COVER LETTER BUILDING - TEACHING THE UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS FIELDWORK AND ADVISING OFFICE
PLAN FOR TONIGHT
Let’s Build A Cover
Letter
WHAT IS A COVER LETTER AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?
What is a cover letter?
A strong personal communication introducing you, your skills, your writing and communication ability, and your
reason for contacting the potential employer
Usually the first letter you send to a potential employer, and it should be accompanied by a resume
It should leave the employer with a clear impression of you and should encourage the reader to review your
resume
Why do I need a cover letter?
The purpose of the cover letter is to draw attention to your qualifications which should result in a phone call
and/or an interview
Helps to get the reader's attention and interest in you not only by what you say but by how well you say it
EXAMPLE OF A
COVER LETTER –
WHAT DOES IT
LOOK LIKE?
ACTION WORDS
Accomplished
Achieved
Administered
Advanced
Assisted
Collaborated
Conducted
Coordinated
Created
Delegated
Developed
Empowered
Established
Exceeded
Featured
Formed
Produced
Represented
Resolved
Shared
Succeeded
Supervised
Supported
Surpassed
Generated
Managed
Modeled
Organized
Oversaw
Participated
Planned
Prepared
SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS
Able
Accommodating
Accountable
Authentic
Articulate
Clear thinker
Committed
Compassionate
Confident
Dynamic
Effective
Energetic
Enthusiast
Experienced
Flexible
Hardworking
Risk-taking
Self motivated
Sensitive
Sincere
Supportive
Team player
Thorough
Versatile
Insightful
Intelligent
Intuitive
Learning
Open
Organized
Perceptive
Professional
BUZZ WORDS
Multi-cultural instruction
Team teaching
Thematic unit
Critical thinking
Literacy (Literature) circles
Guided reading
Modified instruction
Interactive exercises
Interdisciplinary learning
Manipulative
Lesson Plan
Student engagement
Informal assessment
Classroom Management
Differentiated instruction
Formal assessment
Diversity
Behavior management
Professional development
Modify instruction
Integrate technology
Developmentally appropriate
Instructional strategies
English language leaners (ELL)
HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER
LETTER
Employers want to see unique content, strong language and elements that sets you apart from other candidates
Using strong action words allows the writer to convey their competency for the position
Using strong action words effectively implies that the writer has great writing and communication skills
Using strong action words expresses ideas in a concise and persuasive manner. They inherently carry meaning and are easier for readers to understand
Do not use weak words such as: did, was, use, got, etc…
Readers reviewing résumés will pick up on both the writers competency and implied communication skill.
Bullet Point “Formula” for resume:
Action Verb/Word + Example + Result
https://education.utexas.edu/about/offices/career-services/r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-writing
HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER
LETTER
Did you start something?
Established
Generated
Introduced
Launched
Did you provide something?
Presented
Responded
Submitted
Did you make something?
Constructed
Prepared
Produced
Did you improve things?
Advanced
Developed
Enhanced
Upgraded
Did you make changed?
Expanded
Reorganized
Tailored
Did you save the day?
Prevented
Solved
Succeeded
HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER
LETTER
Did you finish something?
Accomplished
Completed
Fulfilled
Did you evaluate something?
Assessed
Evaluated
Reviewed
Did you make decisions?
Approved
Determined
Resolved
Did you organize something?
Assembled
Coordinated
Implemented
Did you make connections?
Networked
Connected
Matched
Were you future oriented?
Predicted
Prevented
Strategized
HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER
LETTER
Did you work with people?
Advised
Counseled
Facilitated
Guided
Inspired
Mentored
Were you part of a team?
Consulted
Fostered
Participated
Collaborated
Did you manage or lead?
Administered
Directed
Headed
Managed
Oversaw
Supervised
Did you communicate something?
Demonstrated
Modeled
Presented
Reported
TEACHER COVER LETTER STATEMENT SAMPLES
Sample School Teacher Resume Statements:
Prepared classes for teaching sessions including development of written class and homework plans.
Instructed students, evaluated performance and facilitated efforts to advance student achievement.
Created classroom environment that enabled students to learn while keeping students interested and attentive.
Modified lessons to meet requirements of special needs students and individuals of cultural diversity.
Developed lesson plans that met requirements of curriculum guidelines for each grade and learning level.
Designed activities, projects and field trips to help drive home concepts.
Performed additional tasks such as monitoring hallways, lunches and study sessions.
Prepared unit and lesson plans for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and common core standards.
Trained four student teachers in the preparation and implementation of classroom lessons and instructed them on classroom management.
Prepared, administered, and graded tests and assignments facilitating evaluation of students' progress and provided feedback.
Instructed students individually and in groups, utilizing various teaching methods.
Conferred with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Conducted group and individual activities to further enhance learning.
Cultivated a classroom environment conducive to learning and growing, both academically and characteristically.
Promoted positive and encouraging student to teacher interaction.
Actively engaged in faculty and teacher conferences.
Composed and oversaw the sale of the school's yearbook.
Coordinated multiple fundraising events and school-wide activities
http://www.resume-resource.com/elementary-school-teacher-resume-example/
http://www.jobhero.com/resume-samples/elementary-teacher#
CHECKLIST – RESUME
Good quality paper?
Personal information?
Job objective format?
Clear and concise Job objective?
Exact job title applying for?
Organized contents of Accomplishments?
Listed specific skills and accomplishments?
Eliminated unrelated information?
Education and certification listed?
Does your personality show?
Pleasing to look at?
Extra curricular activities that support job objective?
Avoided negative talk?
Avoided soul searching talk?
LET’S GET STARTED – FORMATTING THE COVER LETTER
Resume Formatting Guidelines:
Keep your cover letter to one page
Use 10 to 12 size font
Font should be professional
Arial/Times/Cambria/Calibri
No colors or fancy fonts (i.e. comic sans)
Use standard margins
Should range from .75 to 1 inch
Use consistent formatting
Indentation, capitalization, punctuation, etc…
LET’S GET STARTED – FORMATTING THE COVER LETTER
Formatting your cover letter:
Single-space your cover letter
Leave a space between each paragraph
It should be three to four paragraphs on one
page
Leave three spaces between your closing (such as
"Sincerely" or "Sincerely Yours") and typed name
Leave a space between your heading (contact
information) and greeting (such as, "Dear Mr.
Roberts")
Either align all paragraphs to the left of the page, or
indent the first line of each paragraph to the right
Center your letter in the middle of the page
Make sure that the space at the top and bottom of
the page is the same
Sign your name in ink between your salutation and
typed name
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/03/
BASIC INFORMATION – COVER LETTER
Basic Information in the Cover Letter:
The cover letter should not duplicate the info on your resume
It highlights your major achievements and shows how your qualifications relate to the position
Each cover letter should be typed individually
Addressed to the person who is doing the hiring
Targeted to the position and the needs of that school
Tone should be confident and enthusiastic without gimmicks
Should not be too formal, nor should it sound desperate
The paper and envelope should match/complement your resume
Language in a plain, easy-to-read style is appropriate
Do not try to sound impressive by using unnecessarily long words or trade jargon
Avoid abbreviations and acronyms that the employer might not understand
It is important to be informed about the potential employer
Do your homework and read about the district/school
Use this information to show your interests and how your skills can be utilized
Remember to include important contact information
http://www.lcc.edu/ces/resumes/covers/
USEFUL LINKS FOR THE COVER LETTER
EDJOIN
https://www.edjoin.org/
Check out the School District Webpage
you are applying to for additional information
FIRST PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER
While attending class at the University of Redlands my professor, Ms.
Smith, informed the group about the upcoming job fair for the San
Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). Ms. Smith
mentioned SBCUSD will be hiring Elementary, Math, Science, English,
Special Education, and Substitute Teachers. For the past several years,
I have followed the growth of education in the state and your
district. I have seen all of the great things teachers in your district
have done to help students meet their highest potential. Based on
the need for passionate educators like this, I believe my skills,
capabilities, and accomplishments in education will also help the
students within the district. Moreover, after reading over your
district’s mission statement, I feel my education will help all students
develop the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies required for success
in life. I believe our objectives align, and would like to meet with you
to discuss these opportunities further.
SECOND PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER
It is evident your district’s primary focus is to ensure all
students and staff work to reach their highest potential. In
doing so, your students are able to go beyond the
traditional boundaries of education. As a current multiple
subject teaching candidate, I will receive my credential in
May from the University of Redlands. I believe my training
and educational background closely matches the goals of
SBCUSD. In fact, in my current student teaching
assignment…. This allowed me to…. This experience will
help the district and school sites because many of your
students need the extra guidance to reach their highest
potentials.
THIRD PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER
Your district’s elementary instructional goals focus on student
achievement through strong instruction, identifying academic
necessities, differentiated instruction, and implementing
professional development components. I have experience with
executing these so may I ensure success for all students
through hands on real-world experience. During my student
teaching with…, I....My effort helped student’s to…Additionally,
my course work throughout my education has included
assignments where I worked …Through my experiences, I have
successfully guided students to reach for and attain their full
potential. My background will help SBCUSD because the skills I
possess are necessary to reach the elementary instructional
goals your district has laid out.
FINAL PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER
Students of today are the future of tomorrow. These students
deserve highly qualified educators with the passion to help
develop the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies required for
success in life. I believe that we are a fantastic fit, and would like
to speak with you about these opportunities further. If you have
any questions, please call me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or email me at
[email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank
you for taking the time to review my letter and my enclosed
résumé.
Sincerely,
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Enclosure (Résumé)
CHECKLIST – COVER LETTER
Free of typos and spelling errors?
Proofread by someone for grammatical and punctuation errors?
Typed in the same font and on same color paper as your resume?
Organized and prioritized?
Specifically addressing the person in charge of hiring for the job, using a colon or comma after the person’s name?
State specifically the job title for which you are applying?
State specifically how you found out about the job posting?
Specifically address qualifications listed in the job announcement or list any qualifications you have if this is a letter of inquiry?
Full of action verbs describing experience, skills, and knowledge?
Emphasize internships, relevant job experience, relevant coursework, or professional society activities?
Show your enthusiasm in wanting the position for which you are applying?
Describe your personal attributes that would relate to the culture or how you would fit in the school/district/organization?
Address any names of people who referred you?
Have the appropriate number of paragraphs (3-5)?
State interest in scheduling an interview with a company representative?
Provide your contact information, i.e., phone and email?
Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration
Signed personally by you in blue or black ink?
http://www.wwu.edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators.pdf
FINAL QUESTIONS?
Any Final Questions???
REFERENCES
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/03/
https://education.utexas.edu/about/offices/career-services/r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-writing
http://www.lcc.edu/ces/resumes/resume_seminar/
http://www.resume-resource.com/elementary-school-teacher-resume-example/
http://www.sbcusd.k12.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=4357
http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CovLetter_structure.html
http://extraordinaryschcounselor.blogspot.com/2015/03/resume-tips-for-recent-school.html
http://www.wwu.edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators.pdf
http://www.jobhero.com/resume-samples/elementary-teacher#
https://careercenter.depaul.edu/_documents/Resume%20Guide%20for%20Teachers%20final%20revised.pdf
http://www.sulross.edu/page/2415/r-sum-guides-templates
https://www.livecareer.com/resume-samples/teacher-resumes
http://www.resumebaking.com/resume-objectives/teacher-resume-objectives/
file:///C:/Users/emily_monteith/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Experienced-Elementary-Teacher-Resume.pdf.zip/Experienced%20Elementary%20Teacher%20Resume.pdf
www.youthactionproject.org/
http://www.clipartof.com/gallery/clipart/business_people_79.html
https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M3afc7463c316597fdbd5accf6fce0231o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Mb15fbaa459eac1bce532b9715bed9945o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=262&h=175
https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-summary-of-qualifications-2063332
http://www.job-interview-site.com/teacher-resume-objective-statement-for-teachers.html
https://www.myperfectresume.com/how-to/education/teacher-resume-sample/
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