cover letter for a school job, what to include in the letter, sample cover letter for an education position, sending an email cover letter.

Your cover letter will be the first—and most important—impression you give to the hiring manager.  Don’t presume your resume will speak for itself, especially if you are applying for a competitive job in education.

The goal of your cover letter is to make you stand out from the rest of the applicants, and there are several ways to draft a letter that will do just that.

There is some preparation work you should do before you write your letter.

Research the school or organization that is hiring. The more you know about the organization, the easier it will be to make the best impression.

Personalize Your Letter

You can use information gathered from the research you did on the employer to personalize your letter. This will show that you wrote the cover letter specifically for the position they are looking to fill, and that you are interested enough in the job to learn about the educational institution ahead of time.

Try to Find a Contact Person

Try to find out who will be reviewing your resume. Often, it will be the head of human resources or a hiring manager, or it could be the principal of the school. Sometimes this information can be found online within the job listing. You may be able to contact the school using the phone number or email address provided in the posting.

If you can't find a contact person, it's fine to use "To Whom It May Concern" or to simply start your letter with the first paragraph.

Use a writing style that is less formal than your resume when writing your cover letter; try to show your personality. The mission of your cover letter is to highlight you, your skills, and your accomplishments and to show your sincere interest in filling the position.

Your cover letter should include the following elements:

Salutation: If you can find a contact person, address the person by name in the greeting of your letter.

First Paragraph: Following the salutation, the first paragraph should thank this person for taking the time to review your resume. Also, it should explain why you are hoping to land the position. Be sure to specifically name the job title for which you are applying.

Second Paragraph: Explain why you're a good fit. Think of one or two notable reasons you feel you would be a good fit for the position. Do not be bashful.Be honest; you want to come across as confident and earnest. In the second paragraph, talk about your education and previous experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the position they are trying to fill.

Third Paragraph: Finally, the third paragraph should includea few closing statements. Express your enthusiasm for the job and how you feel you are the ideal fit for the role. It is also okay to be assertive and say something like, “I look forward to being contacted for an interview.”

Closing and Signature: End your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature. If you are sending a hard copy cover letter with your resume, don’t forget to sign it.

This is an example of a cover letter for a school position. Download the school position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter for an Education Position (Text Version)

Gloria Lau 87 Washington Street Smithfield, CA 08055 555-555-5555 gloria.lau@email.com

May 10, 2021

Ms. Rachel Lee Smithfield Elementary School 123 Main Street Smithfield, CA 08055

Dear Mr. Doe,

Thank you for taking the time to review my resume. I am applying for the Prevention Educator position because I am looking to use my degree in Elementary Education, in combination with my Concentration in Sociology, in an alternative way to a traditional teaching position.

I have had the opportunities to work with children and adults of all ages and abilities while I was student teaching for Acme College, substitute teaching in local districts, working as a Museum Educator, and as the assistant trainer at a local riding stable.

I am seeking a career that will allow me to continue working with people in many different ways. I hope you will find that I am qualified for the position you are trying to fill. 

If I can provide you with any further information on my background and qualifications, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at 555-555-5555 or via email at gloria.lau@email.com.

Again, I appreciate you taking the time to review my resume.

Gloria Lau (signature hard copy letter) 

If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message. Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer contact information. Start your email message with the salutation. 

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