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Continuing Education Cover Letter

15 continuing education cover letter templates.

How to Write the Continuing Education Cover Letter

In response to your job posting for continuing education, I am including this letter and my resume for your review.

In the previous role, I was responsible for general administration assistance to the Learning and Development team including, but not limited to Learning Management System maintenance, tasks and enhancements;.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Broad knowledge of industry-accepted measurement methodologies including job/practice analysis, item analysis/calibration, forms assembly, standard setting, and test security
• Familiarity with Classical Test Theory, Rasch Measurement, and/or Item Response Theory
• Proficiency with standard office software and statistical packages (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS), and Rasch/IRT software (e.g., Winsteps, Xcalibre, Parscale)
• Advanced computer skills with experience, office automation, and Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel
• This person should possess enthusiasm and passion for student learning be able to respond to the needs of students using a variety of teaching methods
• Planning, developing, and managing a successful education program, including directing the day to day operations
• Monitoring curriculum for knowledge, skills, and outcomes measures
• Developing a sound budget that accounts for all direct and indirect expenses, prices services appropriately, and estimates sales accurately to cover all costs

Thank you for taking your time to review my application.

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG

Responsibilities for Continuing Education Cover Letter

Continuing education responsible for structured internal technical assistance to staff and field experts to develop their skills in conceptualizing and creating e-learning courses.

Continuing Education Examples

Example of continuing education cover letter.

Please consider me for the continuing education opportunity. I am including my resume that lists my qualifications and experience.

In the previous role, I was responsible for support in the development of Student Learning Outcomes (SLO¿s) and the determinations of their effectiveness in helping students achieve their desired learning outcomes.

• Monitoring annual budget, to include monthly expenses and revenue
• Leading, supervising, and delegating tasks and authority
• Using student data systems to track enrollment, make decisions regarding additional sections or cancellations, and plan future course schedules
• Partnering with internal and external parties to address workforce or community educational needs
• Collaborating with relevant leadership regarding strategic planning, marketing, and process improvements
• Engaging community partners and employers in program development and funding
• Experience working with basic graphic design preferred
• Experience with meeting planning preferred

Thank you in advance for reviewing my candidacy for this position.

Finley Collier

I am excited to be applying for the position of continuing education. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

In my previous role, I was responsible for direction, guidance and support to Learning Delivery Performance Specialists to ensure consistent communication and execution of learning programs across global markets as appropriate.

My experience is an excellent fit for the list of requirements in this job:

• CHCP Certification
• Completion of a Diploma program in Aircraft Structural Technology or related field at an accredited college or university
• Proficiency in utilizing software applications (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite, databases, email and internet)
• Understanding and application of adult learning theory and concepts preferred
• Familiarity with Blackboard or other online communication platforms
• Strong communication skills - verbal and written, effective leadership / management skills and organizational skills
• Be experienced in creating and implementing strategic goals for teams
• Be knowledgeable in managing and directing multiple training & development and performance improvement teams

Charlie Runolfsson

In the previous role, I was responsible for platform to contextualize Regional and Global Center guidelines in improved learning outcomes in education and life skills to suit National Office.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Experience with issues of social/environmental justice, particularly within Tribal communities in the Pacific Northwest
• Extensive experience communicating within and across multiple sectors of the environmental field
• Experience working in formal and informal learning environments
• Proficiency in Word, Power Point, Excel, Skype, Google hangouts, Social media (like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin )
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of Power, Privilege, Agency, and Identity and how it manifests its self in conservation issues
• Comfort and adeptness in speaking about contentious topics with a wide range of people
• Knowledge of California education code and requirements, including Title 5
• Knowledge of educational pedagogy and student success strategies applicable for the diverse community

I really appreciate you taking the time to review my application for the position of continuing education.

Previously, I was responsible for guidance to others for educational events and activities and participates in the compilation and analysis of needs assessment data, development of description and program objectives for the educational events and/or activities and ensures that information presented is evidence-based and aligned with continuing educational objectives.

• Experience with e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Presenter and Articulate Storyline
• Experience with lecture-capture software, such as Panopto
• Experience using and configuring Learning Management Systems, such as Instructure Canvas
• Familiarity with basic audio and video editing
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and sensitivity to communication across cultures
• Industry training experience
• Industry recognized certifications or credentials from Microsoft, Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Achieve Global, Development Dimensions International (DDI) or Command Spanish
• Have a strong command of presentation software(s) and technology

Thank you for considering me to become a member of your team.

Greer Hammes

In my previous role, I was responsible for on-site coaching, training, and technical assistance on evidence-based practices to professionals working in public education, state funded Pre-K, City of Seattle funded Pre-K, and childcare/early learning programs.

• Have experience in training, organizational development, or performance improvement (preferred)
• Have experience in recruiting, directing, managing, and supervising personnel
• Familiarity with CE standards, requirements, and policies of the ACCME, AMA, ANCC, ACPE, and other health care organizations/accrediting bodies
• Experience with Power Point, Blackboard, D2L preferred
• Experience teaching seminars and workshops preferred
• Proven experience in implementing diverse program evaluation models
• A keen knowledge of the Chicago arts and education landscape, and best practices within the industry
• Demonstrated management expertise, particularly within the realm of arts and/or media education

Bellamy Schroeder

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Education cover letter example

Cover letter middle part (body)

How to close an education cover letter (conclusion and sign-off).

When hiring managers read education cover letters, they are looking for both your ability to learn and to teach. You can’t be an excellent educator if you're not a lifelong learner. You’re ready to begin your job search and need an outstanding cover letter to do it.

How do you create a document that will land you at the head of the class? First, you need to understand the central message:  An education cover letter that helps you graduate  to the next level of your career is like a great lesson plan, it starts with the big picture and then breaks your message down into manageable chunks.

In this cover letter guide, along with the corresponding education cover letter examples, we’ll cover the following topics to help you design the best cover letter possible:

• How to choose the best cover letter format and what paragraphs the cover letter should include
• How to maximize the effect of each cover letter paragraph (header, greeting, intro, body and conclusion)
• What approach to take when writing your cover letter
• What mistakes to avoid when writing your education cover letter.

The guide below will analyze the details and give you ideas on how to make the most of this one-page addition to your application. (You can also check out our library of 125+ cover letter examples ).

Best format for an education cover letter

Before you begin a new school year, you prep by outlining the units you need to teach and the time it will take. When you write a cover letter, you prep by understanding the sections that go into it. Your education cover letter should contain the following elements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

The cover letter complements your resume and allows you to get into more detail. TYou differentiate for your audience, no matter what your role in education is. The same is true of your cover letter. Do a little research into the philosophy of your targeted school or company. Find out all you can about the students, customers and faculty and employees. This extra step will help you choose the best tone and wording to deliver your message.

The comprehensive cover letter guide is an impressive stop for  general advice on writing cover letters, but this text gets deeper into each paragraph and the specifics of writing for an accounting and finance position.

The education cover letter example below gives an overview of how to create your own application:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

I was elated to hear that a Classroom Teacher position is seeking candidates at the Hillside School. I have long admired the mission of your school, and personally know many families who have greatly benefited from the outstanding education and guidance your school provides. I am very much hoping for the opportunity to serve your students and families through the implementation of exceptional curriculum and instruction, and a willingness to guide and mentor students on their journey to success. 

I bring forth extensive experience as a lead teacher for early childhood students, where I implemented differentiated instruction in multi-cultural and multi-racial classrooms. My Teaching Philosophy is centered around the idea that students learn best when they are fully engaged through their own curiosities and interests. I would be honored to collaborate with the educators and administration at the Hillside School to provide the most enriching learning experiences possible for students. 

Please let me know if we can further discuss this opportunity in person. Thank you for your consideration. 

Most Sincerely,

Sebastian Wilder

Cover letter header

The header of your cover letter is like the date and agenda you post in your classroom each day. Recruiters know where to look for it to find the information they need to schedule your interview. 

Display your name, email and phone contact information prominently. Add a little flair by using a creative font and perhaps a splash of color. If you work with young students or are an art teacher, you can use a slightly more fun approach to show off your energy and enthusiasm for decorating for the little ones.

If you do get arty, remember that your real goal is to make it easy for hiring managers to contact you, so keep it legible.

Make the grade with the Applicant Tracking System 

In our education resume guide, we explain how to rank high with Applicant Tracking Systems. Take the same approach with your cover letter. Many school districts use a common application system: Applitrack. It is easy to copy your application from one district to the next, but make sure you differentiate your cover letter for each job just as you do your resume. 

ATS software is ubiquitous throughout the human resources world, so the same applies to any job for which you apply online.

The aim of this section: Develop an easy-to-read, eye-catching display for your contact information.

Cover letter greeting

The greeting sets the tone for the remainder of your education cover letter, therefore we recommend beginning with the standard “Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms. Surname.” You will note that our cover letter examples use this greeting. Remember to triple check that you have the spelling correct. Many educators have doctorates, so be sure to check on all titles before you send your letter. There’s no quicker way to lose points (or the interview) than to misspell someone’s name or get their gender or title wrong.

Some schools, especially private or charter schools, may operate more casually. In that case, you can adjust your greeting to “Hi First Name,” but if you have any doubts, it is better to stick to a more formal greeting.

If you cannot get the name of a person, “to whom it may concern” is a fine alternative. We suggest staying away from more casual greetings such as “Dear Math Department,” because it may come off as disrespectful.

The aim of the cover letter greeting: Address the principal, hiring manager or your prospective boss personally and professionally to set the tone for your letter.

Cover letter introduction

You meet hundreds of people in your career so you know that first impressions matter. The introduction of your education cover letter is your first impression. It is here that you reveal the big idea and hint at the lesson plan to follow. 

Here is a broad outline you can use:

• Take a sentence to introduce yourself and your career.
• Show off your proudest education achievement (make sure it illustrates a skill you will need in your new position.
• Tell why you are a great candidate for the job.

Make sure you answer the key question: “Why should I hire you?” in this paragraph. A job application is not the place to be modest. If you can’t explain why you’re a great candidate, the hiring manager definitely won’t think you are either.

The aim of the cover letter intro: Tell the hiring manager why you’re right for the job and wow them with your proudest moment.

Time for your lesson. It is here that you offer the details that support your message and reveal more of your personality. As an educator, your communication style and the language you use are key components of your lesson delivery, so show them off here.

Describe your education pedagogy, how you incorporate the learning styles of your class or audience or your approach to developing training materials. Those soft skills that make you a great communicator and collaborator are necessary in the education field, but don’t neglect harder skills. Technology and data-driven analysis have become increasingly important in education, so illustrate the innovative ways in which you use high tech tools. 

Use bullet points that begin with strong action words to break up the blocks of type and focus recruiters’ eyes on two or three achievements.

The aim of the middle part of your cover letter: Expand upon your message and broaden out the list of skills you highlight.

Great lessons close with a recap of the learning, any questions that a student may have and some next steps to take. The same is true of your education cover letter. 

First, remind the hiring manager why you are an outstanding candidate. Then, show off your passion for your career with a personal note about why you became an educator or what your targeted role will mean to you. This reveals more about whether you will be a good fit for the job and leaves the door open for follow-up questions during your interview.

No cover letter is complete without a call to action, so make sure you politely request an interview. Our cover letter sample offers one suggestion for the wording of this request.

The aim of the close of your cover letter: Create an opportunity for follow-up questions and reiterate why you are an excellent candidate .

Writing psychology: how to convey your work ethic in your cover letter

Telling recruiters that you are hard-working is a cliche, but you are, so how do you show that in your education cover letter?

• Use anecdotes that illustrate the point. Working on committees, taking on extra roles, creating new curriculum all show you work hard.
• Highlight your innovations. You’re not sitting back on your laurels, you’re learning, researching and incorporating all that into new and exciting ideas on the job.
• Show your passion. Education can be a difficult field. Make sure the hiring manager knows you’re energetic and enthusiastic about it.

How to avoid basic mistakes in an education application letter 

• Spell check, grammar check, proofread! You assess others based partly on these skills, so make sure you get it right.
• Be careful with your word usage. Being in front of an audience, whether it is public school students or a customer service department you are training, requires care with your language. Make sure you apply that to your cover letter.
• Keep your stories brief. You have only 300 or so words, so save the long anecdotes for the interview.

Key takeaways for an education cover letter

• Show off your technology and data prowess as well as your outgoing personality.
• Describe your educational pedagogy and philosophy clearly.
• Use strong action words and descriptors to help you sound energetic and enthusiastic.
• Pick examples that demonstrate what you will add to the faculty or staff.

If you’re looking for additional inspiration for cover letter writing, you can check out our related education cover letter samples:

• Elementary teacher cover letter example
• Teacher cover letter example
• Tutor cover letter example
• Librarian cover letter example
• Substitute teacher cover letter example

Free professionally designed templates

Teacher Cover Letter Example [10 Point Guide]

The education job market is an incredibly competitive landscape for both aspiring teachers and those seeking new roles. With limited openings and rigid qualifications, those in the job hunt are always looking for new ways to stand apart from fellow applicants. Thankfully, there is no better way to effectively represent your abilities and earn yourself an interview than with a well crafted teacher’s cover letter.

However, a cover letter for a teaching position isn’t usually structured like cover letters for general career applications. There are a series of different sections to include, and best practices to follow to help your cover letter stand out. Here is a quick guide to writing your teaching cover letter.

How to Write a Great Teacher Cover Letter

When drafting — and editing and redrafting — your cover letter, there are few things to keep in mind. First, think of a cover letter as the teaser for your resume. It shouldn’t just summarize everything that’s included in the resume, but instead should hook the reader and make them want to know more about you. A cover letter is the opportunity to paint a more complete picture of who you are as a person and an educator, rather than just a laundry list of experience and education. Here are the essential ingredients of a high quality teacher cover letter.

• Header: The header should contain all of your important personal information, including full name, email address, phone number and sometimes physical address. If possible, maintaining the same header design across both the cover letter and resume can really help your materials stand out.
• Date: Date the letter for the day you will be submitting your materials.
• Address of School and Hiring Manager: Include the full formal address of the hiring manager and the school you are applying to, just as you would address an envelope. It’s also helpful to include the phone number and email address for the hiring manager to demonstrate your attention to detail.
• Greeting: “Dear ______,” is the default greeting for all cover letters, so it’s a good one to stick with. if you are unable to find a specific person to address the letter to, “To Whom It May Concern,” is a safe backup plan.
• Body Paragraphs: The main body of the cover letter should include a series of paragraphs detailing the relevant information your potential employer should know about you. While this does include your teaching experience, relevant skills and educational philosophy, it should not just reiterate everything included in your resume. Use these sentences to illustrate your personality, passion for the field and your goals for this position. 
• Closing: The final paragraph should concisely wrap up your letter and include a brief thank you, reiterate your interest in the position and include a reference to your resume and list of references.
• Signature: Try to include your actual signature. If you’re submitting a physical copy that won’t be a problem, but if you’re applying digitally you can use Adobe Acrobat to insert your signature.

Beyond the must-include sections of an education cover letter, there are also a few pro tips that will help you stand apart from the other standardized letters:

• Be concise: Hiring managers are likely reading countless cover letters for the same position, so using flowery language and lengthy sentences won’t be effective. Finding a way to concisely state all of your best qualities without coming across as braggadocious will help leave a good first impression with hiring managers.
• Tailor each letter to each role: Odds are that you’re applying to multiple teaching jobs at once. And while it can be time consuming to edit and re-edit your letters for each job, this is an essential step. Hiring managers can sniff out a letter that has been created to be vague enough to work for multiple jobs, and that’s an easy way to get disqualified quickly. Go the extra mile and tailor each letter for each job you want — you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
• Show, don’t tell: Don’t just say that you helped your students meet the standard for reading proficiency — explain the specific steps you took and highlight relevant proof points or statistics to support your claims. This is much more effective than simply stating an accomplishment.

5 REASONS WHY CONTINUING EDUCATION MATTERS FOR EDUCATORS

The education industry is always changing and evolving, perhaps now more than ever. Learn how you can be prepared by downloading our eBook.

Cover Letter Example Template

Here is a teaching cover letter example to help you get started.

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[123 School Address]

[School’s City, State, Zip Code]

[Hiring Manager’s Telephone No.]

[Hiring Manager’s Email]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my deep interest in the open elementary-level teaching position in your school district. As a 2020 graduate of the University of San Diego, I have student teaching experience in the third grade in a suburban school district. I believe my teaching pedagogy, classroom experience and passion for school engagement make me an ideal candidate and a perfect fit for your school community.

As an aspiring elementary teacher, I acknowledge that my classroom time is limited. However,  I’ve found that my passion for (and commitment to) teaching have only grown with every experience. The feeling of getting through to that student who just wasn’t “getting the hang of it,” or helping students achieve their goals, never gets old. 

In my teaching experience, I have taught in a third-grade classroom where I was relied upon to lead English instruction for 23 students throughout the term. This challenged me to adopt distinctive teaching methodologies, document all lessons, organize healthy group discussions and mentor troubled students. I had also previously volunteered as an education coordinator at a local museum, where I was able to create interactive lessons for a wide variety of age groups. 

It is clear that your school strives to engage the whole school community, a mission I would seek to support through my out-of-classroom initiatives. I have lots of experience incorporating service projects into my curriculum. As a student teacher I led a unit for third-graders on plant life, and we volunteered to build a community garden for our school that was harvested for school lunches.

Enclosed is my resume for your review. I welcome the opportunity to discuss with you personally how my skills and strengths can best serve your institution. Please contact me at (123) 456-7895 or [email protected]

FAQs About Getting a New Teaching Job

How do i prepare for a new teaching job.

One of the best ways to stand apart from other applicants is to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to improving your craft. While many schools offer varying professional development opportunities, you can also pursue continuing education courses for educators . These courses cover a wide variety of topics — from classroom management to restorative justice to Google classroom — and can really help a resume stand out.

How can I improve my chances of getting a teaching job?

Aside from having robust experience and demonstrable teaching skills, there is no replacement for a well written cover letter, resume and letters of recommendation. Schools want to hire a person, not just a list of accomplishments. Make sure your application materials highlight your strengths and show the hiring manager who you are. This will help you stand apart from other applicants. Secondly, consider reaching out to teachers already working in that school or district. They may have tips that will help you put your best foot forward with that particular hiring director.

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How to List Continuing Education on Your Resume

In This Guide:

What are continuing education classes, how continuing education can contribute to your career advancement, how to list continuing education on your resume, example of listing continuing education on resume, takeaways: how to list continuing education on resume.

In today’s job market, it’s harder than ever to get the job you want. It is a fact that your work experience and skills are the most important sections of your resume.

But when your potential employer receives hundreds of applications for each position you need to enhance every section of your resume as much as possible. And a great way to improve your education section is by showing continuing education.

In this article, we are going to show you everything you need to know about that:

• What are continuing education classes?
• How continuing education can contribute to your career advancement?
• How to list continuing education on your resume?

And we are going to give you a great example to get you started. If you think your resume needs an overall improvement, check out our resume builder that will help you make a resume that beats luck !

But if you are ready to learn how to list continuing education on your resume, stick around.

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Simply put, continuing education classes are any kind of courses you can take in your adulthood, outside the formal education system.

A continuing education section on your resume may include:

• Certifications
• Any means of learning new skills relevant to a job.

Unlike student classes, continuing education classes focus deeply on specific topics. Often they teach skills that can’t be found in the formal education system and greatly augment your degree and major.

Typically, you would also find a measurement unit for these continuing education classes:

• CEU - Continuing Education Unit
• CEC - Continuing Education Credits

In most cases, these classes are completed voluntarily and are just a nice-to-have on your resume. However, some professionals are obligated to go through continuing education courses every once in a while. That’s because some professions require professional licenses and certifications that need to be renewed.

If you are not required to take continuing education classes by your profession, it is entirely up to you.

No one would expect you to present additional certifications or courses you have completed. But it would certainly do no harm if you do. Showing off your continuing education on your resume can show your potential employer that you have an urge to improve yourself.

Employers love go-getters who are always improving their skills and knowledge, so if you have gone through continuing education, you would definitely want to list it. Continuing education classes can get you one step closer to your dream job.

They can even impact your salary, or the chances to be promoted sooner than expected. However, keep in mind to list only relevant continuing education. Your potential employer would only be interested in skills that can contribute to the company.

Last but not least, you shouldn’t hesitate to take continuing education courses, as they can actually be lots of fun. And once you have completed them, you are just one course better than your former self.

Okay, now you understand what continuing education is and why it is good for you to list it on your resume. But how to list it properly?

For that, there are just a few simple steps that you need to follow, and you will be good to go. We are going to go through them one by one.

Pick the right placement

Location is always a key element in preparing your resume. You wouldn’t want an important aspect of your resume to be stuck at the bottom. That’s why, if possible, you should list your continuing education in your education section.

However, if you have lots of continuing education courses that you want to show, that would no longer be a good option. In that case, it would be better to create a separate continuing education section or professional development section.

A separate section can also be useful if you found that you need a two-page resume , and you need a section to fill a blank spot.

Keep it relative to the job position

You want your resume to present you in the best possible light. If you include anything irrelevant on your resume, it starts working against you. So make sure that whatever you list is relevant to the job position you are applying for.

If one of your continuing education courses is more relevant than all the rest that also have relevance to the job position, make sure you list that one first.

Otherwise, you need to use reverse-chronological order for them, like you would for the job position in your work experience section.

List all the important details

There are also a couple of important details to mention when you list your continuing education on your resume.

What you can list under each continuing education course is:

• Date awarded / Expiry date
• Awarding institutions
• Location (if applicable)
• Grade or score (if applicable)
• License/award number

Listing that extra information adds credibility to your resume and shows that you are legitimately qualified.

Here's an example of how to structure and list continuing education on your resume:

Javascript Masterclass [AWARDING INSTITUTION], 2021 NY, USA 95.8 / 100 [AWARD NUMBER]

UX/UI Seminar [AWARDING INSTITUTION], 2020 NY, USA 5.9 / 6.0 [AWARD NUMBER]

We are all done. Now you know how to list continuing education on your resume.

You are now ready to use your continuing education classes to get one step closer to the job you want. Don’t forget – pick the right placement for your continuing education, keep it relative, and don’t miss out on important details.

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• Mastering the Modern Cover Letter

Pop quiz: How do you craft an effective cover letter? Do you a) outline your work history in full detail, b) grab a cover letter template off the Web and slap your name on it, c) walk the prospective employer through everything you're hoping to get out of a new job, or d) none of the above?

The answer, as you’ve probably guessed, is d. With many employers today indicating they no longer place much stock in cover letters – given how many letters are lazy, formulaic and don't add any real value – the goal is to submit one that will really wow the reader and highlight the most intriguing, relevant reasons you'd be a great hire.

To help you assemble a cover letter that might make a real difference, and that will add real value to your application, I’d encourage you to follow a three-part approach that has proven effective for many job seekers over the years. I’ve dubbed this approach the sandwich formula, and here's a step-by-step breakdown of how it works.

Consider the opening paragraph of your letter as the first slice of bread in your cover letter sandwich. There's no need to be highly creative with this part of the letter. Simply identify the specific job opportunity you're applying to, include a job number (if one was mentioned in the job advertisement), and mention where you spotted the lead or how it came to your attention.

Since some larger employers are seeking to fill dozens or even hundreds of open positions at any one time, all you need to do at this point is make sure the reader is clear about which of their opportunities you're interested in pursuing. Then move on.

Once you've identified the job you're targeting, it's time to move on to the next paragraph and give the reader some real meat to chew on in terms of a few lines (or bullets) of customized, high-impact content that will wake them up and capture their imagination.

To be clear, this doesn't mean retelling your whole life story or walking the reader through a long litany of all your skills, credentials and qualifications. That's not interesting to them, whatsoever, since they know as soon as they turn the page they'll see this exact same content on your resume. So while you can allude to your resume at this point, don't recycle it verbatim. Instead, put your thinking cap on and focus their attention on several key points and customized thoughts that go beyond the resume and show you've thought hard about the job at hand and what you could bring to it. The goal here is to stand out, differentiate yourself, and show you've gone above and beyond in terms of contemplating how you could meet the employer's needs.

For example, you might build the heart of your letter around several bullets showcasing your expertise in the handful of areas the employer seems to value most. If the company seems to be placing a high value on Microsoft Excel skills, in other words, you could provide them with a deeper breakdown of the particular features of Excel you've used to date (e.g., pivot tables, macros, conditional formatting) to enhance your credibility in this area. Alternatively, you could discuss several specific projects where you've applied these skills or perhaps share a few personal insights, observations or words of wisdom you have about the work responsibilities in question.

Again, the key in the middle part of the letter is to be creative, thoughtful and to demonstrate an uncommon understanding of the employer's needs. Go big or go home. Make it painfully obvious that you've carefully considered their requirements and aren't just taking the easy way out by sending in a generic form letter. If you find yourself chronically bored writing your own cover letters, after all, there's a good chance your target employers are going to be bored reading them!

Now it’s time to finish building your sandwich. In the final paragraph of your letter, all you need to do is wind things down with a polite, enthusiastic sentence or two that reiterates your interest in the opportunity, provides your contact information and invites the reader to contact you regarding next steps. This final slice of bread, like the first one, doesn't take a lot of originality. Simply create and reuse some standard language in this section to wrap things up, freeing up more time to concentrate on the important part, which is the customized filling in between.

When all is said and done, the emphasis placed on your cover letter is going to vary heavily from company to company, but it’s safe to say that a relevant, well-written cover letter can still make a big difference in helping your application rise to the top. Just make sure you focus on quality, not quantity, and demonstrate that you're not the type of employee who simply goes through the motions and takes the easy way out!

• Cover Letters
• Job Searching

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Matt Youngquist

Guest writer Matt Youngquist is a recognized career coaching expert and LinkedIn trainer in the greater Seattle area. He’s the founder and president of Career Horizons , where he helps clients across the Pacific Northwest tackle the challenges of job hunting and employment transition.

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5 Tips for a Great Cover Letter (and samples)

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Cover Letter Format & Samples

Cover letters are a fantastic tool to introduce oneself in the job search process and are as significant as the resume. A cover letter provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one’s interest in the organization and establish direct connections between the employer’s job description and one’s professional background. A well-crafted cover letter, tailored to the specific job and company of interest, and addressed to the right person, can make a lasting impression on the employer.

To make the cover letter effective, one must consider some universal tips and considerations when writing it. It is crucial to ensure that the cover letter is clear, concise, and free of errors. Using formal language and avoiding contractions can help maintain a professional tone. Choosing appropriate vocabulary and grammar can help maintain the original meaning of the text and convey a sense of expertise and professionalism, which is suitable for a business or academic setting. So, it is essential to take the time to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases one’s qualifications and skills to the employer in the best possible light.

In addition to the suggestions above, see our list of key considerations to crafting effective and valuable cover letters.

Cover Letter Tips

1. ) All margins should be approximately one-inch. Typically, a cover letter consists of three to four paragraphs.

2.) The font size should be easy to read. Times, Palatino or Helvetica are good choices. A font size of 12 pt. is preferable, but in some cases you may need to use 10.5 or 11 pt. font.

3.) Don’t be tempted to send “generic” letters. Each cover letter you write should be different, because each job and company you’re writing to is different. Make it easy for the reader to see the relevance of your qualifications to the job in question.

4.) Be sure to proofread each new cover letter you create so that it is free of errors.

5.) It is important to write to a specific person whenever possible.

In addition to these quick tips, check out our comprehensive  Job Search Letters  guide for more information on structuring cover letters and other job search documents.

• Sample 1:  Application Letter
• Sample 2:  Prospecting Letter

Finally, we know that some people work best when they have a format to follow. Especially when they are writing a document, like a cover letter for the first time. The following example reflects the correct business format to use when writing a cover letter:

Your name Return address City, State, Zip

Name of the contact person Title Company Name Address City, State, Zip

Dear Mr./Ms./First name Last name:

The opening paragraph states your reason for writing the letter. Mention a specific job of interest, or a particular department in which you are seeking work. If possible, mention how and when you learned about the job opening or the company, i.e., through a classified advertisement, a contact person or a career services professional. Be sure to mention the name of the person who suggested this job to you, especially if that person is highly respected within the company.

The middle paragraph is an opportunity to expand on the skills you have developed as they relate to this position. This should not merely repeat your resume. You can discuss your education and particular courses or skills attained while in college. If you’re an experienced person, you may wish to use this paragraph to describe your professional background and highlight any specific job experience that may be of particular interest to the organization and that will differentiate you from other applicants. You may need a second paragraph to fully describe your related abilities.

The next paragraph reflects the research you have done on that particular organization. Use company literature, a web site, or conversation with an employee of the organization as ways to gain knowledge about the organization. Explain why you are interested in the job, and convey your awareness of what the company does to show that you have done careful research.

In closing, reiterate your enthusiasm to be considered and ask for an interview. Either state a specific week you’ll make a follow-up phone call or mention an interest in having the contacted person call to set up an interview date. Specify how you can be contacted. Remember to thank the person for considering your application.

Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

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Join ACHS Human Resources Manager, Lisa  Easler  as she covers the basics for crafting a compelling cover letter and strong, clear resume to get your qualifications in front of the right people.

In this webinar you will:

• Identify the elements in a strong resume
• Describe how to present your qualifications clearly and succinctly
• Identify the elements in a compelling cover letter
• Study examples of strong resumes and cover letters

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Watch the lecture video (approximately 60 minutes).

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Cover letters.

Your cover letter should be tailored to a job description. A general cover letter will not be as effective. Use the job description and company website to guide how you tailor your cover letter. See the Career Design Center handout .

• Use consistent format
• Clear, concise writing
• Correct grammar and spelling
• Omit address if sending as an email

1st Paragraph - Why Them (mission, values, culture)

• Identify the position you are applying for
• If possible, name any referral or contact
• Link your education and work experience to the job
• State why you are interested and a good fit for this organization

2nd Paragraph - Why You (success examples, numbers, connect)

• Identify your 2 – 3 strongest qualifications as they relate to the job
• Build on applicable work, education, or service accomplishments
• Include results-oriented success statements – using specific examples

3rd Paragraph - Thank You

• Thank the employer
• Request an interview
• Discuss how and when you will follow-up

Education Coordinator Cover Letter Example

If you are looking to apply for the position of Education Coordinator, it is important to specify your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments briefly in a cover letter for Education Coordinator.

This is because people working in this particular line of work have to perform a lot of administrative duties, which are considered sensitive and challenging to perform.

Here is an example of a cover letter for someone applying for an education coordinator position.

Related: Education Coordinator Resume

Education Coordinator Cover Letter Sample

Riaha Brett 231 5th Street, #3D Chicago, IL 27841 (000) 854-9535

December 16, 2021

Ms. Sabrina Lawrence Human Resources Director Northwestern University 58 Some Street Chicago, IL 25514

Dear Ms. Lawrence:

I am eager to work as an Education Coordinator for Northwestern University, as advertised on indeed.com. I am presently working for Acme University in the same capacity and have acquired considerable experience during my two years of employment there.

My previous job allowed me to deal with students and at times, help them with decisions about their future. My responsibilities included:

• Eetting up the curriculum in accordance with every level of education within the university
• Helping parents, students, and teachers to work together to bring out the best in students
• Maintaining statistical data for all activities
• Scheduling various activities and events for the students, including fundraisers, scientific researches, and organizing fairs

Mainly, I offer the following skills:

✓ Developing and maintaining systems to monitor each student’s educational progress. ✓ Strengthening linkages with educational organizations and schools. ✓ Implementing innovative educational program enhancement. ✓ Providing necessary training to parents and staff members. ✓ Running groups on different educational topics.

I would like to be a contributing member of your organization and will call you in a few days to schedule a meeting to discuss the position of Education Coordinator further. Please feel free to contact me on 999-999-9999 in the meantime.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Riaha Brett

Enc. Resume

• Education Coordinator Resume Sample
• 6 Education Outreach Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers
• Education Outreach Coordinator Resume Sample
• Education Outreach Coordinator Cover Letter Sample

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How to Write a Cover Letter

Explain your skills and experiences to a potential employer by writing a compelling cover letter in Google Docs.

Example outcome