Educators Expo: Writing Cover Letters
Dear Education Registrants,
I received quite a few e-mails asking about what a candidate could do who missed being able to use the HoosTRAK system to get his/her resume in front of the recruiter before 2/3. I think you all know by now that the scheduling is done directly with the recruiters with all candidates, whether you used HoosTRAK or not to submit your resume. The HoosTRAK system is just a free way to get the resumes in front of them in advance of the event.
If you missed the January 24th deadline and if you're absolutely sure that you would not be sending a virus in an attached resume, use the e-mail address that is hotlinked in the database of registrants; otherwise fax them your resume with a good "targeted" cover letter that tells them that you would like to interview with them at the event (be sure to name the event and date). If you did use HoosTRAK, give these recruiters a week to be able to go over them and get back to you. I had a couple of "I'm out of the office" messages plus some of the recruiters got a LOT of resumes. In fact, almost 1,800 resumes were submitted through the HoosTRAK system. The following counties received over 40:
| County | Number of Resumes |
|---|---|
| Albemarle | 72 |
| Alexandria | 56 |
| Arlington | 65 |
| Charlottesville | 71 |
| Fairfax | 72 |
| Falls Church | 46 |
| Loudoun | 43 |
The key to an effective job search is to make your resume turn into the person they want to hire. Persistence (without being a pest) and initiative go a long way in this process, for any industry. The hiring needs stipulated on the database were submitted last fall—do NOT let that dissuade you from a conversation with them. You never know where a conversation will lead.
Cover Letters
If you're not familiar with writing cover letters, there is a good section on writing them in my online education job search handbook (this also links to our handout on the topic which has some sample cover letters—including writing thank you letters which will be important *after* the event). In a nutshell, there is a "formula" for a good cover letter which does NOT mean that it's generic. Be sure to not "attach" your cover letter but express this content in the main part of the plain text e-mail. Just attach your resume (making sure it is virus-free). But here are the parts:
Your Address
Date
Their name, title, address
Dear NAME (on the database & HoosTRAK systems; for outside of Expo; name of the HR Director or Headmaster's name),
1st paragraph= why them in particular (feel fortunate to have done your student teaching there OP you're from there so that you know the quality of their schools OR demonstrating some kind of knowledge of their school whether you've seen it on their Web site or have talked to someone who either works there or has children there (I will e-mail you the information about Hoosonline/UCAN/Career Connections once again).
2nd paragraph (or body paragraphs if you have a whole lot to say) = why you as you fit with that school district (or particular school if writing a cover letter to a particular principal/headmaster). This paragraph can include your philosophy of education or the more "touchy-feely" stuff that is hard to include in your resume. Ideally, it relates to what you've found out about what they want as reflected in the 1st paragraph BUT many schools want similar things so this is where you can sometimes get away with a "generic" (I'm cringing as I type that) paragraph.
3rd paragraph (or closing paragraph) = connecting with them (highlight the best times for you to be interviewed at the event; here are the time slots again:
8:30–9:00
9:00–9:30
9:30–10:00
15 minute break
10:15–10:45
10:45–11:15
11:15–11:45
11:45–12:15
Lunch is served 12:15–1:00
1:00–1:30
1:30–2:00
2:00–2:30
2:30–3:00
3:00–3:30
If you can interview over lunch or before/after the event, mention that. If you can interview in their district easily over spring break, mention that. For employers outside of this event who are far away, mention the possibility of video-conferencing available here at U.Va.. If visiting the area over your spring break, mention that. Be sure to mention your phone number and e-mail address again so that they have it on hand. THANK THEM for their time and consideration and how you look forward to meeting them at Educators Expo (or during a visit to the area). If writing this for a job search outside of Expo and you like being proactive, mention how you will call them a week in advance to inquire about the possibility of "meeting" during your visit to the area (not that "you'll be calling to set up an interview during your visit").
Sincerely (or however you sign off),
Your signature
Your name
We're more than happy to give you feedback on those as well (like I hope you were able to get for your resume). Come to Curry Walk-ups or anyone in UCS can give you feedback so feel free to take advantage of our daily walk-ins in Bryant Hall.
