When securing a teaching position abroad, your TEFL cover letter is your first chance to make a lasting impression. However, many applicants fall into common pitfalls that can undermine their chances of landing that coveted interview. In this blog, we’ll explore the key mistakes to avoid when writing your TEFL cover letter, ensuring you present yourself as a polished and professional candidate.
Top 10 Common Mistakes To Avoid
If you are wondering why your applications are going unnoticed even after pursuing TEFL degree courses, you might have been writing your cover letter wrong.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
1. Generic Greetings and Introductions
Starting your cover letter with a bland greeting such as ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ sends the message that you haven’t taken the time to research the position or the school.
You are addressing your letter to a specific person. If the job posting doesn’t include a name, spend a few minutes researching the school or contacting their HR department to find the appropriate contact. Personalizing your greeting demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the institution.
2. Recycling Your Resume
Using your cover letter as a mere resume summary is a common error. Simply repeating what’s on your CV doesn’t add any value and makes your application feel lackluster.
Instead, use your cover letter to expand on key experiences and explain how they relate to the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight specific skills, accomplishments, and teaching philosophies that align with the school’s values. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates.
3. Lack of Specificity
Writing in vague terms can make your cover letter sound generic. Phrases like ‘I love teaching’ or ‘I have a passion for education’ don’t convey much about your qualifications or what you can bring to the table.
Be specific about your teaching methodologies, experiences, and achievements. Instead of saying you enjoy teaching, discuss a particular lesson you created that was successful, or share an innovative teaching technique you employed. Concrete examples paint a clearer picture of your capabilities.
4. Focusing Solely on Yourself
A common pitfall is writing a cover letter that centers exclusively on your qualifications, experiences, and aspirations. This can come off as self-centered and not reflective of the needs of the school.
Shift the focus towards the school and how you can contribute to its mission and values. Research the institution’s teaching philosophy, programs, or community involvement and tailor your letter to reflect how your skills can help them achieve their goals.
5. Neglecting the Importance of Format and Structure
Submitting a cover letter that is poorly structured or formatted can distract from your message. Unorganized content and lack of clarity make it difficult for hiring managers to follow your points.
Use a clear structure with an engaging opening, a body that details your qualifications and experiences, and a strong conclusion. Keep paragraphs short and focused, and use bullet points where appropriate to highlight key achievements. Make sure to proofread for grammar and spelling errors as these can be detrimental to your professionalism.
6. Being Overly Casual or Informal
While it’s essential to convey your personality, being too casual in your tone can come off as unprofessional. Using slang, informal language, or emojis is a definite no-no.
Striking a balance between being personable and professional. Use a friendly but formal tone that reflects your enthusiasm without sacrificing professionalism. Remember, you are applying for a teaching position, and your cover letter should reflect that seriousness.
7. Ignoring Cultural Sensitivities
Failing to consider cultural differences can be a significant oversight. What is acceptable in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Research the cultural norms of the country where you’re applying. Tailor your language and references to align with their customs and expectations. This not only shows respect but also demonstrates your readiness to adapt to a new environment.
8. Using Clichés and Buzzwords
Phrases like ‘team player,’‘outside the box,’ and ‘passionate about education’ have become so overused that they often lose their meaning.
Instead of relying on tired phrases, express your ideas in a more authentic and original way. Use specific examples that showcase your teamwork skills or innovative teaching practices without resorting to clichés.
9. Writing Lengthy Paragraphs
Long, dense paragraphs can overwhelm the reader and make your points less impactful.
Keep your paragraphs short. Aim for a clean, easy-to-read format. Use headings if appropriate and break up text with bullet points to enhance readability.
10. Failing to Conclude Effectively
An abrupt ending can leave a negative impression. Simply saying ‘Thank you for considering my application’ without a call to action can come off as lackluster.
Craft a compelling conclusion that reiterates your enthusiasm for the position and invites further discussion. Consider stating your desire for an interview or expressing excitement about the possibility of joining their team.
Bottom Line
Writing a TEFL cover letter doesn’t have to be daunting, but avoiding these common mistakes can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview. As someone with an MA in Education with TESOL, you might always be in search of better and high-paying job prospects. By focusing on personalization, specificity, professionalism, and cultural awareness, you’ll create a compelling narrative that showcases your qualifications and eagerness to contribute to a new educational environment. Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a first impression—make it count!
