Some Ways to Write Good Cover Letter

Teaching English abroad is a booming opportunity for any native English or experienced teachers. Even though you can land a job without a bachelor's degree or TEFL certificate, getting a good teaching job overseas has become extremely competitive due to the overwhelming number of applicants for a single position. First impressions are critical, and your cover is your first and probably your only opportunity to catch a recruiter's attention. Often overlooked and sometimes completely neglected, cover letters are the perfect companion to your CV, but are not your CV and should not read like one.

This vital asset to your resume demonstrates your writing style, and since you are applying for a teaching job overseas, needs to be meticulously crafted, and not just a repetition of the obvious. In a perfect world, an employer has to sift through 100's of applications casting an eye over each one so you literally have 30 seconds to get noticed. Providing a cover letter encourages an employer to read all the things that are otherwise fitted into a resumes rigid factual structure, and this rather focused sales pitch must be unique and address the specific requirements of the individual job positing.

Before you start composing your cover letter, take note that it has to be directed towards the overseas job market, and hence must fulfill a few often overlooked criteria. Do remember that although you are applying for an English teaching job overseas, the recruiter may not be well versed in the language hence it is recommended that you also translate your cover letter, resume, etc into the local language and ensure that it fits the local format. Employers overseas generally prefer to get an up close and personal view of the candidate so attaching a professional photo somewhere in your cover letter or resume is a good idea.

The first most and foremost aspect to mention in your cover letter is why you are choosing that specific country overseas to teach. Things to elaborate on in this section are your compatibility with the local language, people and cuisine. Refrain from mentioning things related to vibrant social life such as partying, beaches, or anything that would make you seem like a backpacker who's going to disappear at the first inconvenience.

Paragraph two should contain information about your background, but not a repeat of your resume. You can mention your travelling, coaching, and even your TELF or CELTA course experiences. The last paragraph should be a summary of your teaching plans and any hobbies that might prove your interest in the area such as museums, archeological sites, etc. Skip lengthy exposition and take note that not everyone has Microsoft Office, but everyone can open a PDF file. Final pointers include sounding pompous, avoid using catch phrases, and abbreviations. Take the time to read your cover letter over and ensure there are no syntax or punctuation errors, before you send it across.