Cover letters employers want to see

Recommended Cover Letter I

March 15, 2009 Dear Ms. Withheld: March 15, 2009 Dear Ms. Withheld: While teaching at Joe Smith Day School has been rewarding and enjoyable, I am interested in pursuing new and challenging opportunities. I believe your school system will enhance my teaching abilities and further my professional career. Working as the Language Arts teacher on a four-teacher middle school team has enabled me to use my dual majors in middle school language arts and social studies. Our team created an innovative, integrated, and student-centered curriculum for a team of 90 students. Both students and team members have been stimulated and enriched in this challenging environment. I have a great passion for education, which transfers into high enthusiasm and motivation in the classroom. It is my goal to enrich the lives of each of my students. As a strong advocate for today’s youth, I hope to enhance the quality of their educational experience by providing them the tools they will need to make their dreams a reality. My résumé is attached for your review. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you in more detail. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

  Good Points:

•	Approaches reasons for job change positively.
•	Discusses the strengths the applicant brings to the job.
•	Brief and succinct letter.

Recommended Cover Letter II

March 15, 2009 Dr. Withheld: I saw the openings for kindergarten and first-grade teachers at your school on your Web site. Please consider me for these and any other elementary positions that may be available this fall. I will finish my student teaching in fourth grade this week and will start my second block in kindergarten. This May, I will graduate from Southwest Maryland State University with certifications in early childhood (PK–3) and elementary education (1–6). I always have been committed to continuing my education and, this summer, I will begin work on a master's degree in reading. Later this month, I plan to attend an integrated language arts workshop. I am very interested in the positions at your school. My emphasis is in early childhood education, making a teaching position in kindergarten or first grade ideal. In addition, I grew up not far from Anywhere. Since I plan to relocate to the community in which I teach, a position at Apple School would allow me to still be close to my family. I also am interested in the Cooperative Learning workshop your school is hosting this summer. I have spent many hours working with a teacher who is trained in Cooperative Learning. I like the results I have seen, and have enjoyed experimenting with some of the structures myself. I enjoy hard work and helping others succeed. I want my students to experience meaningful, interesting learning that applies to their lives. I believe this can be accomplished through the use of hands-on/minds-on activities, cooperative learning, an integrated curriculum, and, when applicable, technology and the Internet. I have enclosed my résumé and list of references. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your school's goals and how I can help you meet them as a teacher. I can be reached at (999) 999-9999 until 3:00 p.m. or at home (999/999-9999) after 4 p.m. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sarah Smith

  Good Points:

•	Cites source of ad listing.
•	Second paragraph describes certification as well as interest in continuing education.
•	Third paragraph shows that applicant has researched school.
•	Describes some of applicant’s approaches to teaching and learning.

Recommended Cover Letter III

March 15 , 2009 Mr. Withheld: Your advertisement in the April 16, 2003 issue of the Sunday Sun Times for the position of Physical Education Teacher sparked my interest. Please accept this letter and the enclosed résumé as my application for the position. With over 10 years teaching experience in various positions, including physical education, I believe my qualifications match your requirements. I have functioned in a variety of educational settings, making it easy for me to adapt to new situations and faculty concepts. I have been recognized by my superiors and parents of my students for creating constructive changes in students’ academic and home lives. My students have discovered that physical happiness boosts their performance at school, work, and play, and learned to appreciate the benefits of socialization, sportsmanship, personal achievement, and team spirit achieved through physical education. If you are interested in a dedicated teaching professional with required credentials, patience, and a positive attitude, please give me a call. I will produce an energized and creative learning environment that will bring out the best in your students. Thank you for taking the time to review my résumé. I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, John Doe

  Good Points:

•	Mentions source of job posting.
•	States positions taught and number of years.
•	List specific successes.
•	Ends proactively.

Recommended Cover Letter IV (including comments by an administrator)

March 15, 2009 Dr. Christopher H. Tienken, Ed.D. Emma C. Attales Middle School 800 Irelan Avenue Absecon, NJ 08201 Dear Dr. Tienken: Please consider me for the position of Special Education Teacher in the Emma C. Attales Middle School. I have enclosed my résumé and descriptions of my practicum and student teaching experiences. My teaching and academic backgrounds indicate that I have the skills required to be the successful candidate for the position. I hold a New Jersey Special Education Teacher certificate. I am highly qualified in language arts and mathematics. (She tells me exactly what position she wants. She tells me that she is certified and highly qualified. I don’t have to search the résumé for this information, which helps the initial screening process. She doesn’t waste time telling me where she heard about the position.) During my college career, I undertook numerous informal teaching roles while working toward my special education certification. I volunteered at a local group home and provided life-skills instruction. I also was a tutor in the after-school program at the local middle school. During the last two years, I was the assistant director of activities for the summer camp in my town. (She has related work experience not affiliated with university requirements.) I spent my junior practicum working with 7th grade replacement language arts and mathematics students in __________ school. I was responsible for developing and implementing a unit for each class. During my student teaching experience, I worked as an in-class support teacher for science in 8th grade and a replacement mathematics teacher in 7th grade. I have experience administering high-stakes state tests like the GEPA, and I am familiar with creating goals and objectives for special-education student IEP’s. In addition, I was part of several parent/child study-team meetings. (Varied experiences during junior practicum and student teaching. It is middle school specific.) I am an organized, empathetic, and child-centered educator. I believe my teaching experiences in grades 6–8 and related work experience make me the ideal candidate for the position. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my credentials with you. In addition to my résumé and cover letter, I have enclosed copies of my certificate and transcripts. (Reminds me that she is a good person—empathy is important for middle level education. Reminds me that she has the type of experience I am seeking.) Sincerely, Teacher Candidate Overall, this résumé is results driven. There is no fluff. She doesn’t tell me how wonderful she heard my school was. She doesn’t get too philosophical either. This person sounds focused and ready to go. (I hired this candidate last year.)