Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Writing a Cover Letter for Teachers

If there is one thing that worries an individual who want to pursue a teaching career is that their cover letter must sound very good and their writing skills must be perfect. Of course you need to write well but it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Sometimes when we try to write perfectly we tend to put our writing sound odd by using words unknown by most people or we use a style of writing that was used by ancient people.

Do not worry too much about having to write a cover letter just because you are applying for a teaching position because if you can write any cover letter then you can write this one. This is just a cover letter it is no different than any other cover letter with any other job application.

Remember that your focus here is to get that teaching job. Make that your goal and inspiration in writing the cover letter.

Start by knowing whom you are going to address the letter to. Make sure you have their full name, status (Mr./Mrs./Ms/PhD), address and position in the company you are applying to. This is a sign of respect this is a plus point for you.

Be specific. Show them that you are eager to work for that specific school and that their acceptance is the most important thing in the world for you. Write their school name so it sounds more personalized.

If you will be applying in several schools at the same time and want to use a generic cover letter just change the school name in you letter. It is still best if you mention the school.

Do not write like you are trying to show them your lesson plan or that you sound like a professional teacher. Cover letters with a heart gets more YES than those that write like a teacher. If you know of anything interesting in that school include it in your letter. Let them know that you like to work from them. Show them gusto.

After all that emotion of course you need to check the technical part too. Look at your grammar, punctuations and sentence patterns.

Be different. Be creative. Use a different font, use a good paper (don’t be too acquainted with scented paper it doesn’t really show much professionalism) and try a different writing style. Creativity is one major trait that is needed for someone to be a good teacher.

Originality still tops the list in cover letter writing. Available cover letter in the internet is not really much help because it is too generalized and shows no heart. And by any chance the reader of the letter just might have seen it before by someone who used the same template as you did.

The most important thing in all this is that you write everything that is in your heart. Show the school your yearning to work for them and to share knowledge with the kids. Tell them your love and dedication for children and what you hope for them.

By opening up to them and showing them that their school is different from other school, you are opening the doors to that school. Showing them intelligence and heart together will definitely catch their attention.

Sincerity is the key of them all. Be honest and write your heart out.