Are you applying for a teaching post? An outstanding application letter can mean the difference between getting the interview and suffering in job-search limbo.
Use your application letter to highlight relevant experience and past achievements. Your priority in this application letter is to connect your study history, work history and accomplishments to the job description. You’re not trying to recreate your CV here.
Please note that the goal is to introduce yourself and showcase the skills and qualifications that make you stand out from the competition.
Whether you’re fresh out of University or an experienced teacher, these tips and application letter example will help you convince the interview committee that you’re the best candidate for the job.
DOWNLOAD THE EXAMPLE APPLICATION LETTER FOR A TEACHING POST IN PDF FORMAT BELOW
What to Include in Your Application Letter
Emphasize your achievements. Include examples of your accomplishments in past jobs as a teacher. For example, if your learners earned top marks in final exams, or if you received a teaching award, mention these successes.
Describe your experience. While you do not want to copy your CV, it’s helpful to include details on your experience. Quantifying them can help—for example, mention how many years you’ve taught. If you’re new to the career, include details on your student-teaching experience.
Mention any training or certifications. Many teaching jobs have specific training and certification requirements. Use your application letter to demonstrate that you have what’s required for the job.
Include related work outside the classroom. If you have non-teaching work or volunteer experience that involves working with children, you can highlight this in your application letter as well. You especially might want to do this if you have limited teaching experience.
Tips for Writing an Application Letter for a Teaching Job
Customize your application letter. Be sure to tailor each application letter to fit the specific school and job listing. One way to do this is to research the school and mention why you think you’d be a good fit for that specific location.
Take your time. Many job seekers treat application letters as an afterthought, but these letters are so much more than a cover sheet for your application. A boring, clumsy letter won’t help your candidacy, and it could hurt your chances.
Quality is also important: an application letter filled with typing errors and silly grammatical errors will not inspire the interview committee to give you a call. Spend the time to proofread your letter carefully.
