teaching cover letter nsw

Writing your application

When preparing your application, there are some key things we need to know about you. Focus on how your knowledge, skills, and abilities match those needed for the job. Applicants who are able to do this are more likely to progress through the application process.

Think about what you did in other jobs and your achievements. You can draw on your experiences from other contexts to show how you have relevant skills. These might be from:

• volunteer activities
• casual work
• university, TAFE or school if you have limited work experience.

This will help you to write a cover letter, update your resume and respond to targeted questions.

If the job ad requests a cover letter, you must submit one with your application to be considered for the role.

Writing a cover letter

Good cover letters use the STAR method to structure your work examples by explaining the Situation, Task, Action and Result. Your cover letter should:

• include any specific information requested in the job ad
• address the focus capabilities listed in the job ad, look through the Capability Framework for details on what these mean
• showcase your achievements in past jobs or from other contexts, for example volunteer work
• show us that you have most of the skills we are looking for
• tell us about your passions and interests
• explain why you want the job
• show us how your current skills are transferable to new situations
• show why you are a good fit for the agency and NSW Public Service.

If the job involves managing a team, tell us about important things you did before such as how you supported your team to deliver for the business.

A good cover letter:

• is brief (usually 1 to 2 pages)
• uses plain English
• is well structured
• is specific to the job you are applying for
• uses specific examples of what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved.

Writing a resume

Your resume (also known as curriculum vitae or CV) is a summary of your:

• qualifications

A resume needs to be up-to-date, clear, concise and well organised. It is best if you can tailor the content to the job you are applying for.

As a guide, your resume could include the following sections:

• Personal details – your name and contact details.
• Summary – a brief introduction about you, your work experience, training and interests.
• Education – qualifications and relevant training.
• employer / organisation / agency
• dates of employment
• your responsibilities
• your achievements.
• Other information such as skills, achievements, and relevant memberships.
• Referees – name, title and contact details.

Do not include copies of qualifications with your resume or application unless asked.

Answering targeted questions

Targeted questions are open-ended questions. They may ask you to:

• explain how you’ve shown your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a certain situation
• describe why you’re interested in working for the agency or in the NSW Public Service.

They are often designed to find out about your capabilities and if these suit the role. Capabilities are:

• transferable knowledge (theoretical or practical understanding of a subject)
• skills (developed through training, experience, or practice)
• abilities relevant to a job.

They come from the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework.

Responding to targeted questions on capabilities

A targeted question on capabilities asks you to describe how you used your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a certain situation.

To answer this type of question you should:

• Read the question to identify the information you need to give us, looking for key words.
• capability description explains what the capability covers
• behavioural indicators describe the behaviours or actions at different levels for each capability
• key accountabilities give a high-level summary of the outcomes the role is expected to deliver.
• Use the behavioural indicators to help you think of a relevant example of what you did in other jobs or contexts.
• Be specific – don’t tell us what you think you might do in the situation – tell us what you did.
• Use full sentences, check your spelling and grammar, and stay within the word limit.
• Remember communication skills are important for all jobs.

Use the STAR method to structure your work examples by explaining the Situation, Task, Action and Result.

Example: Responding to a targeted question about your capabilities

The following question is about the 'Commit to Customer Service' intermediate capability.

Give an example of a situation where you provided services that were customer-focused.

How to respond:

• Use the behavioural indicators to prompt you on customer service actions and responsibilities
• Where were you working?
• What was your job?
• Describe a customer problem you identified.
• Explain why it was a problem.
• Tell us what you did to resolve it. If you did something as part of a team, be specific about your role
• Tell us what happened because of what you did – describe the impact on the customer experience.

Responding to targeted questions about your interests

Sometimes targeted questions ask you about:

• your reasons for applying for a job
• why you want the job
• why you want to work in the agency
• why you want to work in the NSW Public Service.

These types of questions give you the chance to tell us about what drives and motivates you.

• Read the question and look for key words that will help you respond. These questions are often framed to get a personal response.
• Review the role description to help you think about what’s involved in the job.
• Think about what we are looking for in asking this question. Our merit principles put importance on fit for the role and agency. Not only on capabilities, knowledge and experience.
• Write your response with honesty and passion.
• Use full sentences, check your spelling and grammar and stay within the word limit.

Example: Responding to a targeted question about your interests

Tell us why you want to work for the NSW Public Service.

• Explain what attracted you to want to work for the NSW Government.
• Describe why the job stood out for you.
• Tell us why you suit the job.
• How does the job fit with my values and standards?
• Have I always wanted to work in this occupation or sector?
• Is this the next step in my career journey?
• Will the job help me to serve my community?
• Relate your passions and interests to what the job offers you.

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25 Teacher Cover Letters Examples To Help You Get Hired

Your guide to a killer cover letter that will get you that interview.

Whether you are sending out resumes hoping to land your first teaching job or looking to shift to a new school or district, one fact remains the same: All the best credentials, experience, and passion will go unnoticed without a strong cover letter. The main rule? Sell yourself the way a publicist would. Cover letters aren’t a time for modesty. They’re a time to highlight your accomplishments and make your passion for teaching known. Below you’ll find our tips for creating the best cover letter possible and our top teacher cover letter and CV examples.

3 top tips for crafting a teacher CV or cover letter:

Keep it short and sweet..

You’ve only got about 30 seconds to capture a hiring director’s attention, so start with what we call “the elevator pitch.” Imagine you have the time between the elevators closing on one floor and opening again on another floor to sell yourself. Instead of rehashing everything on your resume, use the space to craft a paragraph or two that will convince them you are a standout candidate and are worth moving on to the next step.

Emphasize why you’re a great match.

Read the job description and find the overlap between the skills you bring to the table and the skills they need. If the job description calls for certain qualities or uses specific language, repeat them in your cover letter! The ultimate goal for your cover letter is to say, “You’ve got a problem? I’m the ideal person to solve it.” Be professional and use concrete examples.

Individualize!

Tailor each and every cover letter to fit the specific school, district, and job for which you’re applying. Research the school and its culture. That way, you can address their expectations and also use specific examples of achievements in your history to show why you’re the right candidate for the position.

Top teacher cover letter examples:

1. first-time teacher.

This letter is friendly and enthusiastic. It uses concrete examples and experiences related to student teaching while showcasing exactly why the applicant wants to become a teacher.

Learn more: First-time teacher at LiveAbout

2. Another first-time teacher example

This version of a cover letter calls out the specific skills the applicant has and hopes to bring to the table.

Learn more: Another first-time teacher example at OLAS

3. Experienced elementary teacher

Not every teacher stays in their job until retirement. If you’re looking for a new position, your cover letter should clearly state your experience. This example also makes it obvious that the candidate researched the new district and discusses why she would be excited to join. The candidate also includes references at the bottom of the cover letter.

Learn more: Experienced elementary teacher at Monster

4. Another experienced elementary teacher example

It doesn’t hurt to have additional examples! This teacher cover letter clearly showcases the school’s goals and addresses how this teacher specifically can help. She did her research!

Learn more: Another experienced elementary teacher at LiveAbout

5. Summer school teacher

As school lets out for summer, many teachers still need to earn an income. With competition tight, this cover letter stands out as the candidate states her qualifications as well as her ability to train other staff members.

Learn more: Summer school teacher at Cover Letters and Resume

6. Assistant teacher

With this letter, the applicant took a slightly different approach. The letter breaks down the most relevant accomplishments into bullet points. Those will jump out at the hiring manager, who will likely scan through a ton of applications.

Learn more: Assistant teacher at LiveCareer

7. Special education teacher

This letter is similar to a standard teacher cover letter, yet it also stresses the specific qualifications and experiences of a special ed teacher. For example, this candidate included how they modified the curriculum to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. In this particular cover letter example, the teacher was looking to move into a leadership role, so this serves as a template for someone looking to transition into management as well.

Learn more: Special education teacher at JobHero

8. School guidance counselor

This cover letter emphasizes the applicant’s academic achievements, especially with regard to the psychology education required for many counselor positions. It also talks about the characteristics that make this person the ideal candidate for this position.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Great Sample Resume

9. Another school guidance counselor example

We liked this cover letter because it pulls specific metrics that are not in the resume—including the number of students the candidate worked with and the funding obtained for special needs programs.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Zety

10. Library media specialist

This cover letter oozes confidence! As with any specialist position, the candidate hones in on how her specific skills and background make her qualified for this role.

Learn more: Library media specialist at LiveCareer

11. High school English teacher

This cover letter covers a lot of ground. It points out the candidate’s strengths for teaching and assessing knowledge in the specific subject. It also presents the special techniques the candidate uses to teach students at the high school level.

Learn more: High school English teacher at Great Sample Resume

12. Technology teacher

Taking a very professional approach to writing a cover letter shows that the contender is serious. This letter points out the specific skills that best prove why this candidate is a great fit for the position.

Learn more: Technology teacher at LiveCareer

13. Music teacher

A music teacher requires knowledge of multiple instruments and a love of music and music theory. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s background and why they feel music is an important part of the education experience.

Learn more: Music teacher at Best Sample Resume

14. Drama teacher

Drama teachers often go above and beyond just teaching a class. They host auditions and rehearsals for after-school productions. This cover letter shows the candidate’s knowledge of curriculum, directing a show, and even marketing efforts.

Learn more: Drama teacher at Great Sample Resume

15. Foreign language teacher

Foreign language teachers need to display their knowledge of the particular language as well as showcase how well they can immerse students in the culture. This cover letter discusses the teacher’s plans to incorporate curriculum as well as help facilitate the induction of students into the German Honor Society.

Learn more: Foreign language teacher at JobHero

16. Sports coach

This cover letter has a terrific opening line that sets the candidate apart from the get-go. It also clearly covers the candidate’s qualifications, from knowledge and experience to attitude and philosophy. This cover letter example also works well for PE teachers.

Learn more: Sports coach at JobHero

17. ESL teacher

Teaching English as a second language obviously requires a distinct skill set. This cover letter showcases key communication skills and lets the hiring director know the specific language fluency.

Learn more: ESL teacher at LiveCareer

18. Math teacher

Touching on the highlights of their resume without rehashing it completely (who wants to read something twice?), this candidate points out their qualifications and certifications as well as their versatility in teaching different types of students.

Learn more: Math teacher at A+ Resumes for Teachers

19. Pre-K teacher

Teaching pre-K takes patience, creativity, and flexibility. This cover letter effectively highlights the candidate’s communication and problem-solving skills as well as the personal qualities that make them great at their job.

Learn more: Pre-K teacher at LiveCareer

20. Business teacher

This cover letter provides excellent background about the teacher in a way that’s appropriate for business. It shares the necessary information clearly and concisely.

Learn more: Business teacher at LiveCareer

21. International school teacher

Working at an international school requires a certain skill set, and this letter highlights the teacher’s language skills as well as their ability to create effective lessons on relevant topics while providing students with the support they need to succeed.

Learn more: International school teacher at LiveCareer

22. Head teacher cover letter

Serving as a head teacher involves a unique blend of leadership and innovation. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s exceptional communication and leadership skills, essential for coordinating with staff, students, and stakeholders to cultivate a thriving educational environment.

Learn more: Head teacher cover letter example at QwikResume

23. Kindergarten teacher

A kindergarten teacher plays a foundational role in a child’s educational journey, blending creativity with core educational principles. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in developing engaging lesson plans and materials tailored to young learners, ensuring the fundamentals of various subjects are delivered in a manner that is both enjoyable and educational.

Learn more: Kindergarten teacher at Kickresume

24. Secondary teacher

Secondary teachers help shape the young minds of students as they transition into adulthood. This cover letter exemplifies the candidate’s adeptness in crafting comprehensive lesson plans and teaching materials that cater to the diverse needs of teens, ensuring that the curriculum resonates with their evolving interests and capabilities.

Learn more: Secondary teacher at Resumaker

25. Art teacher

An art teacher embodies the intersection of creativity and education, nurturing students’ artistic talents and encouraging their expressive capabilities. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in designing stimulating lesson plans that explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, from traditional painting and drawing to digital art forms.

Learn more: Art teacher at Resume Genius

Do you have more great teacher cover letter examples? Share them in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most common teacher interview questions and suggestions for how to answer them., you might also like.

Free Teacher Resume Template and Tips, Plus 21 Teacher Resume Examples

Make a great first impression! Continue Reading

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Looking for your next teaching job? ClassCover has partnered with Matt from Teacher Application Services Australia to bring you the resources and information you need to be successful in your job hunt in 2022. 

If you haven’t already, have a read of Matt’s blog on Landing the Teaching Job of Your Dreams: with resume, cover letter and application tips .

Teacher resume template

Whether you are a recent graduate looking for your first teaching job or an experienced professional looking for the next step in your career, a great resume is a must-have to get your foot in the door and secure an interview. Depending on how long it’s been since you last applied for a job, the content and style employers expect in a resume might have changed. Click the button below to download a teacher resume example guaranteed to get you off on the right track.

Teacher cover letter

Like a resume, your cover letter can make or break your application to a teaching job. While many a teacher has overlooked this crucial step and submitted their application for a job without a cover letter, that misses a great opportunity to highlight how your background and experience makes you the best candidate for the job, as well as giving you a chance to express yourself beyond the constraints of a standard resume. Click the button below to download a cover letter template for teachers. 

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How to write a great cover letter

Application and interview, tes editorial.

What are the keys to a successful teacher cover letter?

A great cover letter will hugely increase your chances of getting through to interview. A bad one will get your application off to the worst possible start. We spoke to Tyson Wood, Australian manager at Smart Teachers, to help you clear that first hurdle with style.

Introduce yourself

Your cover letter should begin with an opening statement introducing yourself to the employer and emphasising briefly why you are applying for the role. This isn’t the time to go into too much detail; there is plenty of time for that later on.

The beginning of your teacher cover letter should be a strong statement detailing why you chose to apply for that job at that school.

Tyson says: “Introduce yourself and make a clear statement that reflects the purpose of your application.”

Read our advice on writing a great resume .

Be relevant

Having mentioned some specifics about the job at the start of your cover letter, now is your chance to really run wild. You can start talking in detail about why you are applying for that role. Be specific about why that teaching job caught your eye and why you think you’re the candidate the employer must hire.

At this point in your cover letter you should be talking about the subject you'll be teaching and your experience in similar roles.

Tyson explains: “Quickly articulate your general suitability, such as relevant subject qualification, experience teaching that subject and, if you have worked in a school similar to one you are applying, comment on that, too.”

Show understanding

After mentioning why you think the position suits you, now is your chance to start to show your knowledge about the school. Make sure you do your research beforehand and explain why you’re the right fit for the job. For example, look at how the school’s vision aligns with your own. Look at the language the school uses in the job description and try to include a few buzzwords.

“Demonstrate an understanding of how to do the job in such a way that will bring benefit to the school you are applying to,” Tyson recommends.

Short and sharp

While you should go into detail about why you’re suitable for the role and the school, make sure you don’t waffle. This isn’t an essay, and a great cover letter shouldn’t be longer than a page of A4. You want to be making succinct points, not writing long, boring sentences.

Tyson adds: “Your points needs to be short and sharp so what is written is clear, concise and jumps out to prospective employers.”

Covering the above points in your teacher cover will give you the best chance of gaining an interview. Once you're through that first hurdle, take a look at our guides on what to wear to a teaching interview and common teaching interview questions you can expect to be asked to help with your preparation.

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Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to land more job offers as a Teacher?

Crafting a strong cover letter is key. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning Teacher cover letter , complete with effective strategies, essential skills, helpful templates, and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're a seasoned Teacher or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Teacher Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On An Teacher Cover Letter

How To Address A Teacher Cover Letter

• 3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Teacher Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning teacher cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Teacher Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

Wondering what school districts are looking for when they're hiring a teacher?

Districts want knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated teachers that are highly qualified. That means they have the proper education, certifications, and experience along with mastery of their subject, strong classroom management, communication, flexibility, and commitment to student learning.  Professionalism, reliability, and punctuality are also key qualities.

Your resume should show the district that the your experience and personality combined encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Teacher resume:

• Highlight your education and certifications:  emphasizing any relevant coursework or specialized training.
• Emphasize your teaching experience:  providing specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions to student learning.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Showcase your skills and achievements:  including examples of your ability to manage a classroom, communicate effectively, and use technology.
• Provide references from colleagues:  or supervisors who can speak to your teaching abilities
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Teacher Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more Teacher interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Teacher Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Teacher cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Teacher  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Collaborative
• Development
• Flexibility
• Performance
• Instruction
• Regulations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target Teacher job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the Teacher job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Campus Principal's Name

The first, and best, is by including the campus principal's name. Let's say that you discovered the campus principal's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the campus principal's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for Teacher roles:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional Teacher experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from the healthcare industry into a teacher role. This cover letter illustrates how they identify and speak to their transferable skills:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #3: Landing An Elementary Teacher Role Despite Majority Experience in Upper Grade Levels

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive teaching experience in middle and high school grades, looking to transition to the elementary classroom.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Teacher cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for an Teacher role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [School District]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a campus principal, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” 

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your students' content mastery increased
• The average reduction in behavioral issues
• The average parent satisfaction rate
• The rate at which your student engagement increased from year to year

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Teacher cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each Teacher role you apply to
• Start your teacher cover letter with a personalized greeting for the campus principal or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your teacher cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Teacher interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taken care of, be sure to check out my guide on how to write a job-winning Teacher resume (with examples!)

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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Cover letter template

Explain to the employer the purpose of your letter, why you’re applying for the job, how you meet the job criteria, and how they can contact you for an interview.

Cover letters for job applications

[your street number and name] [your suburb, state and postcode]

[title and name of addressee] [his/her position title if known]

[organisation’s name] [organisation’s address]

Dear [insert Ms/Mr Xxx or Sir/Madam]

    Application for position of [name of role], Reference Number [if given]

OPENING PARAGRAPH(S): The purpose of this letter, and why them.

Paragraph 1 : start by referring to the position you’re applying for (or “I am applying for the above position” if formatted as above) and where you saw the advertisement or heard about the role.

Paragraph 2 : explain why you’re interested in the role and the organisation. In order to do this, you need to have thoroughly read the selection criteria relating to the role and researched the organisation using their website, news sites, industry contacts, and so forth. If you’re applying through a recruitment agency and don't know the name of the hiring organisation, you can research the industry instead. Try to avoid clichés and make your interest in the organisation appear personal and genuine. A brief summary of your key selling points can be included at this point to highlight your ‘organisational fit’.

eg, GreenBuild’s recent exhibit at the Sustainable Cities festival was of particular interest to me as I have a passion for sustainable development. My skills in residential design developed through my Bachelor of Design in Architecture, along with my thorough knowledge of sustainable building practices acquired over two years as a project officer with the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage, would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your mission to create Sydney’s greenest housing developments.

MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS: Why you?

Paragraph 3 : this is where you provide evidence as to how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the selection criteria for the position. You can draw evidence from a range of experiences if relevant, including academic studies, extracurricular activities, placements, volunteer roles and paid employment history, including casual work. This section where you address the selection criteria should be the longest section in your letter. It may be necessary to divide it into more than one paragraph.

eg, My strong time management skills have been developed through balancing part time work at Bob’s Café with volunteering commitments at my local community centre while meeting all assignment deadlines to maintain a distinction average in my studies.

FINAL PARAGRAPH: Wrap-up

Paragraph 4 : this is where you express the hoped-for outcome of your letter. End on a positive note and a call to further action. You may want to reiterate how your relevant strengths make you a suitable candidate for the role and mention your availability for interview. Refer to any attachments such as resume, transcript, application form, etc.

Yours sincerely [your name typed]

[Note: Use ‘Yours sincerely’ for letters beginning with ‘Dear plus Addressee’s Name’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ for letters beginning with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’]

Speculative cover letters

Speculative cover letters are used when you are proactively seeking opportunities directly with an employer, rather than responding to advertised vacancies. For speculative letters, follow the format above, with the following adjustments:

Opening paragraph : If you’ve been referred by a friend or colleague known to the recruiter, mention this. As no job has been advertised, state that you’re seeking employment opportunities in a particular occupational area or role.

Final paragraph : You may wish to include your intention to contact the employer on a particular day to follow up. Make sure that you keep your promise by noting the date in your diary and contacting the addressee on the mentioned date, as planned.

Need more cover letter tips?

How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer, so it needs to show that you’re a suitable candidate.

Addressing selection criteria

Selection criteria are the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully do the job.

How to write a resume

A clear, tailored and professional resume is essential for any job application. It should aim to convince an employer that your qualifications, work experience and skillset make you a strong match for the job.

How to Write a NSW Department of Education Application | School Administrative Officer (SAO) (Example Covering Letter)

Written by Nicole Wren

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The NSW Department of Education requires you to apply for any roles through iworkfor.nsw.gov.au. In addition to a resume, you will usually be asked to supply a covering letter of between 2-3 pages (which is actually a selection criteria response ).  You will need to respond to any targeted questions in this cover letter, as well as explain how your skills and experience are relevant to the position you are applying for.  It is also important to ensure you write in the context of the focus capabilities for the role.

Do you need help writing a NSW Dept of Education application?  Our selection criteria writers are experts in these applications. Please  get in touch .

​Here is a snippet of a successful NSW Department of Education SAO application example:

Dear Selection Panel, I am pleased to submit my application for the role of School Administrative Officer (SAO) at XXXX School.  I am confident I have the skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience required to competently fulfil this role.

Qualifications/Certifications

• Working with Children Check (no: WWXXXXX), valid until 2025.
• First Aid Certificate, obtained in 2021, with competencies in the provision of CPR, basic emergency life support and first aid.
• Certificate III in Business Administration.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

Demonstrated capacity to work effectively as part of a team..

Since 2014, I have worked as a SAO at XXX Public School, where I have worked collaboratively and co-operatively with teachers and other staff members. My demonstrated capacity to work effectively as part of a team is evidenced by:

• My ability to liaise with the principal, executive team, teachers and office staff to produce the school’s fortnightly newsletter. I access the teacher shared drive, review all articles uploaded by teachers and input them into the newsletter template, editing and reviewing details with teachers as required. Working in conjunction with my Principal I make sure all articles are critiqued and consult with an executive to proof read the newsletter before printing and distributing to all classroom teachers. I have been able to complete this task efficiently and effectively, ensuring relevant information is communicated to families in a timely manner.
• My commitment to ensuring the school complies with all Work Health Safety requirements. I am on the Work Health and Safety Committee that meets monthly. Together, we review any reported incidents that have occurred, and discuss and implement control measures to minimise any hazards. Through this collaborative approach, the safety of all staff, students and members of the public is maximised. 

Administration skills including knowledge of computer software programs such as Microsoft Office.

Having had over eight years experience in the role of SAO with the NSW department of Education, I have gained extensive experience in administration skills in a school office environment. I am extremely proficient in all aspects of Microsoft Office and a number of other departmental programs enabling me to fulfil my current role in an efficient manner. This is evidenced by my ability to:

• Use Microsoft Word to prepare the school newsletter and student notes.
• Utilise the mail merge function to develop labels and name tags.

(note, this is only a small sample of the examples outlined in the actual letter, further development of this answer would be required in an actual application). Effective oral and written communication skills.

As SAO at XXX School, I liaise with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, executives and customers, maintaining an approachable and professional manner on a daily basis. I use a warm friendly voice on the telephone. I listen to people to understand their requests and perspective, responding to queries as appropriate, or forwarding accurate information promptly when required. My effective oral and written communication skills are evidenced by:

• My ability to ensure all messages from parents/carers are communicated to the appropriate teacher or staff member in a timely manner. This is especially important when it involves changes to an afternoon pickup point, ensuring the student is not left waiting after school without adult supervision, maintaining the student’s safety.

(note, this is only a small sample of the examples outlined in the actual letter, further development of this answer would be required in an actual application). Ability to meet deadlines. Fulfilling the role of SAO efficiently in any school requires one to have the ability to meet deadlines and to have excellent organisational skills in order to do so. In my current role as SAO at XXX I have demonstrated I have this ability by:

• Ensuring notifications to parents/carers are sent out if their child is absent from school. I check that all teachers have submitted their roll by 9.15am. Then send all students that are absent a notification to their parents/carers. This is processed through Sentral by 9.20am each day ensuring student safety in case parents are not aware of their child’s absence. I consistently adhere to this deadline.

​(note, this is only a small sample of the examples outlined in the actual letter, further development of this answer would be required in an actual application).

Would you prefer we write the application for you? Our selection criteria writers including our Newcastle resume writers are experts in these applications. Please  get in touch for a quote.

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CV and cover letter examples for teachers

If you’re struggling to write a CV or cover letter for teaching roles, here are some examples to help you stand out, whether you’re a headteacher or NQT

• More CV and cover letter templates
• Looking for teaching jobs ? View vacancies across all teaching levels at Guardian Jobs

You’ve heard about the school that’s just right for you. What next? What can you do with your application that will make you a certainty for the short list?

If you need some inspiration on what to include in your teaching CV and cover letter, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

Cover letter example:

Dear Ms Name,

As a [newly-qualified/experienced] teacher with [number] years experience in a [primary/secondary] school setting, I feel I would be well-suited for the role of [job title] at [name of school]. Please find my CV attached.

The nature of my work in education has prepared me for this position. My interest in [...] stimulated me to lead a project on [...] My role here was to […]. As part of this, I had to liaise with [...] meaning that I have developed skills in [...]. I faced some challenges along the way, such as [...] and overcame them by [...]. The impact of the project overall was [...]. This was measured by/ has been evidenced in [...].

In addition, I have successfully employed a [...] approach/ strategy when teaching and found that this led to many positive student outcomes, such as […]. A key part of my career is helping students reach their potential, which I work towards by focusing on [...] when teaching.

As shown by my experience in schools, I am enthusiastic about education and always strive to do the best for my students. I am able to take on responsibility for learning and have experience of successfully managing a class. I also have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of this role.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in future.

Yours sincerely,

CV template:

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CV and cover letter tips:

Always make sure that your CV is up to date, and relevant to the needs of the employer. In teaching, it’s not that you’re going to be one of many recruits shuffled around until you find your niche – you’re a one-off, in your own classroom, responsible for your own pupils from day one. Any CV or cover letter you send, whether speculative or for an advertised position, needs to be sympathetic to each different context.

Your cover letter, the person specification, and the job description are pieces of a complex jigsaw. Sometimes, these pieces need more context and that’s where your research comes in. Look up Ofsted reports, local news reports, school performance information. All these pieces combined make the picture on the box, and you need to take the whole thing into account. Employers know there might be no ideal match, but to get yourself on a shortlist, and be invited for interview, you need to present yourself as close a fit as you can.

If you’re an NQT or RQT (newly or recently qualified teacher), you might think that you don’t have the skills and experience to make strong applications – but this certainly isn’t the case. Schools always need new recruits, and it’s part of their role to develop you. Show them your potential by relating what you have learned from your experiences so far, where the challenges were and how you overcame them, how you’ve made a difference and what you feel you can offer on a personal as well as professional level.

More established colleagues will have more experiences to draw on, but be careful not to fall into the trap of talking about one year’s experience repeated fifteen times – you still need to show a sense of development and further potential. Having a few years’ teaching experience to call on can help your confidence levels, but remember that you’re expected to show that you had an impact, that your own initiatives or methods made changes happen and that those changes became embedded in practice. Explain a problem that you were aware of, how you intervened and what the situation is now like as a result. Be prepared to link this to the ultimate aim of improved pupil outcomes – it’s essentially how all teachers are judged.

The higher up the professional ladder you intend to go, the more guidance and feedback you need on the application you’re about to submit. Friends and contacts in similar positions to the one you’re applying for can offer insights that official descriptions can’t. Don’t stop there, though – talk to people in more senior positions. What would they be looking for if they were recruiting for a similar role? Ask for feedback on your letter, and from people who won’t just give you an easy time. Once you’ve got that feedback, trust it. Be prepared to start again, if necessary, so allow time within the process for this to happen. Dig deep into your motives, your letter needs to reflect the factors in education that really drive you. Think about what makes you smile at work and make sure you put that in.

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The following guidelines refer to the required format and length of an application to address the selection criteria for classroom teacher, executive and principal open merit positions.

The new guidelines have been introduced to address consistent feedback received from a range of stakeholders including principal groups and the NSW Teachers Federation regarding the application component of the merit process. In particular, the feedback was consistent that many applicants were submitting excessively long applications that did not add value to the process and was unnecessarily time consuming and onerous for both applicants and panels.

All other aspects of the current merit selection process, including panel composition, the development of specific selection criteria, shortlisting and interviews remain unchanged.

The new merit selection application guidelines apply for any new positions advertised from 10 June 2020 . Positions advertised prior to this date are not subject to the new requirements.

For positions advertised from 21 October 2020, all attachments are required to be in PDF format only.

Application tips

• Applicants should make a professional judgement about the way they address each selection criteria and how they present their application, within the guideline requirements. Applicants are encouraged to present information in a clear and concise manner.
• Applicants need to have a clear understanding of the skills, knowledge and experiences required in the role for which they are applying. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to perform the duties for the relevant position and show evidence of having projected themselves into the role.
• It is recommended that applicants choose no more than three significant examples for each criterion to provide the best evidence of how their skills knowledge and experiences fulfil the requirements of the criterion.
• Applicants should address each criterion clearly and unambiguously to emphasise the work undertaken and the outcomes achieved.
• The page limit applies only to the addressing of the general and specific selection criteria. If the applicant wishes to also attach an additional document listing employment history, referee details etc, or a cover letter, they may do so and this would not count towards the page limit described in the guidelines. However, this is not a requirement and these details can be entered directly into the applicant’s IworkforNSW (TALEO) profile.
• Applications should be written in a minimum of 10 point font. There are no restrictions to the font style – applicants should use professional judgement, taking into account the overall readability of the application.
• All attachments must be submitted in PDF format only . To save a Word document in PDF, select File then Save as Adobe PDF. Alternately you can select Save As and choose PDF from the type options, or print and select Adobe PDF as the printer option.
• General advice on formatting, content and style can be found in the department’s online style guide .
• If applicants have questions about their applications, they should contact the panel convener.
• Applicants are encouraged to share their application with their principal, supervisor and other referees for feedback and advice.

Classroom teacher positions

The selection criteria for classroom teacher positions will consist of Specific Selection Criteria for the vacant position. Applicants for classroom teacher positions must address all the specific selection criteria for the position in their application.

The selection panel will determine the specific selection criteria for the vacant position. Specific selection criteria are necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to undertake the responsibilities of the particular position.

Formatting and length

Applications must be written in a minimum of 10 point font, with standard business margins (approximately 2.5cm from each side of the document).

Total page length must not exceed more than the equivalent of half an A4 page per selection criteria. For example:

• One or two criteria – total application length must not exceed one A4 page.
• Three criteria – total application length must not exceed 1.5 A4 pages.
• Four criteria – total application length must not exceed 2 A4 pages.
• Five criteria – total application length must not exceed 2.5 A4 pages.
• Six criteria – total application length must not exceed more than 3 A4 pages.

Once the total application length is determined, the applicant will make a professional judgement on how to structure their response to each criteria. As long as the total application fits within the overall page limit, it is considered compliant with the guidelines.

Applications that significantly exceed the page length requirements may be excluded on that basis.

The application must be submitted in PDF format via IworkforNSW (TALEO).

Executive positions (Assistant Principal, Head Teacher, Deputy Principal)

The selection criteria for executive positions will consist of the:

• general selection criteria for the position
• specific selection criteria for the position.

Applicants for executive positions must address all the general selection and specific selection criteria in their application.

Applicants need to articulate clearly and concisely their skills, knowledge and experiences in response to each of the criteria.

The total application length is determined by combining the page length for the general criteria and the specific criteria.

For example:

• six general criteria and one specific criteria – application length is 3.5 A4 pages total
• six general criteria and two specific criteria – application length is 4 A4 pages total
• six general criteria and three specific criteria –application length is 4.5 A4 pages total
• six general criteria and four specific criteria – application length is 5 A4 pages total

The application must be submitted in PDF via IworkforNSW (TALEO).

Principal positions

The selection criteria for Principal positions will consist of the:

• general selection criteria for the position, and

Applicants for Principal positions must address both the general selection criteria and the specific selection criteria for the position in their application.

• six general criteria and one specific criteria – application length is 4 (3+1) A4 pages total
• six general criteria and two specific criteria – application length is 5 (3+2) A4 pages total
• six general criteria and three specific criteria –application length is 6 (3+3) A4 pages total
• six general criteria and four specific criteria – application length is 7 (3+4) A4 pages total

PDF resources

• PDF version of these guidelines (PDF 150 KB)

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