Great Covering Letter

8/26/2021 How to write a great covering letter | Tes
Jobs Careers Advice Application and interview How to write a great covering letter
How to write a great covering letter

A strong covering letter will hugely increase your chances of getting through to interview. A
bad one will get your application off to the worst possible start. We’ve asked some experts to
help you clear that first hurdle with ease
Application and interview
Tes Editorial
4th December 2020
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Writing a good covering letter could make all the difference to your job application. With so many
candidates to choose from, first impressions are really important, so it’s crucial to get the covering
letter right.
Education careers expert John Howson recommends beginning the letter with a powerful
statement: “Job applicants need to provoke the reader’s interest,” he says. “However, what you leave
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out is just as important as what you put in, in order to keep the letter succinct and punchy.”
https://www.tes.com/jobs/careers-advice/application-and-interview/how-write-great-covering-letter 1/6
“The competitive nature of the teaching profession means first impressions are imperative,” says
James Innes, managing director of The CV Centre. “Many applications may be judged solely on the
strength of the covering letter.”
WATCH: What to include in your covering letter
Teacher job applications: What to put in your coverin…

coverin…
The length of the covering letter is normally specified in the job advertisement. However, if there is
no limit set, your letter shouldn’t be longer than two sides of A4 and should be easy to read. Use a
standard font and break the main body into chunks so it can be skim-read.
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Get the formalities right

If your covering letter needs to be written and attached, rather than included in an online form, you
need to get the formal stuff right.
Include your name and address on the right-hand side. On the left, put the date, name of recipient
(if you’re unsure, telephone
Welcome,the
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of the school. It’s
better to be accused of being too formal rather than not formal enough, so begin with “Dear
Mr/Ms…”.
Start with a strong statement

Your covering letter should begin with a strong statement outlining why you want to apply for the
job and why at this particular school. For example, if the school has won a number of awards in
certain areas, you could mention this. Or, if you have the skills and experience to address some of
the problems the school faces, then highlight them here.
It’s important to open with something that will grab the reader’s attention. Employers probably
won’t have time to read every word, so it’s important you start strong.
WATCH: What are the 'must includes' for your covering letter?
#tescareerclinic What MUST you put in your coverin…

coverin…
Show you know the school

Having touched on some school specifics in your opening statement, now is your chance to really go
to town. Show that you’ve done your research and you genuinely think you’re a good fit for the role.
How does the school’s vision align with your own? Look at the language the school uses in the job
description and try to include a few buzzwords.
Pick out some CV highlights

Don’t assume that your CV will automatically get read. Pull out some key achievements and link
them to specific requirements in the job description.
As well as the career aspects, don’t forget to highlight any volunteer work or personal interests that
have relevance. This is your chance to show your well-rounded credentials and elevate yourself
above the other applicants.
Go out on a high
If your potential employer has got to the bottom of your covering letter, you’re in with a chance.
Finish with something positive and upbeat. Let them know when you’ll be available for interview (and
for work), and that you look forward to hearing from them.
Before you hit ‘send’

Make sure that you have carefully checked for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. This is a
common complaint from school HR departments, yet is easy to fix. It might be useful to have the
opinion of someone who is already in the job role that you are applying for, so don’t be afraid to ask
a friend or colleague to read over your letter.
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8/26/2021 How to write a great covering letter | Tes

How to write a great covering letter

Application and interview

WATCH: What to include in your covering letter

Teacher job applications: What to put in your coverin…

How to choose the right school for you

Why you should embrace the surprise job offer

How to write the perfect personal statement

Get the formalities right

Start with a strong statement

#tescareerclinic What MUST you put in your coverin…

Show you know the school

Pick out some CV highlights

Before you hit ‘send’

Application and interview

Find your dream job

Other Application and interview articles

How to write a must-read CV How to write a must-read CV

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