RESUMES&COVERLETTERS
FOREDUCATORS
AdaptedfrominformationobtainedfromtheNationalAssociationofColleges&Employers
&WashingtonStateUniversity
PURPOSEOFRESUME
Thepurposeofaresumeistomarketyourselfforthenextpositionyoudesire.Theresumeshouldbeshortand
concise,presentinganemployerwithinformationpertinenttothejobannouncementinabrief,easy‐toread
format.Onepageisusuallysufficientfornewcollegegraduateswithlimitedworkhistories,butexperienced
individualsmayneedtwopages.
Avarietyofformatscanbeusedforresumes.However,inourexperiencewithuniversitystudentsandotherjob
seekers,wehavefoundthatthechronologicalformatgenerallyworksthemosteffectively.Thisapproach
operatesontheassumptionthatyourmostrecentexperienceisthemostrelevant.Consequently,information
concerningyoureducationandexperienceispresentedinreversedateorder.Theinformationwhichfollows
detailstheelementsthataretypicallyincludedinachronologicalresume.
THEBASICELEMENTSOFARESUME
Thereisnoonecorrectwaytowritearesume.However,therearesomebasicelementsyouneedtoincludein
yourresume:
IdentifyingInformation‐‐Theveryfirstinformationonyourresumeshouldbeyourname,addressandphone
number(and/ormessagephonenumber,ifapplicable),includingbothzipandareacodes.Youmayalsoincludea
websiteaddress,ifyouhaveone.Yourmainobjectiveistogetemployerstorememberyou,sohighlightingyour
nameusingbolding,capsoralargerfontwillmakeyoumorevisible.
EducationalBackground&Certification‐‐Withemphasisonthehighesteducationlevelattained,listyour
collegeexperienceincludingnameandlocationofinstitutionsattended,degrees/certificatesearnedortobe
granted,major,specialcoursework,anddatesofcompletion.Youmayalsowanttolistanyoutsidetrainingyou
havereceived(suchasspecialworkshopsorseminars)whichispertinenttoyourcareerobjectives.Fornew
graduatesthissectionisplacedbeforetheexperiencesections.Asmoreexperienceisgainedtheeducation
sectionmaybemovedfartherdownthepage.Whenwritingyou
Certifications–ThisistheareaseparatefromandabovetheEducationsection.Itdetailsthetypeofcertificate
CareerObjectiveorProfile(Optional)‐Forapplicationtoaspecificjob,anobjectiveisusuallynotnecessary.
Anobjectivemaybeappropriateatacareerfairortodesignatespecificskills/endorsementsthatyouwishtouse.
Itshouldbeaveryspecificstatementaboutthetypeofpositionyouareseekingand/ortheskillsyouwishtouse.
Ifyouplantoexploreavarietyofdifferentopportunities,youwillprobablybebetteroffusingyourcoverletter
toexplainthetypeofpositionyouareseekingsothatyoucantailoryourstatementtotheparticularorganization
youarecontacting.
TeachingRelatedExperience‐‐Listinreversechronologicalordertheexperiencesyouhavehadwhich
directlyrelatetoteaching,workingand/orvolunteeringwithchildren.IncludesubheadingssuchasTeacher,
Substituteteacher,StudentTeacher,Practica,TutorandCampCounselor.
Theexperiencesmostdirectlyrelevanttothepositionforwhichyouareapplyingshouldbeemphasized.
Typically,thosewouldbestudentteachingandsubstitutingfortheentrylevelteacherandcontracted
experiencesforveteranteachers.Inhighlightingyourexperiences,includeonlytheinformationthatwouldbe
relevanttothepositionyouseek.Besuretouselanguagewhichindicatesyouarecurrentwithcurricular,
instructionalandphilosophicaltrendsinyourfield.Atthesametime,theresumeshouldnotappearverboseor
fullofclichés.Usingbriefexamplesisawaytobuildapositiveimageinthemindoftheresumereader.
OtherExperience‐‐Atthispoint,youwillneedtomakeajudgmentcallonhowspecificallyyouwilllist
yourcurrentandformeremployment.Forthecandidate,TeachingRelatedExperienceisoftenthestrongest
statementonecanmake.However,prospectiveemployerscanlearnmanypositivethingsaboutacandidatefrom
otheremploymentaswell.Ifyouhavebeenintheworkforce,youhavenodoubtgainedanumberoftransferable
skillswhichwillassistyouintheclassroom.Inaddition,yourworkhistorybeforeandduringcollegemayleavea
positiveimpressionofsomeonewhoisenergetic,ambitiousandwillingtoworkhardtoreachhis/hergoals.
Thisinformationwillbelistedasintheprevioussectionwithjobtitle,employer,locationanddatesof
employmentfollowedbyabriefdescriptionusingactiveverbsofrelevantskillsutilizedinperformanceofthe
position.Itisnotnecessarytoincludeallofyourworkexperience.Unrelated,extremelydatedemploymentor
jobsofbriefdurationneednotbeincluded.Donotdiscountsummer,part‐timeandvolunteerpositions,
however.Itmaybeappropriateforsomecandidatestosimplylistotherexperienceswithoutbulletpoint
descriptionsifmostoftherelevantexperienceisteachingrelated.
KeyQualificationsorHighlightsofQualifications(Optional)‐‐AlternatetitlesincludeSkillsSummary,
StrengthsProfileorSummaryofQualifications.Theideahereistohighlightyourqualificationsforthetypeof
positionyouareseeking.Typicallythissectionisarrangedasalistof6to8bulletpointslistingskills,areasof
expertiseand/orpersonalcharacteristics,eachdescribedinjustafewwords.Everyitemincludedshouldrelate
inanobviouswaytothejobannouncementortothetypeofpositionyouareseeking.Thebeautyofthissection
isthatyoucandrawfromthefullrangeofyourexperiencestodate‐‐education,volunteerwork,employment,
campusactivities,etc.Justbesurethattherestofyourresumesupportstheclaimsyoumakehere.Thissection
mayappearbeforetheeducationsectionorbeforetherelevantexperiencesectionorlaterintheresume
dependingonhowimportanttheinformationis(forinstance,fluencyinaforeignlanguageortraininginahighly
desiredareacouldbeemphasizedinthissection).
Activities/Honors/Memberships(Optional)‐‐Choosetheheadingthatismostappropriateforyour
particularbackground.Listacademichonors,extracurricularactivitiesandmembershipsinthissection,placing
aspecialemphasisonthosethingsthatrelatecloselytoyourcareergoals.
CommunityActivities(Optional)‐‐Employersliketolearnalittlebitaboutthepersonbehindtheresume.
Informationaboutyourhobbiesandinterestswillprovidesomeinsightintoyourcharacterandpersonalityand
mayincludepertinentinformationthatwouldnotappearanywhereelseinyourresume.Steerclearof
informationonthingslikeage,maritalstatus,heightandweight.UnderAffirmativeAction/EEOguidelines,
employersarenottousethistypeofinformationintheirhiringprocedures.Asnotedabove,ifyouhavegained
significantexperiencefromotheractivities,theymayfitbetterinyourearlier“Experience”sectionthanhere.
SAYINGWHATYOUMEANANDMEANINGWHATYOUSAY
Onceyouknowwhatinformationshouldbeincludedinyourresumeandhowtoarrangeit,youarereadytosit
downandputthewordsonpaperthatwillmosteffectivelycommunicatetoanemployerwhatyouhavetooffer.
Nosmalltask!Aswithanypieceofwriting,youneedtobeasconciseaspossibleandyourchoiceofwordsis
extremelyimportant.
Pronounssuchas“I”,“they”and“he”or“she”areneverused,andarticlesareusuallydropped(i.e.“a”,“an”,
“the”).Thiswillputtheemphasisonyourchoiceofverbs.Choosecarefully!Where“attended”soundsweakand
somewhatvague,“participatedactively”soundsdynamicandresults‐oriented.Watchyouruseofadjectivesand
adverbsaswell.“Respondedpromptlytocustomerinquiries”soundsbetterthanjust“responded.”Theaction
verbsandadjectivesonthenextpageswillhelpyoumakethemostappropriatewordselectionstoputsome
punchinyourresume.Aworksheettoassistyouinwritingexcellentexperiencebulletpointsisincluded.Whileit
mayfeeluncomfortabletobrag,thisisatimewhenit’snotonlyokay,butnecessary,totootyourownhorn,sogo
forit!
ACTIONVERBS
Awarded Determined Ensured Outperformed Succeeded
Completed Distinguished Inspired Reached Surpassed
Controlled Earned Orchestrated Showcased Targeted
ADMINISTRATIVE/MANAGEMENT
Acquired Consolidated Evaluated Maximized Produced
Administered Contracted Exceeded Minimized Recommended
Aligned Controlled Expanded Mobilized Regulated
Analyzed Coordinated Headed Obtained Scheduled
Assigned Delegated Hired Organized Streamlined
Attained Developed Improved Oversaw Strengthened
Chaired Directed Increased Planned Super
v
ised
Conserved Eliminated Managed Prioritized Unified
CLERICAL/DETAIL
Achieved Collected Gathered Organized Screened
Appro
v
ed Compiled Generated Prepared Specified
Arranged Dispatched Implemented Processed Systematized
Catalogued Documented Inspected Purchased Tabulated
Charted Executed Monitored Recorded Tracked
Classified Formalized Operated Retrie
v
ed Validated
COMMUNICATION
Addressed Conve
y
ed Enlisted Motivated Researched
Arbitrated Convinced Formulated Negotiated Responded
Arranged Cooperated Influenced Persuaded Solicited
Authored Corresponded Interpreted Promoted Spoke
Briefed Defined Lectured Publicized Summarized
Campaigned Directed Lobbied Reconciled Translated
Co‐authored Drafted Mediated Recruited Verified
Communicated Edited Moderated Reported Wrote
CREATIVE
Acted Designed Founded Loaded Produced
Applied Developed Illustrated Molded Proposed
Composed Directed Incorporated Originated Refined
Concei
v
ed Established Instituted Perceived Revamped
Conceptualized Evaluated Integrated Performed Revitalized
Created Fashioned Introduced Pioneered Shaped
Cultivated Formed Invented Planned Spearheaded
Customized Formulated Launched Presented Transformed
EFFICIENCY/ENHANCEMENT
Accelerated Centralized Furthered Outpaced Restructured
Advanced Con
v
erted Gained Redesigned Simplified
Amplified Customized Lifted Refocused Standardized
Boosted Delivered Merged Reorganized Stimulated
Capitalized Enhanced Modified Replaced Sustained
FINANCIAL
Allocated Calculated Estimated Navigated Renegotiated
Appraised Computed Forecasted Partnered Researched
Audited Decreased Forged Planned Secured
Balanced Deducted Lessened Projected Sold
Budgeted Developed Marketed Reduced Yielded
HELPING
Advocated Coached Diagnosed Familiarized Rehabilitated
Aided Consulted Educated Fielded Represented
Assessed Contributed Empathized Fostered Resolved
Assisted Counseled Expedited Guided Supported
Clarified Demonstrated Facilitated Referred United
RESEARCH
Abstracted Disco
v
ered Identified Located Quantified
Clarified Evaluated Inspected Mapped Reviewed
Collected Examined Interpreted Measured Summarized
Critiqued Explored Interviewed Organized Surveyed
Diagnosed Extracted Investigated Qualified Theorized
TEACHING
Adapted Consulted Encouraged Informed Presented
Advised Coordinated Established Initiated SetGoals
Clarified Defined Evaluated Instructed Stimulated
Coached Developed Explained Lectured Taught
Collaborated Educated Facilitated Mentored Trained
Communicated Enabled Guided Persuaded Updated
TECHNICAL
Adjusted Coded Devised Maintained Remodeled
Analyzed Compiled Drilled Modeled Repaired
Assembled Computed Engineered Modified Solved
Built Configured Fabricated Operated Tested
Calculated Debugged Finished Overhauled Trained
Certified Designed Inspected Programmed Upgraded
ADJECTIVES
Able CulturallyAware Fair Outstanding Sincere
Active Dedicated Firm Personable Skillful
Adaptable Deft Great Poised Smooth
Adept Dependable Honest Positive Sociable
Admirable Determined Independent Practical Strong
Amenable Diligent Innovative Pragmatic Successful
Analytical Diplomatic Instrumental Proactive Superb
Assertive Disciplined Keen Productive Superior
Bilingual Distinguished Logical Proficient Supportive
Brilliant Effective Loyal Prudent Tactful
Businesslike Efficient Mature Punctual Talented
Capable Energetic Methodical Receptive Team‐oriented
Clear Enterprising Moti
ated Reliable Trustworth
y
Committed Enthusiastic Notable Resilient Upbeat
Competent Excellent Objective Resourceful Valuable
Confident Exceptional Open‐minded Self‐reliant Well‐
v
ersed
Conscientious Experienced Organized Self‐starter Wise
Creative Expert Outgoing Sensitive Worth
y
TranslatingDutiestoSkills:WorksheetforEducators
Usethe“What+formula”
Foreachjobthink:Whatdidyoudointhisposition?
Thenelaborate:
Whywasthetaskimportant?
Whatwasyourimpactwithinthedistrict/organization?
Howdidyouperformyourduties?
Whatskillsdidyouuseordevelop?
Createbulletpointsthatbeginwithastrongverbandemphasizeskillsorqualitiesrequiredinthe
nextjobyouseek!
Examples:
•
Helpedsixthgradeclasswithphysicalsciencebecomes:
What+SkillsDeveloped:Mentoredsixthgradestudentsinphysicalscience,demonstratingability
todevelopeffectivelearningrelationshipswithmultipleagelevels
•
PlannedandtaughtsmallgrouplessonswithESLstudentsbecomes:
What+HowandImpact:PlannedandtaughtsmallgrouplessonswithESLstudents,
incorporatingculturalknowledgetoengagelearners
•
Answeredphonesforbusyofficebecomes:
Importance+What:Maintainedorganizedandefficientworkenvironment,
answeringphonesforbusyoffice
Duty:
•
Duty:
•
Duty:
•
Duty:
•
Duty:
•
PUTTINGIT ALLTOGE THER
Regardlessofwhichproductionmethodyouchoose,thesamebasicfundamentalsapply:
Balancethematerialonthepagesothatthetotaleffectispleasingtotheeyeandeasytoread.Leave
generousmargins(oneinchontopandbottom,¾tooneinchonsides)sothepagedoesn’tlook
crowdedanduseheadingstohelporganizetheinformationinameaningfulway.
Beconsistentinthetypeofheadings(i.e.,emphasizers)youuse.Don’tusecapsorboldinginone
sectionandunderlininginanother.
Avoidslang,jargon,acronymsandabbreviations(exceptforstateswhichcanbeabbreviatedusing
thestandardtwo‐letterzipdesignationslikeNCforNorthCarolina)
Edityourresumeseveraltimestoimprovewordchoiceandeliminateredundancy.Asynonym
dictionaryorthesauruscanhelpyouhere.
Useadictionaryandrememberthatspellcheckersdon’talwayscatcheveryerror.Resumeswith
misspellingsandtyposareoftentossedout,regardlessofthecandidate’squalifications.
Proofread,proofread,andproofread!Infact,it’sagoodideatohavesomeoneelseproofreadyour
resumeforyoubecauseit’softenveryhardtoseeyourownmistakes.
Avoidflashyorodd‐sizepaper.Use81/2”x11”paper.Unusualcolorsandsizemayattract
negativeattention.Also,resumesareoftenscannedforseveralpeopletoreview.Chooseacolorthat
willscanwell.Colorsotherthanwhite,whenscanned,areoftengrayerandhardertoreadthan
white.
RESUMEEXAMPLES

CINDYA.SAMSON
Salisbury,NC98226•(360)555‐0000•cindy.samson@email.com
EDUCATION
CatawbaCollege
BachelorofArts,MiddleSchoolEducation,May,2019
Specialization:SocialStudies
RelevantCoursework:TheoriesofTeachingandLearning,AdolescentPsychology,CulturalGeography,Emerging
WesternWorld,andIntrotoAmericanPolitics,Addadditionalcoursesifapplyingtospecializedpositions
RELEVANTTEACHINGEXPERIENCE
CabarrusCountrySchoolSystem,Concord,NC,Spring2016‐Present
SubstituteTeacher
Instructandfacilitaterequiredlessonplansinprimary,intermediate,andmiddleschoolclassesandmaintain
accuraterecordsofstudentsgradesandbehaviors
Teachadeptlyindiverseclasseswithstudentsofdifferingability,backgroundandethnicity
CentralCountyMiddle,Salisbury,NCFall,2016‐Spring2017
StudentTeacher,SocialStudiesEducation
Planned,scheduledandcarriedoutlessonplans,witheachclass,andcreatedappropriateassessmentsto
measureeffectiveness
Instructedandcommunicatedwithculturally,raciallyandlinguisticallydiversestudents
DesignedlessonsandunitswithobjectivesalignedtoCommonCoreStateStandards
Adaptedlessonsandinstructionforstudentswithspecialneeds,includingstudentwithDownSyndrome;
workedwithspecialeducationteachertoformstrategiesforindividual
students
Createdpositivebehaviormanagementplanactivelyengagingstudentstolimitbehaviorissues,usingvarietyof
techniquestofitsituationandchildwhenchallengesarose
Collaboratedwithdistrictstaffinseriesofmeetingstocoordinateeducationalprogramsandcurriculaat
multipleschools
RELATEDVOLUNTEEREXPERIENCE
Tutor,FlyingColors,Salisbury,NC,2013‐2015:weeklytutoringforelementaryagechild
SpecialOlympics,Marysville,NCSummer2014:organizedparticipants,escortingtoevents
PoolBuddy,AdaptedAquatics,Bellingham,NC,Fall2013:aidedchildrenwitharrayofdisabilities
ProgramAssistant,Boys&GirlsClubofWinstonSalem,WinstonSalem,NC,Summer2013
PROFESSIONALAFFILIATIONS
AmericanAllianceforSpecialEducation,2015‐Present
WashingtonAllianceofHealth,PhysicalEducation,RecreationandDance,2014‐Present
ListadditionalAffiliationsorrelevantclubsandorganizationsrelevanttoyourjob
SELINAA.GOMEZ
Salisbury,NC◊360‐321‐3211◊[email protected]
C
ERTIFICATIONS
Listanycertificationsyouareworkingtowards,ExpectedCompletionMonth,andYear
E
DUCATION
BachelorofArts,ElementaryEducationMinor:Spanish,CatawbaCollege,May2019
MULTICULTURALE
XPERIENCE
FluentSpanishspeaker;studied6monthsinCadiz,Spain:communicateandestablishrapportwithindividualsof
diverseethnicbackgroundswithease
RELEVANTTEACHIN GE
XPERIENCE
SubstituteTeacher,Mt.BakerMiddleSchool,Salisbury,NC,Spring2018‐Present
Adaptclassroominstructionandassessmentsbyusingvisualaidsandrealworldexamplestooptimizestudent
achievementattitle1school
Developlessonsandinstruct4thand5thgradestudents,basedonstateofNorthCarolina
ScienceLearning
Standardsandgradelevelexpectations
Establishpositiverapportwithstudents,parentsandcriticalfamilymembers,usingSpanishspeakingskillsas
needed
Enhancestudentengagementforlearningsciencethroughmaintainingcollaborativelearningclassroom
environment
Participateactivelyinstaffandweeklyprofessionallearningcommunitymeetings,collaboratingwithmath
teachertoincorporatelinkedscience‐mathunit
Observe,plan,teachandassesspracticetoinformandmodifyinstructionformulti‐culturalclasseswithmany
levelsofability
Practica,WilsonValleyElementa rySchool,Salisbury,NCFall2017‐Spring2018
Demonstratedabilitytobuildpositiverelationshipswithhighschoolstudents,using
developmentallyappropriateactivitiesandinstructionalstrategies
Assistedwithinteractivecomputerprogramtoenhancesciencecurriculumutilizingtechnologycompetently
andcomfortably
OTHERE
XPERIENCE
CatawbaCollegeStudyAbroad,CulturalEmersionExperience,CadizSpain,2017
TraveledtoSpainfor3weeksandparticipatedinlecturesanddiscussionsonSpanishlanguageandculture.
LaboratoryAide,SkagitValleyMedicalLaboratory,Greensboro,NC,2015‐2016
Assistedprincipallaboratorytechnician,demonstratingmasteryofscientifictechniques
Madeallmediaforgrowingyeastandbacterialstrains,preparingslidesforusein
testing
CertifiedNurseAssistantIslandHospital,Greensboro,NC,2014‐2015
Acquiredreallifescienceapplicationbyassistingnursesandcaringforpatients
Communicatedcalmlyinstressfulsituations,maintainingpositivedemeanorandprovidedsolutions
MALIAANNSIMPSON
Bellingham,NC98225(360)640‐5555•[email protected]
EDUCATION
CatawbaCollege,Salisbury,NCDecember2018
BachelorofArts,Education
Specialization:SpecialEducationandElementaryEducation
CURRICULA&TECHNOLOGY
o Reading‐ReadNaturally,ReadingMastery,DIBELS,AIMSWEB,andStoryTown
o Math‐Investigations,andReadit,Writeit,Drawit
o Science‐FossScienceKit
o Technology‐Clicker5training,IEPOnlineexperience,proficientwithdocumentcamera,and
o MicrosoftOfficeprograms,PowerPoint,Canva,REMIND
o RTI‐TrainingandexperienceinResponsetoIntervention
RELEVANTTEACHINGEXPERIENCE
DublinNationalSchool4thClass(ages9‐10),Dublin,Ireland,Spring2016
GlobalStudentTe aching
LiveStudentTeacher,andteachinIrelandthroughadjustingeffectivelyindistinctculturalenvironment
Adaptlessonstoprovideforindividualdifferences,includingfourEnglishLanguageLearnersandtwostudents
withspecialneeds
Implementefficientbehaviormanagementsystem,creatingpositivelearningenvironment
Plan,createanddeliverlessonsbasedonIrishNationalCurriculumStandards
IncorporatetechnologyintolessonswithInteractiveWhiteboard,PowerPointandWord
Maintainpositivelinesofcommunicationwithfamiliesthroughweekly"newsletter"
CarlCozierElementary,Concord,NC,Winter 2016
SpecialEducationStudentTeacher
TaughtenthusiasticallyinK‐6resourceroomwithbothpull‐outandpush‐inprograms
Designed,plannedandimplementedmath,reading,writingandsocialskillslessonsforsmallgroupsof
varyingskilllevelsbasedonCommonCoreStateStandards
AssessedstudentsusingWoodcock‐JohnsonandBriganceInventoryofEarlyDevelopment
Collaboratedregularlywithgeneraleducationteachersaboutle
ssonadaptationsandaccommodations
forstudents
Coordinated13students'schedulestoensuremostparticipationingeneraleduc.settingpossible
Createdindividualbehaviorplanswithappropriaterewardsandconsequences
Developed,wroteandleadIEPmeetingswithparentsandotherprofessionals
Participatedactivelyinfacultymeetings,child‐teammeetingsandcurriculumworkshops
OTHERRELATEDEXPERIENCE
Nanny,PrivateFamily,Spokane,WA,Summers2013‐2015
Caredforchildwithseveredisabilities(8‐10),creatingfunactivitiestoenableinvolvement
LifestyleAdvisor‐AllyBuildingNetwork,WWU,Bellingham,WA,2012‐2015
Organizedandfacilitatedworkshopstoidentifystereotypesofrace,gender,religion,andculture
Developedon‐campusactivitiesdevotedtocommunitybuildingandembracingdiversity
WritinganEffectiveCoverLetterorLetterofApplicatio n
Acoverletterisyourchancetomakeagoodfirstimpression.Becauseitaccompaniesyourresumeand
applicationtotheschooldistrictoreducationalinstitution,itisoftenthefirstopportunitytointroduce
yourselfaswellasanindicationofyourwrittencommunicationskills.
Havingputalotofhardworkintoaresumeyouwanttomakesurethattheprospectiveemployerreadsit
carefully.Acoverletterisamarketingtoolthatyoudeveloptoencourageemployerstostudyyourresume
andgiveyouseriousconsiderationasacandidate.Together,theyshouldstimulatetheemployertowantto
knowmoreaboutyouthroughaninterview.
Justliketheresume,thecoverlettershouldbetailoredtothespecificpositionaboutwhichyouare
inquiringorforwhichyouareapplying.Neversendaformletter.Certainlytherewillbesomecommon
thingsyoumentionineachletter,butthewisecoverletterwriterwillpersonalizeitasmuchaspossible.
Ingeneral,aprofessionalcoverletteris:
Formalandbusinesslike
Neat
Short(3or4paragraphsononepage)
Typedorcomputergenerated
Errorless(spelling,grammar,punctuation)
Addressedtoaspecificperson,wheneverpossible
Twobasicusesforcoverletters:
LetterofInquiry‐whenyouhaveaninterestinaschooldistrictbutarenotawarewhetheranopening
existsforwhichyouarequalified.Manydistrictsandeducationalinstitutionswillthennoteyourinterest
andplaceyourletter(andresumeandapplication)intheirsystemsforfutureconsiderationwhenopenings
arise.
LetterofApplicationorCoverLetter‐whenthereisaspecificopeningforwhichyouarequalifiedandwish
toapply
COVERLETTERCHECKLIST
FiveSecondReview:Giveittheonce‐over;isyourcoverletter:
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?
Fullofactionverbsdescribingexperience,skills,andknowledge?
Specificallyaddressingthepersoninchargeofhiringforthejob,usingacolonorcommaafterthe
person’sname?
5MinuteReview:Afterfurtherreflection,doesyourcoverletter:
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?
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companycultureorhowyouwouldfitinthe
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
CoverLetterSample
NameofIndividualTitleofIndividualNameofEmployer
StreetAddressorPOBoxNumber
City,State,ZipCode
[1space]
DearMr./Ms./Dr. :[1space]
OpeningParagraph.Attractattention.Clearlystatethereasonforwriting,namingthepositionortypeof
workforwhichyouareapplying.Identifyhowyouheardoftheopeningorhowtheemployer’snamewas
obtained(i.e.,theCareerServicesCenterinformedmeofyouropeningorProfessorSmithintheEducation
DepartmentatCatawbaCollegerecommendedthatIcontactyou.)
[1space]
SecondParagraph.Stateyourreasonforwritingthisparticularemployer.Specifyconcretereasonsforthe
typeofworkyoudesire.Highlight:yourskills;yourgoals;and/orhowyoureducation,experiencesand
otherqualificationssupportyourcapacitytosucceedinthisjob(inthisorganization.)“ShowyourStuff!”
Describewhatyoucandofortheemployerratherthanwhattheemployercandoforyou.Significant
accomplishmentscanbenoted,buttheresumeshouldnotberepeatedanymorethanabsolutelynecessary.
Basically,youareemphasizingyourkeyqualifications‐‐sellingyourself‐‐elaboratingonbackgroundareas
whichwillattracttheemployerforthespecificcareerfieldorjobyouwant.
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ClosingParagraph.Restateyourinterestbyindicatingyouravailabilityforapersonalinterview.Either
suggestatimeorstateyourwillingnesstocomeattheconvenienceoftheindividualemployer.Endona
strongnote.Indicateyourresumeisenclosed(andyourplacementfilehasbeenforwarded‐ifappropriate).
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Sincerelyyours,[3spaces](Signature)
Full
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