how to write a cover letter in education

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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25 Teacher Cover Letters Examples To Help You Get Hired

Your guide to a killer cover letter that will get you that interview.

Whether you are sending out resumes hoping to land your first teaching job or looking to shift to a new school or district, one fact remains the same: All the best credentials, experience, and passion will go unnoticed without a strong cover letter. The main rule? Sell yourself the way a publicist would. Cover letters aren’t a time for modesty. They’re a time to highlight your accomplishments and make your passion for teaching known. Below you’ll find our tips for creating the best cover letter possible and our top teacher cover letter and CV examples.

3 top tips for crafting a teacher CV or cover letter:

Keep it short and sweet..

You’ve only got about 30 seconds to capture a hiring director’s attention, so start with what we call “the elevator pitch.” Imagine you have the time between the elevators closing on one floor and opening again on another floor to sell yourself. Instead of rehashing everything on your resume, use the space to craft a paragraph or two that will convince them you are a standout candidate and are worth moving on to the next step.

Emphasize why you’re a great match.

Read the job description and find the overlap between the skills you bring to the table and the skills they need. If the job description calls for certain qualities or uses specific language, repeat them in your cover letter! The ultimate goal for your cover letter is to say, “You’ve got a problem? I’m the ideal person to solve it.” Be professional and use concrete examples.

Individualize!

Tailor each and every cover letter to fit the specific school, district, and job for which you’re applying. Research the school and its culture. That way, you can address their expectations and also use specific examples of achievements in your history to show why you’re the right candidate for the position.

Top teacher cover letter examples:

1. first-time teacher.

This letter is friendly and enthusiastic. It uses concrete examples and experiences related to student teaching while showcasing exactly why the applicant wants to become a teacher.

Learn more: First-time teacher at LiveAbout

2. Another first-time teacher example

This version of a cover letter calls out the specific skills the applicant has and hopes to bring to the table.

Learn more: Another first-time teacher example at OLAS

3. Experienced elementary teacher

Not every teacher stays in their job until retirement. If you’re looking for a new position, your cover letter should clearly state your experience. This example also makes it obvious that the candidate researched the new district and discusses why she would be excited to join. The candidate also includes references at the bottom of the cover letter.

Learn more: Experienced elementary teacher at Monster

4. Another experienced elementary teacher example

It doesn’t hurt to have additional examples! This teacher cover letter clearly showcases the school’s goals and addresses how this teacher specifically can help. She did her research!

Learn more: Another experienced elementary teacher at LiveAbout

5. Summer school teacher

As school lets out for summer, many teachers still need to earn an income. With competition tight, this cover letter stands out as the candidate states her qualifications as well as her ability to train other staff members.

Learn more: Summer school teacher at Cover Letters and Resume

6. Assistant teacher

With this letter, the applicant took a slightly different approach. The letter breaks down the most relevant accomplishments into bullet points. Those will jump out at the hiring manager, who will likely scan through a ton of applications.

Learn more: Assistant teacher at LiveCareer

7. Special education teacher

This letter is similar to a standard teacher cover letter, yet it also stresses the specific qualifications and experiences of a special ed teacher. For example, this candidate included how they modified the curriculum to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. In this particular cover letter example, the teacher was looking to move into a leadership role, so this serves as a template for someone looking to transition into management as well.

Learn more: Special education teacher at JobHero

8. School guidance counselor

This cover letter emphasizes the applicant’s academic achievements, especially with regard to the psychology education required for many counselor positions. It also talks about the characteristics that make this person the ideal candidate for this position.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Great Sample Resume

9. Another school guidance counselor example

We liked this cover letter because it pulls specific metrics that are not in the resume—including the number of students the candidate worked with and the funding obtained for special needs programs.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Zety

10. Library media specialist

This cover letter oozes confidence! As with any specialist position, the candidate hones in on how her specific skills and background make her qualified for this role.

Learn more: Library media specialist at LiveCareer

11. High school English teacher

This cover letter covers a lot of ground. It points out the candidate’s strengths for teaching and assessing knowledge in the specific subject. It also presents the special techniques the candidate uses to teach students at the high school level.

Learn more: High school English teacher at Great Sample Resume

12. Technology teacher

Taking a very professional approach to writing a cover letter shows that the contender is serious. This letter points out the specific skills that best prove why this candidate is a great fit for the position.

Learn more: Technology teacher at LiveCareer

13. Music teacher

A music teacher requires knowledge of multiple instruments and a love of music and music theory. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s background and why they feel music is an important part of the education experience.

Learn more: Music teacher at Best Sample Resume

14. Drama teacher

Drama teachers often go above and beyond just teaching a class. They host auditions and rehearsals for after-school productions. This cover letter shows the candidate’s knowledge of curriculum, directing a show, and even marketing efforts.

Learn more: Drama teacher at Great Sample Resume

15. Foreign language teacher

Foreign language teachers need to display their knowledge of the particular language as well as showcase how well they can immerse students in the culture. This cover letter discusses the teacher’s plans to incorporate curriculum as well as help facilitate the induction of students into the German Honor Society.

Learn more: Foreign language teacher at JobHero

16. Sports coach

This cover letter has a terrific opening line that sets the candidate apart from the get-go. It also clearly covers the candidate’s qualifications, from knowledge and experience to attitude and philosophy. This cover letter example also works well for PE teachers.

Learn more: Sports coach at JobHero

17. ESL teacher

Teaching English as a second language obviously requires a distinct skill set. This cover letter showcases key communication skills and lets the hiring director know the specific language fluency.

Learn more: ESL teacher at LiveCareer

18. Math teacher

Touching on the highlights of their resume without rehashing it completely (who wants to read something twice?), this candidate points out their qualifications and certifications as well as their versatility in teaching different types of students.

Learn more: Math teacher at A+ Resumes for Teachers

19. Pre-K teacher

Teaching pre-K takes patience, creativity, and flexibility. This cover letter effectively highlights the candidate’s communication and problem-solving skills as well as the personal qualities that make them great at their job.

Learn more: Pre-K teacher at LiveCareer

20. Business teacher

This cover letter provides excellent background about the teacher in a way that’s appropriate for business. It shares the necessary information clearly and concisely.

Learn more: Business teacher at LiveCareer

21. International school teacher

Working at an international school requires a certain skill set, and this letter highlights the teacher’s language skills as well as their ability to create effective lessons on relevant topics while providing students with the support they need to succeed.

Learn more: International school teacher at LiveCareer

22. Head teacher cover letter

Serving as a head teacher involves a unique blend of leadership and innovation. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s exceptional communication and leadership skills, essential for coordinating with staff, students, and stakeholders to cultivate a thriving educational environment.

Learn more: Head teacher cover letter example at QwikResume

23. Kindergarten teacher

A kindergarten teacher plays a foundational role in a child’s educational journey, blending creativity with core educational principles. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in developing engaging lesson plans and materials tailored to young learners, ensuring the fundamentals of various subjects are delivered in a manner that is both enjoyable and educational.

Learn more: Kindergarten teacher at Kickresume

24. Secondary teacher

Secondary teachers help shape the young minds of students as they transition into adulthood. This cover letter exemplifies the candidate’s adeptness in crafting comprehensive lesson plans and teaching materials that cater to the diverse needs of teens, ensuring that the curriculum resonates with their evolving interests and capabilities.

Learn more: Secondary teacher at Resumaker

25. Art teacher

An art teacher embodies the intersection of creativity and education, nurturing students’ artistic talents and encouraging their expressive capabilities. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in designing stimulating lesson plans that explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, from traditional painting and drawing to digital art forms.

Learn more: Art teacher at Resume Genius

Do you have more great teacher cover letter examples? Share them in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most common teacher interview questions and suggestions for how to answer them., you might also like.

Free Teacher Resume Template and Tips, Plus 21 Teacher Resume Examples

Make a great first impression! Continue Reading

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5 Teacher Cover Letter Examples & Templates for 2024

• Teacher Cover Letter
• Elementary Teacher
• Art Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• AP English Teacher
• Writing Your Teacher Cover Letter 101

Teachers’ duties extend far beyond the 8 to 4 school day, encompassing lesson planning, grading, parent communication, faculty meetings, and guiding student extracurriculars.. 

The challenge of finding a new teaching position and the requirement to write a cover letter in addition to your teacher resume can seem daunting given your already full schedule.

We’re here to assist you in your job hunt with five teacher cover letter examples and a comprehensive guide. While it’s impossible to highlight every accomplishment, our resources, which include a free cover letter generator , are designed to help you effectively showcase your strengths and demonstrate to principals and departments why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

Teacher Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

Art Teacher Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works

• Metrics bring your accomplishments to life, painting a vivid picture of your effectiveness for the role. For instance, Kaito reports a 12% increase in foot traffic to his mural projects.

Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Passion equals commitment and even success. Not only does this align with the role she seeks, but it’s also an excellent trick to captivate the recruiter reading your piece.

AP English Teacher Cover Letter Example

AP English Teacher Resume

Need a resume to pair with your AP English teacher cover letter?

or download as PDF

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Teaching Job

The key to writing your teacher cover letter can be distilled into two main points: don’t be generic and don’t let it become a repeat of your resume. 

Step 1: Don’t skimp on researching the teaching role

Just as you want to tailor your resume to the school where you want to work and to its accompanying  teacher job description , you should do the same with your cover letter. Sure, this requires extra research, but what’re 20 or 30 minutes when this effort can pay off in dividends? Not only will research ensure your cover letter is relevant—not vague and generic—it’ll also prepare you well for common  teacher interview questions .

Additionally, leverage your research to demonstrate a real interest in the role you’re applying for as well as in the school itself.

• Discuss how your commitment to standardized testing has improved students’ performance at other schools.
• Share how Google Classroom has transformed your STEM projects.

Step 2: Go beyond your teaching resume

Addressing the specific needs and concerns mentioned in the job description will have the desired effect  as long as you go beyond what you included in your resume . Mentioning that you’re a rock star at using Google Classroom isn’t enough; principals have  already  gathered that from your resume bullet points and  skills section .  

This is your opportunity to specifically share what you’ve done with Google Classroom. Many teachers set up Google Classroom for their students but don’t get around to using it. What have you done that sets the standard for every teacher following you? This is when quantifying your experience becomes exceptionally valuable. 

• Demonstrate how this resource has decreased late submissions by 53 percent.
• What did you do exactly to accomplish such a feat? One-on-one tutoring, an after-school club, unique teaching methodologies?

Step 3: Convey the right message

Beyond specific and descriptive paragraphs in your teacher cover letter, keep your document  at  or less than a page. Eliminate wordiness and avoid pleasantries. Be sincere and gracious, but, really, no one likes a teacher’s pet.   

So, consider your tone of voice. Be professional, avoiding clichés, contractions, colloquialisms, and the like. Remember you’re applying for a teaching position, not a quirky tech startup.

Consider your tone. Remember you’re applying for a teaching role, not a quirky tech startup.

And when you think your cover letter is ready to go, hold up! You’re, indeed, almost at the finish line, but what is it you tell your students to do before they submit an essay (which they inevitably  never  do)? 

Yep—it’s time to practice what you preach. Invite a few people you trust to review your cover letter and offer constructive criticism while your eyes and brain rest. Then, return to your work, consider the feedback, and scour for any last content issues and spelling and grammar errors. Make revisions, save your document, and send your best teacher cover letter to the principal and hiring department with your resume, application, and any other requested materials.

Your Teacher Cover Letter Format & Outline

Now, if you’re staring at a blinking cursor on a blank document, not sure how to make the examples and steps work for you, don’t fret. It’ll come together beautifully like a perfectly executed lesson plan.

You just need a comprehensive outline that breaks the cover letter for a teaching position into distinct sections, making it easy to understand what to include in each part.

How to start a teacher cover letter

Your contact info: If you’re using a template, fill in the letterhead to suit your needs. Just ensure you replace all filler text and don’t accidentally exclude critical information like your name, email, and phone number. 

• Formatting:  If you write a block business letter rather than use a template, including your address is standard. Additionally, while your name will be prominently displayed on a letterhead on a template, a basic but professional block letter should omit your name (the principal will find your name easily in your signature line).

Date:  If you write your cover letter today but don’t submit it until next week, edit the date, to reflect the day you submit the letter and other career documents for the specific teaching role. 

• Formatting:  Write out the full date, e.g. January 12, 2023.

Inside address:  This is the contact information for the principal or hiring department at the school. Name the specific person; then, include the school and position title, e.g., Ryan High School Principal. Complete this section with the school’s address.

• Formatting:  Each piece of the inside address should be on a new line. You’ll want a double space between the inside address and the greeting. 

Kyndra Marque Ryan High School Principal  5101 E McKinney St Denton, TX 76208

Greeting:  Your goal is to start on the right foot with your principal, so avoid issuing a generic greeting, also known as a salutation, like:

• Dear Principal,
• Dear Hiring Department,
• To Whom it May Concern:

While it can take some sleuth skills to track down the name of the hiring manager for some jobs,  most, if not all,  schools have staff listings on their website. You’re already researching the school to help you write an amazing cover letter, so take a couple of extra minutes to put a real name to the greeting:

• Dear Mr. Thatcher:
• Dear Ms. Li:
• Formatting:  Err on the side of caution and use a colon at the end of the greeting. A comma is more casual while a colon denotes professionalism, which will likely serve you best for a teaching role.  

How to write your teacher cover letter

Body:  The body of your teacher cover letter should be three to four brief paragraphs that state your interest, demonstrate your teaching credentials, and convey enthusiasm for further discussion. Let’s break it down further: 

• Formatting:  The body of your teaching cover letter should be single-spaced although you’ll need to double-space between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph:  The goal is simple—state your interest in the position and your overarching credentials that reflect your research for the specific role. While the goal is simple, the execution often leaves little to be desired. Too many teacher cover letters start the same way.

I found your posting online and am interested in filling the English III position. 

No. Just no. Bore the principal and the English department right out of the gate, and they’ll wonder whether you’ll hold the attention of your students. Instead, try:

With 12 percent of Ryan High’s student population slotted to graduate with honors, I am eager to lead the initiation of the English Advanced Placement program as stated in the job description. With seven years of experience teaching AP courses, I am confident that Ryan High’s students will excel in my classroom and beyond.

Not only does this signal that you’ve done your homework and researched the school’s unique standing and areas for growth, this opening paragraph hooks the reader. Clearly, you’re interested in the role, offer valuable experience, and with phrases like “lead the initiation” and “excel in my classroom,” there’s no doubt you’re confident and capable.

Paragraphs 2-3:  If you can squeeze in the third paragraph, we recommend it as each paragraph is an opportunity to demonstrate indisputable evidence of the credentials and qualifications you boldly state in your opening paragraph. 

Each paragraph should not be a repeat of your resume; rather, each paragraph should hone in on  one  clear accomplishment, be it the results of your teaching methodology, values, or something else. Don’t try to tackle multiple topics in a paragraph. Be detailed, specific, and quantify your results when possible. 

Closing paragraph:  Clench an interview with this final paragraph. Now’s not the time to lay your head on your desk and call it a day. Don’t let this be your closing paragraph:

I believe I am the perfect candidate for this teaching position, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. 

At best, it exudes laziness. At worst, no one will believe you’re actually interested in the job but just need something to put beans on the table. 

Instead, demonstrate that your unique values and qualifications align with the school’s needs, which will indicate a genuine interest in the role— even if you are  desperate to put beans on the table.

Finally, add a call to action that anticipates a follow-up or interview. With the following closing paragraph, it’s clear that teaching is far more to you than just a job:

Solving students’ pain points is more than acknowledging their existence. To me, pain points are a starting point to discovery. I firmly believe that some of the most challenging endeavors have the power to yield the most fruitful results. If these results speak to you, I am eager to share more of what my non-traditional classroom looks like and what you can expect from Belleville’s students and from me as their geometry instructor.  

How to end a teacher cover letter

Signature:  While you can include your gratitude at the end of the closing paragraph, you can also express thanks when you sign off. Keep it professional, and use your real name here just as you will on your resume and application form. 

• Formatting:  Typically, you’ll send your cover letter to the principal’s email; however, if you deliver your career docs in person or—gasp—by mail, be sure to quadruple space and sign your name in blue or black ink between your closing line and typed name.

Thank you for your consideration,

Marcus DeWitt 

Enclosure(s):  This is important, and most job seekers, including teachers, fail to include it. “Enclosure(s)” means that more documents follow your cover letter.

What information would that be? Well, hopefully, your  teacher resume , likely the school’s application, potentially your teaching license, also your college transcripts, and maybe even a reference letter or two, depending on the requirements detailed in the  teacher job ad . 

After your signature, you’ll include “Enclosure(s),” followed by the exact documents in order of appearance. 

• Formatting:  Use the singular form of “enclosure” if you’re only including one document. Also, include each additional document on a new line. 

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

See, including this final section is literally easier than writing your own address. Include it, and automatically set yourself apart from other teachers vying for the same role. 

Finish Strong with Your Teacher Resume

Now, that you’ve got the tools to confidently wow principals and departmental heads with your teacher cover letter, have you considered the current state of your resume? Maybe you’ve already updated and polished it, and if that’s you, kudos to you—you’re ahead of the game! 

If you’re blowing out an exaggerated breath because you’ve relegated your resume to the nether regions of your mind, we get it. But teacher resumes are judged more harshly than most. Hiring teams don’t cut a lot of slack when they’re looking for talent who will teach their students to communicate, read, and write well.   

So, if it’s time to think seriously about re-writing or, let’s face it,  writing  your resume  from scratch, take a page from us (literally) and get inspired with our  free resume templates  and  teacher resume examples  like the one below.

Elementary Teacher Resume

Need a resume to pair with your elementary teacher cover letter?

Your career documents are a pain in the tush, we know, but think of us as your biggest cheerleaders. With our  resume builder ,  Google resume templates ,  Word resume templates , and expert-approved guidance, your teacher resume and cover letter are sure to win you interviews and secure your next role, where you just might earn Teacher of the Year at your next school. 

Every school you apply to will likely have slightly different teaching styles, cultures, and objectives they would like to achieve throughout the year. You can use your cover letter to connect your previous experiences to their mission and goals. For instance, if you volunteered for an early-age reading program, that would be a great experience to connect when applying to a K-5 position where the school wants to improve student reading scores.

Ideally, you want to match your tone to the feel of each school’s job description. Does the school have a very formal and knowledgeable tone in the description? Then being more formal and factual about your knowledge and experiences in different teaching styles they emphasize would be a great idea. For example, citing factual information about how you used hybrid learning to create 75% higher material retention in math subjects would work well in this instance.

Try to address your cover letter to a specific person in the school. Typically, this will be a principal, superintendent, or human resources hiring manager that would be reviewing teacher resumes . Check through the job description to see if a specific name is listed who will be reviewing applications, or review the school’s website for this information. If you can’t find anything, you can simply address it to “[Name of school] hiring staff” or something similar.

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Education Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

In the dynamic field of education, a well-crafted education cover letter can set you apart. Whether you're an uplifting teacher who shapes young minds, a resilient substitute ensuring seamless education, or an efficient administrator who conducts the orchestra behind the scenes — this guide was made for you.

With our expert tips, inspiring examples, and customizable templates, crafting your ticket to your dream role has never been easier.

In this guide, we'll teach you some key steps for writing a cover letter as an education professional. Keep reading and learn how to:

• Format your education cover letter header & headline
• Personalize the greeting on your education cover letter
• Create an eye-catching education cover letter introduction
• Describe your accomplishments as an education professional
• End your education cover letter with a strong closing statement
• Access the best job search resources for education professionals

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

1. format properly your education cover letter header & headline.

A cover letter header and headline are the first essential elements to add to any well-written cover letter .

The header is where you will list all the important identifying information about yourself (the applicant) and the company you are applying to (the employer). This header can be formatted in many different ways according to your style preferences.

Followign the header is the headline , a short title statement that serves two key purposes: to hook the employer’s attention and to accurately preview the main point of the document.

Below we have included more in-depth explanations and examples of these two cover letter elements:

Formatting the header

As mentioned, your header can vary in formatting depending on your personal style. Some applicants will opt for a more centered header, while others will keep it in a neat block of text in the top-left corner.

Regardless of the style you opt for, your header should always include:

• The name of the company you are applying to (& the department name, when applicable)
• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)

Here's an example of a well-formatted education cover letter header

To: Buncombe County School District, Curriculum Department From: Jane Doe , Professional Superintendent & Educator (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/jane-doe

Writing the headline

When writing the headline of your cover letter, consider how journalists and media outlets use headlines to grab the attention of readers. For a headline to be effective, it must be equal parts compelling and honest, offering a clear preview of the most important information to come.

To craft your headline, you should always include keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.

Here's an example of a well-written education headline

My Biggest Success as an Educator & How It Can Benefit Your District’s Students

Trigger Word/Number : Biggest Success Keyword: Educator, Students Adjective/Verb: Benefit Promise: Your District – this detail tells the employer that you will relate your successes and qualifications directly to the needs of their specific school district and students.

2. Personalize the greeting on your education cover letter

Whenever possible, we always recommend using personalized greeting on your cover letter.

A personalized greeting addresses a specific person or department by name, showing the employer you have thoroughly researched their school or business before applying. Additionally, it highlights that you have a go-getter attitude and excellent attention to detail.

If you have done your due diligence but cannot pinpoint exactly who will read your cover letter, try out one of these alternatives:

To the [Company Name] Team

To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager

Find out your resume score!

3. Create an eye-catching education cover letter introduction

The headline and greeting of your cover letter work together to initially hook an employer’s attention. While this is a crucial part of any cover letter, you need to follow it up with a captivating introduction that keeps the employer interested.

To achieve this, you should aim to include in your introduction: 

• A brief overview of your professional history and goals
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible)

Here's an example to help demonstrate how to write an education cover letter introduction

To [Employer’s Name],

I am an experienced Educator with over 5 years specializing in Art Therapy and Youth Rehabilitation. After learning about your school’s community support programs, I felt compelled to reach out to your Assistant Director, Mary Smith, to inquire about openings at the school. Ms. Smith reviewed my resume and strongly recommended I apply for this position. 

Not only does this example name a mutual acquaintance but it also highlights an aspect of the school’s programming that the applicant admires — a great start to any cover letter!

4. Effectively describe your accomplishments as an education professional

Following your introduction are the cover letter body paragraphs, where you can offer a more in-depth look at your qualifications and passions. You should aim to include between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer these key questions:

• What excites you about working at this company?
• What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
• What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
• What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?

Placing special emphasis on your relevant accomplishments is always recommended, as they help to show an employer what real-life improvements you can offer and achieve.

Here's an example of how to describe accomplishments in an education cover letter

• As an Education Learning Specialist at [Former Employer], I worked directly with English and Language Arts teachers to develop a new reading program that is adjustable to each student’s current reading level. As a result of this program, average student comprehension scores rose by 45% and average end-of-grade language arts testing scores rose by 60%.
• I successfully implemented a student-centered learning approach that significantly improved academic performance and engagement in the classroom. By incorporating innovative teaching methods and personalized lesson plans, I saw a remarkable 25% increase in student test scores, resulting in several students receiving academic recognition awards.

5. End your education cover letter with a strong closing statement

The final piece of the cover letter puzzle is a strong closing statement that includes:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Here's an example of an effective closing statement from an education cover letter

As a passionate Education professional, I am eager to get to know your school district, staff, and students better. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position and my qualifications with you directly, and am available to meet any weekday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890.

Yours Truly,

[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. Valuable job search resources for education professionals

Venturing into the education sector can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to job searching. Navigate this multifaceted field with more ease using the following online resources:

• Specialized job boards:  Sites like Education Week , HigherEdJobs , and SchoolSpring cater specifically to education professionals and offer a plethora of job listings from pre-school to university levels.
• Networking platforms: Holidays aren't the only time for connecting. LinkedIn provides year-round opportunities to network with peers, learn about potential employers, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's the teachers' lounge of the digital world.
• Online profile platforms: Indeed , SchoolJobs , and Teachaway let you create a digital profile showcasing your skillset and experiences. You'll also receive alerts for new job postings that align with your credentials. Handy, right?
• Professional organizations: Groups such as the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) offer great resources, including job boards and insightful articles about the educational field. They might even bring cookies (or just useful knowledge, but that's good too).

Rest assured, your ideal job is out there, waiting for you to teach it a lesson, or two.

Education Cover Letter FAQ

How should i address my education cover letter if i don’t know the recipient's name.

If a job posting doesn't provide a contact name, it's best to use a professional, generic greeting. Options include "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear [School Name] Team."

Can I mention my teaching philosophy in the cover letter?

Yes, including a brief mention of your teaching philosophy can be beneficial. However, ensure this remains concise and relevant to the job description and the school's values. 

What if I'm switching from a different career to education?

In cases like this, focus on transferable skills in your cover letter. Make a clear case for why your past experiences are valuable in an educational context. 

How do I highlight extracurricular involvement in my cover letter?

If you've mentored a club, coached a sport, or led other school activities, be sure to include these experiences. It shows your willingness to contribute to the school community beyond classroom hours.

Could my cover letter exceed one page if I have a lot to offer?

While you may have a lot of experiences and talents, it's best to keep your cover letter as concise as possible. Aim to not exceed a single page. Highlight your most pertinent and impressive attributes in relation to the job you're applying for.

Nikoleta Kuhejda

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

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• Special Education Teacher
• Teacher Assistant
• Youth Advisor

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1 Education Cover Letter Example

Educators excel at imparting knowledge, fostering growth, and inspiring curiosity, turning classrooms into incubators of potential. Similarly, your cover letter is your platform to educate recruiters about your skills, experiences, and passion, transforming a simple introduction into a compelling narrative. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for educators, ensuring your application not only informs but inspires.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start an Education cover letter is by clearly stating your interest in the specific role and organization. For example, "I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [School/Institution Name]." Then, briefly highlight your most relevant experience or qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the role. This could be your teaching experience, curriculum development skills, or leadership roles in educational settings. This approach immediately communicates your enthusiasm for the role and provides a snapshot of your qualifications.

Educators should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their belief in their ability to contribute positively to the institution. This can be done by restating key points made in the letter about their qualifications, experience, or passion for education. They should also express their eagerness for the opportunity to further discuss their qualifications in an interview. For example: "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique blend of skills, experience, and passion for education to your esteemed institution. I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your team and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further." Finally, educators should end with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their full name. It's also important to include contact information, either in the letterhead or after the signature.

A cover letter for Educations, or any field for that matter, should ideally be no more than one page long. This is because hiring managers often have to go through a large number of applications, so a concise, well-written cover letter is more likely to grab their attention. In terms of word count, aim for between 250 to 400 words. This should give you enough space to introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the position and the institution, and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Remember, the goal of the cover letter is to intrigue the reader enough to look at your resume for more details, not to tell your entire professional history. For Educations specifically, it's important to focus on your teaching philosophy, your passion for education, and any unique teaching experiences or skills you have. Tailor your cover letter to the specific role and institution you're applying to, showing that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Writing a cover letter with no experience in the field of education can seem challenging, but it's definitely possible. Here's how you can approach it: 1. **Start with a strong introduction**: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the field of education. Mention the specific position you're applying for. 2. **Highlight relevant skills**: Even if you don't have direct experience, you likely have transferable skills that are relevant to the field of education. These could include communication skills, organizational skills, leadership skills, or problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these skills. 3. **Showcase your education and training**: If you have any education or training related to the field, be sure to mention it. This could include degrees, certifications, or relevant coursework. Even if your education isn't directly related, you can highlight courses or projects that have helped you develop skills relevant to the field of education. 4. **Express your passion for education**: Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work. Use your cover letter to express your passion for education and your desire to make a positive impact on students' lives. 5. **Show that you're a quick learner**: If you're new to the field, it's important to show that you're willing and able to learn quickly. You can do this by mentioning past experiences where you had to learn new skills or adapt to new situations. 6. **End with a strong conclusion**: In your conclusion, reiterate your interest in the position and your eagerness to contribute to the organization. Thank the employer for considering your application. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Even without direct experience, your passion and transferable skills can make you a strong candidate for a position in education.

Related Cover Letters for Educations

Elementary teacher cover letter.

Preschool Teacher Cover Letter

Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter

Tutor Cover Letter

Instructional Designer Cover Letter

Education Cover Letter

Physical Education Cover Letter

Special education cover letter, related resumes for educations, education resume example.

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• Teacher Cover Letter Examples

Teachers know cover letters are crucial for showcasing skills and career progression. Our cover letter samples will help seasoned and new educators ace the job search.

As seen in:

Table of Contents

• How to Write a Teacher Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Greeting
• Opening Paragraph
• Body Paragraph
• Closing Paragraph
• Teacher Cover Letter Skills
• Related Resources

Cover letter examples

Browse our collection of cover letter examples to find the one that matches your specialty and career situation. Whether you’re a STEM teacher or a recent graduate, you’ll see a cover letter sample that targets your unique needs as a job seeker.

General teacher cover letter template

This free teacher cover letter template has instructions on how to write each section of your cover letter. Download this template to your computer or use it to create your personalized teacher cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder .

[City, State 12345]

[555) 555-5555]

[Your Email Address]

[[email protected]]

[Month, Day, Year]

[Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter full name and titles ]

[Company Name]

[Street address, Suite number]

[Company Address]

[City, State ZIP CODE ]

Dear [Dear Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],

This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains either why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.

The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer's needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.

*Optional section* This is where you would craft an explainer, like if there is a gap in your employment history or have a specialized circumstance, you can’t fully explain in your resume.

The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating a key qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer's consideration.

Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.

--- Your Full Name

Use this template

First-time teacher cover letter example

This teacher cover letter sample is ideal for first-time teachers. Open this teacher cover letter example in our Builder to showcase your up-to-date skill set and relevant experiences.

Use this example

Recent graduate teacher cover letter example

You just graduated and are ready to begin your career as an educator. You’ll need a great cover letter to get employers to notice you! Edit this recent graduate teacher cover letter sample in our Builder and show off the fresh perspective, motivation and career goals that set you apart.

Experienced teacher cover letter example

Even teachers with many years of experience benefit from a well-written cover letter. Use this experienced teacher cover letter example in our Cover Letter Builder and share all those impressive accomplishments that show your caliber as a seasoned educator.

Elementary teacher cover letter example

Elementary teachers must showcase unique skills, such as good relationship-building, data-driven lesson planning and suitable technology integration. Customize this elementary teacher cover letter example in our Builder by expanding on how you’ve applied your skills in primary education.

High school teacher cover letter example

Show off your classroom handling skills and subject matter knowledge to land a high school teacher role. Give employers a glimpse into your teaching process with this high school teacher cover letter example, which you can easily edit with your professional details in our Cover Letter Builder.

How to write a teacher cover letter

Writing a cover letter for a teaching role is simple if you divide the letter into a few key sections. Take the writing process step by step and watch how quickly and efficiently you write a cover letter that wows employers.

Let’s delve into each section of your cover letter and tips for optimizing it for a teaching position.

Format your cover letter’s greeting.

Your cover letter should look like any other business letter, including a formal header with a proper greeting.

Strong cover letter greeting example:

April 13, 2024

Laura S. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Lincoln Elementary School

7th N Keystone Lane

Philadelphia, PA 12443

Dear Dr. Jenkins,

Why this example works:

• Strictly follows the business letter format
• Features essential details about the letter’s recipients.
• Greets the hiring manager by name.

Weak cover letter greeting example:

Cover Letter for Teacher Job

To Whom It May Concern:

Why this example fails:

• Doesn’t follow a standardized professional format.
• Omits the recipient’s name or the place of employment.
• Uses a generic greeting that shows a lack of attention to detail.

Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph.

Begin your cover letter by mentioning who you are, your profession or current job title, the role you’re applying for, and any information the employer might find relevant in the first paragraph of your cover letter .

Strong opening paragraph example:

“As an educator with 11 years of high school teaching experience, I’m excited to apply for the role of Social Studies teacher at Charleston High School. Having won the North Dakota School District’s Educator of the Year award three times, I know that my pedagogical skills will add to the impressive achievements the Charleston High teachers have accomplished.”

• Quickly engages the reader by mentioning essential job requirements.
• Mentions an impressive achievement that validates the applicant’s skills.
• Demonstrates the applicant has researched the school and admires their work.

Weak opening paragraph example:

“Hello. I am Lana Higgins, and I am applying for the mathematics teacher role at Brookstone School. I have many years of experience and am confident I possess the necessary skills to thrive in this role.”

• Uses dry and robotic language.
• Doesn’t provide specific examples of the applicant’s qualifications.
• Relies only on the applicant’s judgment of their abilities with no factual proof.

Expand upon your achievements in the body paragraph.

In your cover letter’s body paragraph(s), you should provide relevant examples of your skills, achievements or career goals. Ensure you tailor your accomplishments to show what the employer needs from you in this role.

Strong body paragraph example:

“In my previous role, I increased student engagement by 20% through interactive simulations and project-based learning. My passion lies in fostering a collaborative classroom environment where students feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and discover the joy of learning. I believe in differentiated instruction that caters to individual needs and learning styles, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.”

• Includes quantifiable achievements demonstrating the teacher’s impact.
• Mentions the necessary skills for the teaching profession.
• Demonstrates the applicant’s understanding of various instruction methods, showing adaptability.

Weak body paragraph example:

“I love teaching math and think it’s super important. My students enjoyed my class, and I also learned a lot from them. I believe in creating a fun and positive classroom environment. I’m a team player and always willing to help out.”

• There are no quantifiable achievements or specific examples to back up claims.
• Phrases like “fun and positive environment” and “team player” are overused, and lack depth.
• Uses a passive voice, making the applicant less active and engaged.

Encourage next steps in your closing paragraph.

Finish your cover letter with a closing paragraph summarizing the main points of your letter and motivating the hiring manager to call you back for an interview.

Strong closing paragraph example:

“While my teaching journey is just beginning, my passion for education and dedication to student success is boundless. I am eager to contribute my enthusiasm and fresh perspective to your esteemed institution. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail in an interview.

Teacher Anna Draper”

• Counteracts a lack of experience by showing passion for the role.
• Highlights the applicant’s enthusiasm and emphasizes their willingness to contribute.
• Ends with a confident tone and a call to action for a future interview.

Weak closing paragraph example:

“So, yeah, I’m new to this, but hey, everyone starts somewhere, right? I think your school seems cool, and teaching looks like a fun way to spend my days. I’m available whenever, so let me know if you need someone! Thanks.

• Uses informal language and tone.
• Doesn’t encourage the reader to take any further steps, such as scheduling an interview.
• Lacks enthusiasm for the role.

Follow these steps for a stellar teacher letter from scratch. Short on time? Let our Cover Letter Builder personalize yours with ease!

Teacher cover letter skills

Optimize your cover letter to bypass applicant tracking systems (ATS) by incorporating keywords from the job description and in-demand skills into your cover letter.

• Computer skills
• Communication
• Respectfulness
• Lesson planning
• Cultural competency
• Spreadsheet proficiency
• Critical thinking
• Positive reinforcement
• Creative lessons
• Digital literacy
• Classroom management
• Attention to detail

Build my cover letter

Related education cover letter examples

Open to any role in the education sector? We have more cover letter examples for different teaching jobs.

See all cover letter examples

Related resources

Top 2023 Cover Letter Templates to Get You Hired

Cover Letter Formats: Tips for 2024

Don't Make These 8 Cover Letter Mistakes

About the Author

LiveCareer Staff Writer

At LiveCareer, we live and breathe the belief that we can help people transform their work lives, and so do our contributors. Our experts come from a variety of backgrounds but have one thing in common: they are authorities on the job market. From journalists with years of experience covering workforce topics, to academics who study the theory behind employment and staffing, to certified resume writers whose expertise in the creation of application documents offers our readers insights into how to best wow recruiters and hiring managers, LiveCareer’s stable of expert writers are among the best in the business. Whether you are new to the workforce, are a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, LiveCareer’s contributors will help you move the needle on your career and get the job you want faster than you think.

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Become a Teacher• 3 Min read

9th June 2021

How To Write A Great Cover Letter For Teacher Training

Writing a cover letter is an important part of your application process for any role or opportunity in teaching and Education. Although in some sectors, cover letters have fallen out of favour, for schools, a cover letter is the first chance they will get to learn about you as a person, your dreams, aspirations and experience and forms an essential part of your application.

A cover letter for Teacher Training placements is no different. It’s your chance to share your enthusiasm and passion for teaching as well as showcase why a school would offer a training place to you. Read on for our tips on writing an impactful cover letter that has a great chance of landing you your dream Teacher Training placement!

What Should Your Teacher Training Cover Letter Include?

The basics of your cover letter will be the same as applying for most roles in the sector. You’ll need to include the following:

How To Shape Your Experience To Fit The Roles You Are Applying For

Without any formal teaching experience, it might initially seem that you don’t have much relevant experience to share. If this is the case for you, we’ve got some great tips for writing about your desire to teach with real-world examples.

• All aspiring teachers will enjoy working with children so use your cover letter to delve deeper into why you enjoy working with and supporting young people.
• Think of how your experience so far (education-related or otherwise) has prepared you for a successful career in teaching. Have you worked in high-pressure environments or with children in another setting? It might help to write down all the relevant experience you can think of and then select the most relevant to include in your cover letter.
• Consider the key traits of successful teachers and how you have or will demonstrate these in a professional capacity. Successful teachers are motivated to continue learning and developing and they have the ability to start each day with a fresh approach.
• Teachers require a lot of transferable skills such as adaptability, patience, a high level of organisation and creative problem-solving. Try and include examples of when you have successfully utilised these skills in either a work or academic capacity

Engage Teacher Training Programme

If you have an undergraduate degree and the passion to teach, you can enrol on the Teacher Training Programme today. We have intake sessions throughout the year, so you’ll never have long to wait before we can get you in the classroom!

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The Top 6 Tips for Writing a Powerful Cover Letter

A cover letter is a written, one-page document expressing your interest in a job opening. It should specifically address your interest in both the role and the company, and what skills and relevant experiences make you a great fit for the position. As importantly, it’s a chance to let your personality shine through and show off your communication skills.

Even when an employer is convinced that you meet all the qualifications based on your resume, a cover letter gives that extra spark that can greenlight your application to move through the hiring process and land you an interview. 

In this article, we’ll share the top 6 tips for writing a powerful cover letter and hopefully help you land the job you want.

1. Do Your Research

Start off your cover letter by addressing it to a specific person and not using the dreaded phrase of “To Whom it May Concern.” This shows that you took the extra time to do research on their website or Linkedin to identify the hiring manager’s name.

If you know any individuals from the company, ask them if you may “name drop” them in your introduction. To further demonstrate that you’ve done your homework on the organization, reference specific initiatives and programs. You could also cite other facts that prompted you to apply, such as a recent article or announcement.

The above recommendations showcase to the employer that you put in the extra effort to research them, which in turn, demonstrates your genuine interest in working for them.

2. Tailor Everything

Tailor each cover letter to both the organization you are applying to and the specific role. Make the case as to why you would be good at that particular job and an asset within the larger organization.

You should incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description into your cover letter. Make sure to tailor them to your specific experiences and accomplishments. It’s always helpful to reiterate job description language with data-driven details. 

Here’s an example from NYFA Classifieds Sales Manager, Mary-kate Grohoski, back when she applied to her current role:

The Sales Manager’s job description detailed the responsibility of “Managing the sales process from prospect identification, close of sales, and follow-up.” In her cover letter, she rephrased the above language and incorporated her experience with the following line: “By managing the sales process of over 10 Fine Books and Manuscripts auctions per year in the New York showroom, I oversee all client communications and portfolios, as well as the management of over 2,400 auctions lots per year, and develop and maintain long-term corporate relations.”

3. Be Authentic

In a sea of often standardized cover letters, being authentic could make you stand out. Sincere interest comes through in your writing, so take the time to truly reflect on what genuinely excites you about this opportunity. Speak to why you want the position and be specific about the aspects of the role that intrigue you and are aligned with the vision you have for yourself professionally.

When reviewing your cover letter, consider how the language you’ve chosen could inspire the hiring manager to look forward to what you could achieve together.

4. Solve a Problem for the Employer

Don’t make the cover letter all about you; it’s as much about the employer as it is about you. Connect how your previous experience would be an asset to this particular organization based on what they want to achieve. (Quick tip: Usually, their goals for the role are outlined in the job description.)

How can your skills benefit the organization and help them grow? Do you have ideas as to how you’d contribute to their specific programs and take them to the next level? Reference specific skills, experiences, and projects to demonstrate the value you would be bringing to the role.

Employers are always looking to bring new skills into their teams, to not only fill gaps, but to elevate their teams and organizations’ performance. By relating your experience back to the organization, you are helping them draw clear connections between your background and their goals for the role.

5. Keep it short

A good rule of thumb is to keep your cover letter under a page long, but even shorter is better. It’s a challenge to do so, since there is a lot you may want to cover, but there are some tricks to help you stay succinct.

Something to keep in mind is to not repeat what is in your resume, but instead, provide supplementary information and context to your resume’s content. Another tip is to focus on the 3-4 most relevant transferable skills you can bring to the role, instead of trying to cover every qualification and skill mentioned in the job description. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have a friend or mentor review your resume and make recommendations on what you could cut.

At the end of the day, remember that the hiring manager is reading countless cover letters so try to make it as seamless for them as possible and make every word count.

6. Use a template, but mainly for formatting purposes

It’s a great time saver when you have a perfectly formatted cover letter template ready to be filled out so that you don’t have to deal with time consuming adjustments to margins, fonts, spacing, and alignment. 

A cover letter format pretty much follows the standard business letter format which contains a header with yours and the hiring manager’s contact information, a salutation, an opening paragraph, one or two body paragraphs, a closing paragraph and a sign off. Quick tip: Include your email address in your contact information, in case the cover letter gets separated from your resume.

Apart from that, you can standardize some aspects of the content just to have a visual filler in place or even use the text as a starting point, but always plan to customize them further for each application.

Overall, as you are writing your cover letter, try to keep a fine balance between talking about yourself, the employer, and what you can achieve together. Always aim to be answering the question of “Why should we hire you?” and back up everything you say with specific examples from your background. 

– Katerina Nicolaou, Account Manager

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How to Write a Cover Letter

W hen you submit a resume, do you always include a cover letter? In almost all cases, it is appropriate and wise. The letter allows you to introduce yourself, show your interest in the company, address points that do not belong on a resume, and make yourself stand out.

If you need a little assistance, here's how to write a cover letter, along with tips and templates to help get you started.

1. Customize Your Cover Letter

One of the first things to remember about writing a cover letter is that you should tailor it to the specific position. While using a template does help, you should always customize it for the job and company.

The template should be your starting point, not the end result, with only minor tweaks.

According to Glassdoor :

"When starting to write any cover letter, it is always best to plan the content of your letter based on the requirements of the job you're applying for."

If you plan to use a template, you also want to choose the correct one for the letter. For example, some include salary requirements, while others work better in the creative field.

2. Have a Solid Opening

Some sources say that if you start a cover letter by saying that you are applying for X job that you saw in X advertisement, it is a waste of text. Of course, you must state the position you are applying for.

The opening should cover why you are writing and provide a brief idea of who you are. But be sure to stand out to employers when you say why you want the job and why you are the right fit for it.

As Money.com writer Kristen Bahler writes:

"To grab a recruiter’s attention, a good narrative—with a killer opening line—is everything."

You should think through your opening carefully and show your personality, but avoid corny humor. Be clear, concise, and confident.

3. Know the Company

Take the time to research the company you are applying to so that you can express how your experience can help. Plus, having knowledge of the company is ideal for when you land a job interview .

As Harvard Business Review puts it:

"Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems. Drawing on the research you did earlier, show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces."

When you have information about the company and its needs, you can then highlight your relevant skills and achievements to show why you are the person for the job.

4. End With Enthusiasm

In your final paragraph, include your contact information, express your enthusiasm, and state if you plan to follow up. Monster.com offers this advice for the closing:

"In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and an interview and include a plan of action. State what the next steps will be. If you will wait for the company’s reply, tell them that. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you."

If you are including additional material with your cover letter and resume, such as a portfolio or sample of your work, be sure to mention this as well. And of course, thank the reader for their consideration.

While your opening should grab their attention, your closing should also be strong and clear.

Helpful Tips to Write a Cover Letter

Here are additional tips to keep in mind when crafting your cover letter:

• Always try to address the letter to a person, don't use "Sir" or "Madam" in your greeting. If necessary, do your research for the proper contact.
• Try to limit the letter to one page. Be succinct and get to the point.
• Do not repeat your resume. Your cover letter should enhance it, not duplicate it.
• Do not point out the skills that you lack. Emphasize and highlight those you have that apply to the position.
• Check and double-check your spelling and grammar.
• Mention your expertise in the software tools the company uses.
• Express how you think the company's values align with yours.
• Point out if someone from the company referred you for the role.

How to Write a Cover Letter With a Template

Along with knowing how to write a cover letter that targets the job you want, is the appearance of it. This is another important part of creating your letter so that it has a clean and professional appearance.

1. Keep It Simple

Microsoft has one of the nicest selections of cover letter templates for you to choose from. Just swap out the text on the template with your own.

2. Add Some Color

You might also want to consider adding a little splash of color to your cover letter to make it visually appealing. Remember, a small amount of color is fine as long as you do not overdo it.

3. Include Salary Requirements

You can also find cover letter templates that include salary requirements, but you can and should adjust it based on your needs and preferences, of course.

However, note that some employers do not appreciate this, so it's wise to include salary requirements in your cover letter only if you're specifically asked for it.

4. Be Creative

If you are applying for a position that involves design or another creative field, you may prefer a cover letter to match, especially if you believe the hiring manager expects it. But, again, remember not to go overboard here.

5. Use a Style

Maybe you are looking for a particular style of cover letter. For instance, an entry-level cover letter is for those lacking experience while a professional one is suitable for those with management experience. Each has different formatting to accompany the highlights of the style.

You can check out different cover letter examples at Resume Genuis . You can download an entire pack from each design with various color options that include helpful prompts.

6. Find Your Industry

When what you really need is a template plus a sample with helpful text for that specific position, review these options on Template . You can download cover letter templates for jobs in nursing, education, retail, technology, business development, and other fields.

The sample text is provided to help you, but remember that you can change it easily to suit your skills and experience.

How Not to Write a Cover Letter

Knowing how to write a cover letter for a job is essential. But just as important is how not to write a cover letter. Here are a handful of things you should leave out when composing your letter:

• Overused phrases like self-starter, detail-oriented, and team player.
• Unnecessary details such as activities you enjoy, personal history, and information unrelated to the job.
• Negative comments about current or previous employers and companies.
• Untruths about your skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Salary requirements or expectations unless specifically requested.

Ready, Set, Write

Now that you know how to write a cover letter, the additional tips and templates will help you on your way to a great letter that leads to an interview. Just remember to use the cover letter to tell your story, briefly but with confidence.

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• Resume Examples
• Program Analyst Resume: Examples & Templates 2024

Program Analyst Resume: Examples & Templates 2024

Our customers have been hired by:

Your job is finding inefficiencies and improving things. An expert in cost-benefit analysis like you shouldn’t have to struggle with finding a job. You should be getting paid a premium just to watch your colleagues work!

And you can . Those jobs exist. But they’re not open to those with suboptimal program analyst resumes. Let’s analyze your system functionality, then!

This guide will show you: 

• A program analyst resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a program analyst resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a program analyst resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a program analyst to get any job you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

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Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Need a different resume? We have dedicated guides for those, too:

• Analyst Resume Examples
• Business Analyst Resume Examples
• Data Analyst Resume Examples
• Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst Resume Examples
• System Analyst Resume Examples
• Data Scientist Resume Examples
• Market Research Resume Examples
• Data Engineer Resume Examples
• Programmer Resume Examples
• Business Intelligence BI Resume Examples

Program Analyst Resume Example

Catherine D. Bruce

Program Analyst

[email protected]

636-243-7444

Recent graduate with a degree in Business and a GPA of 3.9. Completed a data analyst internship at Stantec, earning 2 commendations from the manager and senior program analyst. Created 10+ detailed technical reports on client expansion plans. Eager to apply analytical and technical skills as a new junior program analyst at Cavan Solutions.

Data Analyst Intern

Stantec, Denver, CO

May 2022–November 2022

• Analyzed sales data using Excel and Tableau to identify key areas for improvement.
• Secured a top 5 provider of emergency management training with a 20% discount for a 3-week course after consulting my colleagues. 
• Assisted in implementing a digital shift for the company’s efforts to move databases to a cloud-integrated solution, which involved data from 500+ projects with a combined worth of $7.5M.
• Collaborated with team members to create reports and dashboards for management.

2020–2023 BS, Business

Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado, Boulder

GPA: 3.9/4.0

• Relevant coursework: Database Systems, Statistics for Data Science, Project Management, Business Analytics
• Honed presentation skills via the school’s Toastmasters Club.
• Graduated with honors.
• Won the Diverse Scholars program stipend for academic performance.
• Data analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Data visualization
• Problem-solving
• Learning from feedback
• Efficient team player & communicator
• Analyzed a dataset of customer reviews using Tableau to identify trends and provide insights for a family member’s company

Hobbies and Interests

• Black and white photography
• Yoga & hiking

Here’s how to write a job-winning program analyst resume:

1. Pick the Best Format for Your Program Analyst Resume

Program analysts assess, optimize, and enhance programs to develop more effective solutions for companies. A strong program analyst resume should showcase expertise in data analysis, budgeting, and project management, in addition to highlighting critical thinking and communication skills.

But here’s the deal: the format of your program analyst resume is critical.

A clean, professional-looking resume gives the impression that you organize the data you collect in a clean and professional manner. That’s an instant win.

Follow these resume tips to achieve a resume that is more readable than the crispiest-looking graph:

• Use a clean, modern font such as Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica in 11 or 12.
• Keep your resume to one page if possible and no more than two pages. Sure, program analysts often work with complex data sets, but you don’t want to overload your resume with too much information.
• Use a standard resume format with clear section headings for easy navigation. Specifically, the best choice to go with is the chronological layout .
• Include white space and bullet points to make your resume visually appealing.
• Want to save time and use a resume template instead? Great idea, just make sure it’s ATS-friendly .

Pro Tip : When it’s all done, save the resume as a PDF unless the employer doesn’t allow that format. Only send a Word doc in that case.

2. Write a Program Analyst Resume Objective or Summary

The resume profile is the first thing a hiring manager will read on your program analyst resume. If it’s not catchy enough, however, your audience won't stick around for the main event. And to top it off, they don’t exactly have the patience and attention to detail you do when looking for holes in code. In fact, you only get about seven seconds total. So you better come up with something really solid because there are no second chances here.

• Write a career summary statement if you’ve been a program analyst for 2 years or more. Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements as a program analyst. Use quantifiable metrics wherever possible, such as “Increased program efficiency by 25% by implementing a new data analysis tool.”
• On the other hand, if you're new to the field or a career changer, focus on creating an exciting career objective . Expressing your professional goals and aspirations can positively impact the recruiter, in particular, if it’s a junior or entry-level role .

If you want to showcase your ability to look forward and help the company navigate the waters in the coming years, mentioning AI or any up-and-coming tech industry trends definitely looks goodon a program analyst’s resume.

Pro Tip: The introduction of your resume shouldn’t take too long. 3 to 4 sentences are definitely enough.

3. Describe Your Work Experience as a Program Analyst

The International Data Corporation published a neat report that predicts  booming growth in the business analytics/big data sector in the coming years. That’s great news for a data geek like you. But there’s about to be a massive influx of other data geeks who want a piece of that money-flavored pie.

Here’s how to cook up a good work experience section to make sure you come out on top of them all:

• List past work history, starting with your most recently held position. For each one, include your  job title , the name of the company, and the years you worked there. 
• Write a few bullet points for each entry, but avoid boring descriptions of daily duties. Focus instead on  professional accomplishments .
• Adding 6 bullet points is the sweet spot for your most recent position. Previous jobs can do with 3.
• Start each bullet point with an  action verb to show them your impact.
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible. You already work with numbers daily, so why not do it here?
• Tailor your resume to the job to present yourself as the company’s personalized solution. It’s an absolute must every time you apply.

Read more: How to Write a Targeted Resume

4. Polish Up Your Program Analyst Resume Education Section

You turn data insights into action. It’s like magic.

Recruiters also have a trick up their sleeve. It’s called “making resumes without an education section disappear.” That’s right, the education section is a must, no matter what you’ve heard.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• List your college name, degree, graduation date,  major and minors , but only if you have more than 5 years of job experience.
• Include more details about your educational background with less experience. You can add  relevant coursework , school achievements, and applicable clubs or student organizations.

Read more: GPA on a Resume: Useful or Detrimental

5. List the Right Skills for a Program Analyst Resume

The skills section of your program analyst resume has two goals:

• The first is showing your skill set efficiently and demonstrating it’s the right fit for the job.
• The second is proving you’re an intelligent and versatile individual capable of fine-tuning programs and projects.

Read the job posting and locate the keywords and phrases they used. These are not placed there for decorations; they actually let you know what the company needs.

If you find that they talk about skills you already have, great. Put as many of those as you can (but not more than 8) on your program analyst resume, and wait for the phone to ring. Trust me; it will.

Program Analyst Skills for a Great Resume

• Data analysis & visualization
• Gathering information
• Project management skills
• Agile methodology
• Risk assessment
• Collaboration skills
• Analytical skills
• MS Office skills
• Identifying areas for improvement
• Change management
• Interpreting project data
• Debugging and troubleshooting
• Technical writing & documentation
• Business strategy
• Team leadership
• Communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Process optimization
• Prioritization

Read more: Key Resume Strengths: How to Get an Advantage

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

6. Add Other Sections to Your Program Analyst Resume

You’ve shown them you’ve got your wits about you. They’re likely convinced you could do the job. But without any extra personality, you’re no different from a calculated, ruthless robot.

Extra sections in your resume will help you establish yourself as the perfect solution to the problems and a perfect addition to their team.

• Add a section with  language skills , special projects , certifications or licenses , achievements or awards , hobbies and interests , or  volunteer work .
• Remember to make them eye-catching with numbered achievements, just like you did in the work experience part.

Read more:  Entry-Level Business Analyst Resume Guide

7. Write a Cover Letter to Send Together with Your Program Analyst Resume

Do you even need a cover letter? Sure you do. At least 50% of the time. And chancing your job on a coin flip isn’t exactly the optimal thing to do.

What is optimal is writing a perfectly effective cover letter. Don’t know how? We’ve got the tips right here:

• Use a professional  cover letter format and get your  cover letter structure right.
• Start your cover letter introduction with a strong hook.
• Explain how your experience and skills will translate into their success.
• Look at the company’s website, find something you think is enticing about them, and mention it in your letter for an extra punch.
• End your cover letter with an offer and a compelling call to action.

Read more:  How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Got more questions about how to write a professional program analyst resume? Maybe you’ve got tips to share with the newbies? Give me a shout in the comments. I’d love to talk!

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

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