Resumes, Cover Letters & Job Search Correspondence

A resume is an important communication tool. It lets school principals know, in a brief written form, about your qualifications and why they should pursue you as a candidate. There is no one correct way to write a resume. Each resume is as individual as the person who writes it. There are, however, generally accepted ways of getting information across to potential employers.

Sample Resumes

View sample resumes for teachers of...

• English
• Math
• History/Social Studies
• The Sciences
• Foreign Languages
• PE
• Elementary School 1
• Elementary School 2

A note to those students applying for student teaching: these resumes include student teaching experience. Everything else on these resumes does apply to you, however.

For more information on developing an effective resume, attend the Resumes and Cover Letters for Teachers workshop.

Job Search Correspondence

The correspondence you send to potential employers has as much impact as your resume.. It should be perfectly written and persuasive in selling you as a great teacher. There are two letters used to introduce yourself to the employer, and two used after initial contacts. Click on the links for sample letters.

Inquiry Letter
Use this letter when you don't know if a position exists at a school. It is usually used early in the job search to gather information.

Letter of Application
Letters of application are in direct response to an announced vacancy.

Thank You Letter
Always write a thank you letter after an interview thanking the interviewer(s) for their time and consideration. Even if you don't want the position, it shows your professionalism to extend the courtesy. If you are still interested in the position, use this letter as one last chance to market yourself.

Status Update Letter
This letter is sent to schools where your file is active to notify them that you have accepted a position. This is a professional courtesy that reflects well on you and may help you if you should apply to that school in the future.

Information and sample letters taken from: The Right Fit: An Educator's Career Handbook and Employment Guide. Strother and Marshall