Get That Teaching Job: How I Wrote My Cover Letter and Personal Statement for Primary Teaching in the UK!
- teacheradvicehub
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
As a teacher of over a decade, I have worked in 4 different schools and applied to many more. I found that a strong cover letter and personal statement were crucial for standing out in a competitive field. I invested significant time and effort into perfecting my personal statement, understanding that it is a crucial element in securing a teaching position.
For more detailed information, please see our resource on writing a cover letter and job application. Included in the pack is a recording of a webinar along with a pdf of the slides used and a free template you can use.
Why Your Cover Letter Matters
Your cover letter is often your first chance to impress a potential employer. It is key to showcasing both your suitability for the role and your passion for education. My aim was to present not just my skills, but also my personality and commitment to developing young minds. For instance, I shared anecdotes about my journey to teaching and experiences I have had. This emotional connection can make a lasting impact on hiring managers.
Key Elements of a Strong Cover Letter
Tailor Your Content: I learned that a generic cover letter simply does not work. For each application, I researched the school’s values and mission and connected my experiences to those ideals. A school that prioritised creativity and charity inspired me to emphasise a project where I established a choir, which successfully raised funds for charity and school resources.
Start Strong: First impressions truly matter! I began with a powerful opening statement expressing my enthusiasm for the role and showcasing my teaching philosophy. For example, I wrote about my commitment to fostering curiosity in students and how that aligns with the school's aim to inspire lifelong learning.
Highlight Key Achievements: Specific accomplishments were crucial in my cover letter. You can highlight significant initiatives you have carried out in past positions, important training sessions you have attended that are relevant to this advertised role, or any accomplishments you are proud of from your training or from a previous or current role.
Online Resources to Elevate Your Application
The webinar I created is packed with invaluable resources. If you purchase a copy, you will receive access to the recorded session, which I you can revisit as often as you need for motivation or a quick refresher. Included in the pack is also a pdf of the slides with additional detail so you can work through at your own pace.
Free Template for Your Cover Letter
A standout feature in our resources is the free editable template for cover letters. This template can help you overcome the blank-page struggle and provided a clear structure to organise your thoughts and experiences.
Tips for Success
Throughout my journey, I discovered several tips that proved invaluable while drafting my cover letter and personal statement:
Proofread: I made sure to proofread multiple times. A single typographical error can create a negative impression, so being meticulous is key. Getting friends and family to proofread too or put into a proofread checker like Grammarly can also prevent errors.
Seek Feedback: I asked colleagues to review my application materials before submission. Their insights helped me refine my content for clarity and impact.
Practice Interviews: I rehearsed common interview questions based on my application details. This preparation helped me feel more confident during actual interview scenarios. See our interview questions pack for support with the questions you might be asked. For a discount code of 50% off this resources, please email teacheradvicehub@gmail.com
If you would like any support with your personal statement, interview lesson or preparing for your interview, you can book a session with me, Hannah, the Founder of Teacher Advice Hub. If you're not sure what service to book, contact us to arrange a free consultation session so we can figure out how best to support you in your teaching journey or just book a Teacher Coaching session.
Final Thoughts
Getting a teaching job can be a challenging process, but having the right knowledge and resources can make a big difference. By focusing on creating a compelling cover letter and personal statement, I set myself up for success in the highly competitive UK teaching job market.
If you’re ready to embark on your application journey, I encourage you to check out all the resources mentioned in this post. With these tools, you are well on your way to a standout application!
Remember, your passion for teaching will truly shine through your writing. Best of luck, and may your journey lead you to a classroom filled with eager learners!
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