I'm teaching graduating students about cover letters and interview skills, and boy, am I on fire. I have changed many jobs throughout my teaching career and delight in imparting actionable insights gleaned from my hard-won experiences to my current students. 

I will like to think that I have aged like fine wine. I think the older I get, the better I understand human nature. My first cover letter revealed a tendency to use complex sentence structures and bombastic words because I had a need to show what a competent English user I was. What an ass I was. Lol.

My latest cover letter shows no traces of my desire to prove my competence in English. I intentionally wrote in simple English because I now understand that people just want to get through their work efficiently. Hence, there’s no need for me to slow them down with my convoluted English. Haha. 

First cover letter written in 2014

Dear Ms. Pok,

Teacher – Instructional Programme Vacancy   

Having seen your advert on The Straits Times, I am writing to outline my experience and the ways in which I could fulfill this vital role and contribute to the continued development of NorthLight School.

Seven years of teaching in varied school settings—namely Yishun Junior College, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and the Japan Exchange Teaching Program—have honed my flexibility to adapt my teaching pedagogies flexibly to address the needs of different target groups of students. Trained by the Institute of Education, I successfully designed engaging curriculum instructional programmes, not just at local institutions but also during my teaching days at Laos and Japan. This transferable skill will be an asset as I formulate and conduct instructional programmes to improve NorthLight students’ competencies in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

I also connect well with students outside the classroom. As you can infer from my resume, I am passionate about cross-cultural relations and enjoy guiding students along as they embark on their own journey of discovery. I have chaperoned students on many trips, ranging from volunteering projects to leadership development camps and study trips. It is through these activities that I can mould students’ character and increase their self-confidence.

I had the privilege to teach many outstanding graduates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) during my time at Singapore Polytechnic. Their determination and humility impressed me, and I now hope to be involved in the mission to develop NorthLight students’ capabilities so that they will be ready for the challenges of the next stage of their life—be it in the workforce or ITE. I am confident that I can succeed at this role due to my outgoing personality, genuine interest in people and rich teaching experiences.

I am available for interview at short notice. Please do not hesitate to call me on +65 9670 9165 to arrange an interview to discuss my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Heng

Second cover letter written in 2018

Here’s How I Plan to Teach the Students at The Write Connection

Dear The Write Connection team,

I have been an avid follower of your Facebook page, so when I saw that you were on the lookout for passionate English teachers to join your expanding team, I decided to write in as I believe that I am a strong candidate for this position.

I have always been a competent user of the English Language. I performed well for all major examinations, having garnered an A, A1 and A2 for my PSLE English, O Level English and General Paper respectively.

As an English educator, I have gained considerable experience and expertise as I consistently ventured out of my comfort zone and taught English at/with the following institutions/organisations: Ministry of Education, Singapore Polytechnic, Kumamoto Board of Education, and NorthLight School. Not only that, I dabble in writing as hobby. My writings have enabled me to win prizes ranging from vouchers and tickets to even a free trip to Macau!

I am excited about leveraging my experiences to equip young minds not only with the skills, but also with the heart to write engaging stories that inform the world of their precocious perspectives and intriguing imagination. I would love to infuse my stories and unique outlook into your curriculum to help bring out the authentic inner voice in each and every one of your students.

Please let me know if you would be open to meeting me for an interview. I am happy to share anecdotes, swap teaching philosophies and strategise about future projects.

I have attached my resume for your review.

Kind regards,

Heng

Third cover letter written in 2023

Teaching children is not easy. Children have boundless energy and lively imaginations, so you need a teacher who can bring out the best in them. I believe I am capable, for I relate well to children, have good pedagogical knowledge, and plan creative lessons.

Although I have never taught Mathematics before, I taught English and Science for three years at a local primary school. I also taught English as a Foreign Language under the Japan Exchange Teaching programme. Children find me personable because they like my firm yet funny approach. I am adept at making them follow structures and routines. At the same time, I am not afraid to let my hair down and crack jokes that will make them relaxed and ready for learning.

In addition, my wealth of experience will help me to diagnose your students’ learning needs and prepare useful resources that enhance their learning. As an innovative teacher, I conduct interesting lessons by using comics, games, and motivational speeches to stimulate students’ interest. My proficiency in ICT tools has allowed me to employ Padlet, Socrative, and Quizlet to boost students’ mastery of the English language.

English is my forte and teaching is my passion. I could come to your school for an interview any Friday afternoon to discuss how I could add value to your educational programmes.

Kind regards,

Heng