science job cover letter examples

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Science Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to optimize your science career? Look no further, because this guide will equip you with the essential tools to create a remarkable science cover letter that's sure to captivate employers.

Earning a position in your scientific discipline requires an optimized cover letter that showcases your most relevant professional strengths .

From showcasing your expertise in molecular magic to highlighting your stellar research accomplishments, we'll explore the key elements that will launch your cover letter to new heights.

Continue reading to learn more about:

• Formatting your science cover letter header and headline
• Making your science cover letter personalized to specific employers
• Writing an effective introduction for your science cover letter
• Highlighting your professional strengths as a scientist
• Concluding your science cover letter with a well-written closing statement
• Finding useful job search resources for scientists

1. Format your science cover letter header and headline properly

The beginning of any great science cover letter starts with an excellently formatted header and headline.

A cover letter header always comes first, placed at the top of the page. This header should contain key pieces of information about both you and the employer, such as:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the employer and/or company
• The department of the company you are applying to (when applicable)
• The address of the company

Here is an example of a well-formatted science cover letter header

John Doe , Biology Scientist (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/john-doe

To: General Labs & Development, Inc. Biology Science Department 1234 Street Address Washington, D.C. 2001

Following your header is a cover letter headline . Think of this as a title to your cover letter that highlights key points and helps to captivate the employer’s attention .

Your headline should be one sentence or line of text and include compelling details that are highly relevant to both the position you are applying to and the content of your cover letter.

Here is an example of a well-written science cover letter headline

My 3-Step Approach to Conducting Scientific Research & How This Approach Can Benefit Your Lab

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. make your science cover letter personalized to specific employers.

Writing cover letters is a fairly commonplace practice, with most employers expecting to receive a cover letter when job applications are submitted for open positions.

What many applicants don’t realize, however, is that a core requirement of a successful cover letter is personalization . Personalization refers to a process of tailoring a cover letter to be highly specific to each individual employer, addressing their specific wants and needs.

To personalize a cover letter, it is crucial to research the employer thoroughly ahead of time to find out essential details, such as the company’s values and goals.

Additionally, you should always include a personalized greeting on your cover letter that addresses a specific person by name, such as the company CEO or a hiring manager.

Here are 3 examples of personalized science cover letter greetings

Dear Lab Supervisor Jack Green,

• Dear Mr. Jack Green,
• Dear Hiring Manager Joe Johnson,

3. Write an effective introduction for your science cover letter

The next necessity for your science cover letter is an effective and compelling introduction .

Introductory paragraphs should be concise, typically between two to three sentences in total. In this introduction, you want to provide the employer with a clear explanation of why you are a qualified candidate that should be considered for the job.

Here is an example of an effective science cover letter introduction

I am a recent graduate of Columbia University with a Master of Science in Clinical Research Methods. In my time as a student at Columbia, I worked for 3 years as a lab assistant and 1 year as a lab teaching assistant. My experience in the university labs has given me the technical prowess and interpersonal competence to effectively fulfill the role of assistant lab supervisor at your company.

Find out your resume score!

4. Highlight your professional strengths as a scientist

In a resume, you spend a lot of your writing space delving into the specifics of your educational and work experience. Comparatively, in a cover letter, you should spend more time explaining your top achievements and relevant skills , highlighting these qualifications as your professional strengths.

As you describe your key skills and achievements, make sure to include details that are highly relevant to the position and include contextual information. Your primary goal is to show the employer the real-life value you bring to the table that gives you an edge over other applicants.

Here are 6 skills to describe in a science cover letter

• Examining and analyzing lab samples
• Documenting and writing reports on lab results
• Developing hypotheses that can be tested
• Communicating and collaborating with other scientists
• Specific scientific specializations (biology, botany, etc.)
• Deep knowledge of utilizing scientific equipment

Here are a few examples of how to describe achievements in a science cover letter

• As a Lab Scientist at [Former Employer], I worked as a lab assistant helping to supervise experiments carried out by undergraduate students. In this role, I play a key role as a student mentor, helping to implement safer laboratory practices that resulted in a 15% decrease in dangerous lab incidents. Additionally, I led a research experiment that resulted in the development of a new scientific patent for the university.  
• I take pride in spearheading a groundbreaking research project that resulted in the discovery of a new cancer biomarker. This achievement not only expanded our understanding of cancer diagnostics but also holds great potential for personalized treatments. Leading a team of talented scientists, I successfully designed and executed experiments, collected and analyzed data, and collaborated with renowned oncologists to validate our findings. Our breakthrough publication in a prestigious scientific journal garnered significant recognition within the scientific community and has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of oncology.  
• During my tenure as a research scientist, I developed and optimized a novel laboratory technique that increased the efficiency of gene editing by 60%. By implementing streamlined protocols and leveraging cutting-edge CRISPR technology, I successfully edited over 500 target genes across multiple cell lines. This breakthrough not only saved valuable research time but also positioned our team as pioneers in the field of gene editing. Additionally, I presented our findings at two international conferences, reaching an audience of over 500 scientists, and received the 'Innovation in Research' award from my institution in recognition of this achievement.

5. Conclude your science cover letter with a well-written closing statement

Anytime you write a science cover letter, you should always end with a strong conclusion that reiterates your excitement for the position and encourages the employer to get in touch with you.

In your conclusion, make sure to include:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• Key information on how to best get in contact with you, as well as the best days and times for contacting you are
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a strong conclusion from a science cover letter

As your company is one of the top scientific research centers in D.C., it brings me great excitement and gratitude to be considered for this position. I look forward to speaking with you more about this opportunity and am available to meet on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To best reach me, please call me at (123) 456-7890.

With Sincerity,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

6. Useful job search resources for scientists

As a scientist looking to navigate the job market, a variety of resources specifically tailored to your field can offer great advantages. Let's explore some of these key resources:

• Job-search websites for scientists: Websites like Nature Jobs , Science Careers , and New Scientist Jobs are platforms curated for science jobs across all disciplines. These sites offer job listings, career advice articles, and employer information.
• Professional networks: Join professional organizations or associations in your field. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) or the National Postdoctoral Association , for example, offer networking opportunities and job boards.
• LinkedIn: Around 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as a tool to find eligible candidates. Do not underestimate the power of a strong and well-maintained LinkedIn profile . Join relevant groups, follow industry leaders, and engage in professional discussions.
• Company websites: Directly check the career pages of companies you are interested in. Most companies post job vacancies and internships on their websites.
• Mentors: Tap into your existing network of professors, colleagues, alumni. Their advice and contacts in the industry can be extremely useful.
• Online skill enhancement: Websites like Coursera or Khan Academy offer many courses taught by industry experts that can advance your skills and knowledge, making your application more attractive to employers.
• Scientific journals: Subscriptions to journals such as Science and Nature allow you to stay tuned with the latest advancements in your field, making you a better-rounded candidate.

Remember, every successful job search starts with a clear strategy and the right mix of resources at your disposal. Happy hunting!

Science Cover Letter FAQ

Yes, for a science cover letter, highlight any experience you have with essential lab techniques or procedures, your familiarity with industry-standard scientific tools and software, important scientific projects you've undertaken, and key findings or results.

Absolutely. If you've been part of published research, this can notably enhance your credentials. Briefly mention your involvement and the impact of the research. If space allows, you can also provide a link to the publication.

Show genuine passion for the field you're applying in and try to showcase that you're on top of the latest developments in this area. Also, make sure that you demonstrate a deep understanding of the organization's work and how you can contribute to it.

Highlight your academic achievements, particularly those relevant to the job. Discuss your thesis or significant projects you've completed during your course. If you've done internships or relevant volunteer work, make sure to include those experiences as well.

Yes, it's essential to tailor your cover letter to each job and company. This shows the employer that you have a genuine interest in the role and that you've taken the time to understand their specific requirements.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

Subcategories

• Agricultural Scientist
• Formal Scientist
• Humanities Scientist
• Medical Researcher / Scientist
• Natural Scientist
• Nature Scientist
• Social Scientist

All science cover letter examples

Related science resume examples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

Click here to directly go to the complete Research Scientist cover letter sample.

How do you write a cover letter for a scientist?

Writing a cover letter for a scientist can be time-consuming, as good scientists possess multiple qualities & skills that are hard to describe on a single paper.

In 2021, we encountered nearly 46,999 scientists working across the United States at an average annual salary of $94,940 . The statistics seem lucrative, but getting a scientist job in 2022 can be tricky since there is cut-throat competition in the job market.

However, a scientist cover letter can make your application stand apart from the crowd. You can leverage a cover letter during the recruitment process to boost your selection chances.

This definitive guide has some profound insights into a science cover letter.

Here you will get answers to these scientist cover letter questions:

• What is a scientist cover letter?
• What is the need for a scientist cover letter?
• How to write a cover letter for a research position?

You can ease your cover letter-building process by referring to the online scientist cover letter examples or use Hiration’s Online Cover Letter Builder . This digital tool is backed by Artificial Intelligence technology that is effective enough to lighten your scientist cover letter building task.

What is a Scientist Cover Letter?

Scientific cover letters can showcase your research and decision-making abilities by analyzing data. You can also mention how you helped your previous companies grow better by your scientific decisions in your science cover letter.

The absence of a science cover letter will not affect your job application, but its presence will undoubtedly emphasize the effectiveness of your application. In addition, a scientist cover letter will include your skills, achievements, and other professional highlights absent in your resume.

Also Read: How to build a data science resume?

Why Would Scientists Need a Cover Letter?

Cover letters give a little more detailed information about a professional than a resume. Hence, an associate scientist cover letter can help you get ahead of the competitors who are without a cover letter.

Research Schientist Cover Letter Sample

You can refer to this research scientist cover letter example while drafting the cover letter for your targeted scientist position:

How to Draft a Scientist Cover Letter?

Writing a science cover letter is not easy, as you need to be professional and impressive enough to grab the hiring manager's undivided attention. Moreover, your skills, qualities, and achievements must align with the requirements showcased in the targeted job description.

You can try our predefined parameters to start the research scientist cover letter building process showcased below:

Research About The Company

The first task you must do is research the targeted company. You can spend an hour or two to know what the company does and its plans for the future. It will help you get the vision and mission of the company, and then you can see if they align with yours or not.

What should you look for?

You can try familiarizing yourself with the following information:

• What is the company’s work?
• What are its products and/or services?
• What is it like working in that company?
• How many people are working in that company?
• Who are the competitors of that company?

Where should you look?

You can check out the company's official website first, as it will give you a deeper look into its vision, mission, products, services, and serving area. After that, you can check different online platforms for getting employee and client reviews about the company, including:

Analyze The Job Description

Next, you can analyze the job description properly before starting the scientist cover letter writing process. A job description will showcase the type of person or asset required by that company.

Job descriptions start with a paragraph elaborating on the fundamental duties in the offered role. Then it goes down, breaking all the responsibilities in bullet points.

You do not have to address every point while framing your science cover letter and resume. However, we recommend you cover most of those points to prove your worth in the recruitment process.

Note: Job description is the perfect place to pick keywords. You can select technical profile-centric keywords from the job description and use them while writing your scientist resume and cover letter to parse through the ATS screening round like a pro.

Also Read: How to build a data science cover letter?

Scientist Cover Letter Format

You will need a professional cover letter format or practical guidelines to frame a job-winning science cover letter for your targeted job.

We are listing some steps below that you can follow while writing your cover letter for scientist position in 2022:

• Write your full name as the header of your scientist cover letter
• Mention your contact information, including email, phone, social profiles, below the header
• Showcase the profile title below your contact information
• Add a header towards the left margin including the submission date, employer name, employer designation, company name, and address
• Add a subject below the header, indicating your interest in your targeted profile. For example, ‘Suitability for Data Scientist’
• Address your employer with a real name instead of 'sir/ma’am' or 'To Whom it May Concern'. For example, ‘Dear Ms. Swan’
• Mention the profile you are applying for in the first line with your qualifications
• Show your qualities in the first paragraph aligned with the job requirements
• Write about your achievements in the second paragraph from your previous roles
• Tell the recruiter why you are a good fit for this position in the third paragraph
• Lastly, sign off with a thanking note

Scientist Cover Letter Header

You must enter all the essential details about you and the recruiter in this section.

Here is the list of details you can add to this section to make it professional:

• Date of submission
• Current job title
• Email address
• Phone number
• LinkedIn profile
• Recruiter's name
• Recruiter's Designation
• Organization's name

Note- Always address the recruiter by name instead of sir/ma'am. It will make a better impact on your presentation.

Scientist Cover Letter Introduction

You can mention your work experience and your achievements in the first paragraph of your cover letter. It will hook the recruiter's attention and might increase your shortlisting chances.

Scientist Cover Letter Body

In the second paragraph, you can mention your skills and capabilities admired by previous employers. You can mention the value your presence added in your previous companies in this part.

Scientist Cover Letter Sign-Off

Last, you can mention the thing you liked in the applied company and the reason why should they hire you for the applied position. You can end your cover letter with a thanking note.

Key Takeaways

Building a science cover letter can take time and might puzzle you. However, these steps will help you craft a professional cover letter for science job in 2022:

• Research about the company to know its vision, mission, products, and services
• Analyze the job description to know the responsibilities associated with your targeted role
• Choose a professional template for your scientist cover letter for a better impact
• Use clear and crisp language while writing your science cover letter
• Mention your qualities and capabilities that can address the job requirements
• Show your achievements in the previous roles to prove your worth as a scientist
• Make the recruiter believe that you are the best fit for the applied job by stating your achievements and work experience complementary to the job descriptions

You can follow these steps to build an impeccable cover letter for environmental scientists in 2022 without any hurdle. You can also check out Hiration’s AI-powered Online Cover Letter Builder to craft your cover letter. It comes with 24/7 chat support to offer you a smooth operating experience. Additionally, you can always use our expert career assistance at [email protected] .

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

• Resume Builder
• Resume Templates
• Resume Formats
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• Cover Letter Examples
• Career Advice
• Interview Questions
• Resume Skills
• Resume Objectives
• Job Description
• Job Responsibilities
• FAQ’s

Science Teacher Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a science teaching position can be a challenging process. It’s important to create a document that stands out from the rest and demonstrates your qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for the position. This guide provides an overview of what to include in a science teacher cover letter, as well as a sample cover letter you can use for inspiration. With this advice, you’ll be able to write an impressive and effective cover letter that will help you land the job.

Download the Cover Letter Sample in Word Document – Click Below

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

Start building your dream career today! 

Create your professional cover letter in just 5 minutes with our easy-to-use cover letter builder!

Science Teacher Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the Science Teacher position at [School Name]. As a passionate educator with over [number] years of experience in the classroom, I am confident that I am an excellent candidate for the role.

My career in education began when I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in [subject]. I began teaching in [location] and since then I have gained a wealth of knowledge in teaching science content and curriculum to students of all ages. In my career, I have had the opportunity to teach students from diverse backgrounds and have used creative and innovative approaches to engage them in science. My classes have consistently received positive feedback from administrators, parents, and students alike.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have an excellent record of curriculum development. I am knowledgeable in the latest educational technologies, such as online learning platforms, that I use to create engaging lessons and activities for my classes. My lessons are well- crafted, organized, and comprehensive, which has enabled me to help my students develop a deep understanding of the subject material. I am also skilled in classroom management and have a deep understanding of how to create a safe and nurturing learning environment.

My enthusiasm, patience, and experience make me an ideal candidate for the Science Teacher position. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to meet with you and discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Create My Cover Letter

Build a profession cover letter in just minutes for free.

Looking to improve your resume? Our resume examples with writing guide and tips offers extensive assistance.

What should a Science Teacher cover letter include?

A science teacher cover letter should provide a potential employer with an overview of the applicant’s qualifications and skills that make them an ideal candidate for the position. It should include specific examples of the applicant’s teaching experience, along with any particular areas of expertise the applicant may possess that are relevant to the position. The cover letter should also include any special training or certifications the applicant has obtained that make them an ideal candidate for the position.

The cover letter should also provide the employer with an overview of the applicant’s career goals and how they will benefit from working in the position. It should also detail any additional skills the applicant has that would be beneficial to the position, such as a knowledge of technology or a familiarity with certain software. Finally, the cover letter should provide a brief summary of the applicant’s previous work experience and/or education that demonstrate their potential for success in the position.

Science Teacher Cover Letter Writing Tips

Writing a cover letter for a science teacher position can be intimidating. After all, you want to make sure you stand out from the competition and show potential employers that you’re the best candidate for the job. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to help you create an effective cover letter.

Here are some writing tips for crafting a science teacher cover letter:

• Include your teaching philosophy: Your cover letter is the perfect place to highlight your core teaching values and philosophies. Explain why you believe science is important and how you plan to convey that to your students.
• Showcase your qualifications: Your job application should showcase the qualifications and certifications you have that make you qualified for the job. Include any specialized courses you’ve taken, awards or honors you’ve earned, or any other qualifications that make you stand out.
• Demonstrate your knowledge: Show that you have a good understanding of the specific subject or topics you’ll be teaching. If you’re applying for a job teaching chemistry, for example, you may want to mention your experience in the field and any special projects you’ve worked on.
• Stress your passion: Employers want to know that you’re dedicated to teaching and that you truly enjoy it. Talk about your passion for science and why you want to be a science teacher.
• Highlight your teaching style: Provide examples of innovative teaching methods you’ve used in the past. Talk about how you plan to engage your students and keep them interested in the subject.
• Provide examples of your work: If you have any teaching resources or lesson plans you created, you can attach them to your cover letter to demonstrate your abilities.

Following these tips can help you create an effective cover letter for a science teacher position. Use your cover letter to showcase your qualifications, knowledge, and passion for teaching and you’ll be sure to

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Science Teacher Cover letter

As a science teacher, it is important to ensure your cover letter stands out from the crowd. A well- written cover letter can make the difference between landing a job or getting denied. To help you craft a strong cover letter, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not tailoring the cover letter to the specific job: You should always tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Generic cover letters are not effective and are often overlooked. Make sure your cover letter is specifically tailored to the job you are applying for and includes relevant qualifications and experience.
• Not including enough detail: Your cover letter should include more than just a summary of your qualifications and experience. Include specific examples of your capabilities and accomplishments to show the employer why you are the best fit for the job.
• Not addressing the reader: Show the employer you are serious about the job by addressing them by name in your cover letter. If you don’t have a name, at least address the reader as “Hiring Manager.”
• Not following instructions: Read the job posting carefully and follow all instructions given. If the employer asks for certain information or documents to be included in your cover letter, make sure you include them.
• Not proofreading: One of the most common mistakes you can make is forgetting to proofread your cover letter. It is important to check for typos and other errors as they can be a deal breaker. Take the time to proofread your cover letter to ensure it looks professional and error free.

Writing a strong science teacher cover letter is essential if you want to get the job. Avoid these common mistakes to give yourself the best chance of success.

Key takeaways

Writing a cover letter for a science teacher position can be a daunting process. It’s important to make sure your letter stands out from the competition, while conveying a clear message of why you’re the right person for the job. Here are some key takeaways for writing an impressive science teacher cover letter:

• Begin by introducing yourself and why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Mention any relevant experience and qualifications you have that make you the best candidate.
• Highlight the specific skills you possess that would make you successful in the science teaching position. For example, knowledge of the latest advancements in science education, the ability to engage students with hands- on learning experiences, and enthusiasm for science education.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the school’s curriculum and how your teaching style would fit in with the school’s mission.
• Showcase any awards, certificates, or other achievements that demonstrate your commitment to teaching excellence.
• Speak to your commitment to engaging students and creating an environment where learning is both fun and challenging.
• Close with a call to action that encourages the employer to reach out to you to learn more.

By following these key takeaways, you can craft an impressive science teacher cover letter that will truly make you stand out from the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a cover letter for an science teacher job with no experience.

Writing a cover letter for a Science Teacher job with no experience requires you to focus on other qualities and strengths that you can bring to the job. Start your letter by selling yourself and your enthusiasm for the job. Show that you have done research on the school and district and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. You may also want to emphasize any relevant educational background, volunteer experience or hobbies that have sharpened your skills. Show the recruiter that you are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that your students are successful.

How do I write a cover letter for an Science Teacher job experience?

When writing a cover letter for a Science Teacher job with experience, you should focus on the specific accomplishments you achieved during your previous teaching positions. Highlight the credentials and certifications you have earned, and any state and national awards you have received. Be sure to mention any special projects or initiatives you initiated that were successful. If you have experience working with diverse groups of students, explain how you created strong relationships with students and parents.

How can I highlight my accomplishments in Science Teacher cover letter?

When highlighting accomplishments in your Science Teacher cover letter, focus on the successes you achieved in your previous teaching positions. Demonstrate your ability to develop effective lessons and to engage students with lesson plans. Show that you can create a positive learning environment and provide support and guidance to individual students. If you have specific success stories that illustrate your achievements, include them in your cover letter to demonstrate your capabilities.

What is a good cover letter for an Science Teacher job?

A good cover letter for a Science Teacher job should be concise and to the point. It should begin with an introduction that expresses your interest in the position and your enthusiasm for the job. You should then explain your qualifications and highlight your achievements and successes. Be sure to include any certifications or awards that you have received, and emphasize any experience you have working with diverse student populations. Finally, express your eagerness to work with the school district and explain why you are a perfect fit for the job.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

Let us help you build your Cover Letter!

Make your cover letter more organized and attractive with our Cover Letter Builder

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview