Your NQT cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to the recruiter or employer, and expand on your CV.
To help you get this right, the guide below will look at how to write a great cover letter as an NQT.
Perfect the format and layout
When writing your NQT cover letter, you need to choose a clear layout that’s easy for the recruiter to read.
You should also follow the traditional letter format, placing your address on the top right-hand side of the page and including the date before addressing the recruiter.
Be sure to use the correct sign off at the end of the letter.
It’s also important that your letter is short and sweet, certainly no longer than one A4 page. It’s best to use around five to ten sentences and break these down into three or four paragraphs.
Remember, recruiters see a huge number of applications every day, so you want to make sure yours is clear and concise.
Get your introduction and ending right
The first paragraph is going to be your introduction, and this should be just a sentence or two.
You need to give a brief outline of who you are, for example, ‘I am a newly qualified teacher looking for my first full-time role’.
You must also include the title of the job you’re applying for like so: ‘I am writing to apply to your advertised position of…’
At the end of your letter, sign off with a strong call to action, such as your availability for a phone call or interview. Be sure the letter includes all your correct contact details.
Do your research
In order to write an effective cover letter, you need to do your research on the school and the role.
Take a look at their website and try to get a real understanding of their core values. You should also read through the job description carefully to see what important information is included on there.
Doing your research will enable you to tailor your cover letter to that specific role and school, which is vital when applying for jobs. This will allow you to mention why you have an interest in their school in particular.
Finally, do your best to find the name of the recruiter or employer so you can address them directly in your letter.
Keep it relevant
As previously stated, you want your cover letter to be as short and sweet as possible. That’s why it’s so important to include only the relevant information.
You might have a laundry list of qualifications, extracurricular activities and interesting hobbies, but if they’re not relevant to the specific role you’re applying to then it’s best to leave them out.
And remember, save the detail for your CV. Keep your cover letter at a very high-level, only pointing out your most valuable and relevant attributes, rather than simply repeating your entire CV.
Highlight your key skills and education
It’s important that you use your cover letter to expand on your CV, so you want to outline the key qualifications and skills that are going to help you in this role.
Show them how you can benefit their school by giving examples of your past achievements.
In order to show that you’re the perfect match, use keywords from the job description throughout your letter.
For example, if they’re looking for a ‘newly qualified teacher’ with ‘classroom management’ skills and the ability to spot ‘SEN’ – include these keywords in your application.
It’s time to perfect your NQT cover letter
Perfecting your cover letter can take time, but it’s an essential part of landing your first teaching role.
Use the advice above to write a killer NQT cover letter, being careful to keep it clear and concise and use important keywords throughout.
About the author: Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV – he is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to websites like Business Insider, The Guardian and FastCompany.