Q&A for How to Write an Application Letter for a Teaching Job

When you're writing your letter, be sure to include experiences and evidence to back up the skills and abilities you're listing. These can help give you more credibility.

Focus on highlighting some of your other strengths in your application letter to help offset your lack of experience. Identify 3 special skills that you have or other experience that you think would help you as a teacher. For instance, if you're really organized and you worked as an office manager, you could discuss how they have prepared you to deal with multiple people and tasks.

Start by formatting the letter correctly. Write your mailing address on the upper left-hand side of the page, then add a space between the last line of your address and include today’s date. Then, write the full name and address of the hiring manager. Begin your letter by greeting the hiring manager with a formal salutation such as, "Dear Ms. Simmons." In the first line of your introduction, tell them why you're writing and what position you're seeking to fill. End the introductory paragraph with 3 reasons why you're qualified for the position, and use 3 paragraphs to expand on each of those reasons. Finally, wrap up your letter with a conclusion that restates your reasons and ends with a simple sign off such as, "Sincerely, Jack Smith."

Start by formally greeting the person that you're writing. Use the first sentence to directly state who you are and your reason for writing the letter. Use the introductory paragraph to list a few reasons why you would be a good fit for the position. Then, use a paragraph for each of your reasons so you can expand and provide more information about why they qualify you for the job. Once you're finished, add a final paragraph that wraps up the letter and restates your reasons again briefly. End the letter with a simple sign off and your name. Try to keep the cover letter to 1 page.