Updated 5/28/2024
Applying for a job as a new teacher’s aide can be a little overwhelming because of a lack of formal work experience as well as the confidence that comes from it. Candidates often worry about making a good impression with the hiring committee, principal, and potential colleagues. A well-crafted resume and strong references are important, but you need an outstanding cover letter in order to land that big interview!
Simply put, a cover letter conveys your ability to fulfill the duties listed in the job description. It’s a formal introduction that complements your resume by going in depth and telling a fuller story about who you are.
What to Include in the Cover Letter Outline:
- Start with a salutation addressed to the hiring manager. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, it’s okay to write, ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’
- Provide a short introduction of who you are and why you’re excited about working for the school.
- The body of the letter includes your important skills and qualifications, and directly demonstrates how and why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.
- Keep the letter polite and professional, and close by thanking the hiring manager for their time.
Formatting the Cover Letter:
- The letter should look professional and match the corresponding resume in style and font to ensure consistency.
- List your contact information – address, email address, phone number, etc. in the letter so that it’s clearly seen, like in the header of your document.
- The email subject line should include your name and the title of the position.
- Last but not least, make sure to carefully proofread your cover letter.
For inexperienced teacher’s aides, your cover letter can focus on your career goals, which includes the position you’re applying to and beyond. This is an excellent opportunity to describe who you are and offer more specific descriptions about your qualifications, skills, and beliefs, and demonstrate how this training has prepared you for the role. Landing an interview is all about being able to match your personality, skill set, and accomplishments with the requirements listed in the job description.
Skills that schools look for in their employees
- Communication
- Punctuality
- Compassion
- Adaptability
- Independence
- Organizational skills
- Ability to Collaborate
You already have them, now just add them to your cover letter!
Click here to view a sample of a new teacher aide cover letter.
If you would like additional information on how to write a cover letter, resumes, and interview tips, and more, visit our resources page.
Now all you have to do is create an account with OLAS and find the right opportunity!
