There is no perfect formula for either your cover letter or CV, but your should remember that your potential employers are busy professionals with little time so…
- Be careful to use the right spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Keep it brief and relevant
- Remember what qualifications are required and put them in early on
- Watch out for your email address – there are many which seem unprofessional and inappropriate in a teaching context
- Make sure you have checked with referees that they are happy with you putting their name forward
Usually a simple, well-presented email and CV are enough to secure an interview, if there is a position available.
What to include in your covering letter
- Summarise your qualifications and teaching experience
- Mention any relevant work or voluntary experiences
- Explain what you feel you can offer: what kind of skills do you have: IT-related, interpersonal, as well as personal characteristics such as reliability and your ability to adapt/learn new things
N.B. Check your social media profile
The internet is an amazing resource, but it cuts both ways. If a possible employer is interested in hiring you, they may well check out your online profile on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Whatever the whys and wherefores of this approach, it is increasingly normal across a variety of industries. It is perhaps more relevant in EFL since most schools have a young learner programme and don’t want their students finding anything embarrassing or incriminating about their teachers.
Look at your online profile, adjusting privacy settings as necessary, and make sure you don’t put yourself in a difficult position before you start.
by James Malplaquet