Your TEFL cover letter is more than just a formality—it’s your first real conversation with a school or recruiter. It’s where you show that you're not just another applicant with a certificate, but someone who actually understands what the job involves and is excited to do it. A great cover letter isn’t about ticking boxes or rattling off credentials. It’s about making a human connection, showing you’ve done your homework, and giving someone a reason to keep reading.
Whether you're applying to a kindergarten in Bangkok, a language center in Madrid, or a remote online platform, your letter should make them feel like you are the person they want in their classroom—or on their screen.
Why Your Cover Letter Actually Matters
You might think your TEFL certificate or teaching experience speaks for itself. But in many cases, especially with first-time teachers, employers read your cover letter first to get a sense of who you are. In some schools, the cover letter is the deciding factor in whether your CV even gets opened.
That’s because anyone can claim to be qualified—but the way you write tells employers what kind of communicator you are. If your cover letter is lazy, vague, or sounds like it was copy-pasted a dozen times, they’ll assume that’s how you’ll approach your lessons too.
A strong cover letter, on the other hand, shows that:
- You understand the role and the students you’ll be teaching.
- You’ve taken time to personalize your application.
- You can express yourself clearly, warmly, and professionally—just like a good teacher should.
Recruiters often mention how frustrating it is to receive dozens of identical-sounding letters, all starting with “Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my interest…” with no mention of the actual job or school. These usually get skipped. But if you write something that speaks directly to the opportunity—mentioning the school’s focus, the student age group, or the country—you immediately stand out.
Even if your teaching experience is limited, your cover letter can show your potential. And for those just starting out, that personal connection and genuine enthusiasm can matter just as much as credentials.
What to Know Before You Start Writing
Before you type a single word, take a step back and think about who you’re writing to. A good cover letter starts with listening—or in this case, reading. Go through the job post slowly and carefully. What kind of teacher are they asking for? What level of formality is used in the ad? Are they focused on young learners, exam prep, conversation classes, or cultural exchange?
Highlight key words and phrases in the listing—things like “enthusiastic,” “creative,” “must be comfortable working independently,” or “experience with young children.” These are clues to what they value, and your cover letter should echo them (naturally, not by pasting them in awkwardly).
Then, do a bit of digging into the school or program. Is it a polished international school in Seoul, a rural public school in Thailand, or a Christian language academy in Hanoi? Each of those will respond to a different tone. A playful, energetic voice might work well for a kindergarten chain, while a more professional and formal approach suits international schools or government programs.
Tailoring your tone to the job shows emotional intelligence—something every teacher needs.
The Ideal Cover Letter Structure (with Examples)
There’s no one “perfect” cover letter format, but the best ones follow a structure that’s clear, easy to read, and purposeful. Think of it like a short, confident story: why you’re writing, what excites you about the opportunity, and why you’re the one they should choose.
Opening Paragraph
Start strong and specific. Mention the job you’re applying for and where you saw it. If you have a personal connection to the country, school, or organization, this is a good place to mention it briefly.
Example:
I’m writing to apply for the position of Primary English Teacher at your language center in Da Nang, as advertised on [site name]. After earning my TEFL certificate and tutoring children online, I’m excited about the opportunity to teach in Vietnam and join a school that emphasizes immersive, student-centered learning.
Middle Paragraph 1: Why You’re Excited About This Job
This is your chance to show you’ve done your research. Talk about what drew you to the school, the country, or the program. This doesn’t have to be long—just enough to show that you’re not sending the same letter to every employer.
Example:
I was especially drawn to your focus on project-based learning and small class sizes. I love working in environments where I can connect with students personally and tailor lessons to their interests. I also appreciate that your school values cultural exchange and encourages teachers to share their own backgrounds.
Middle Paragraph 2: Why You’re a Great Match
Now highlight your qualifications and qualities. This is where you mention your TEFL certification, relevant experience (even if it’s informal), and soft skills. Focus on how you can contribute to this school—not just listing your credentials.
Example:
I hold a 120-hour TEFL certificate and have taught English online to students aged 6–12 for the past year. I also led youth workshops at a local library and worked in customer service, where I learned how to adapt quickly and communicate clearly with people from all walks of life. I bring patience, creativity, and a deep respect for students’ individual learning styles.
Closing Paragraph
Wrap it up with confidence. Reaffirm your interest, mention your availability (dates, time zones, relocation readiness), and invite them to follow up.
Example:
I’d be thrilled to contribute to your teaching team and bring energy, care, and professionalism to the classroom. I’m available for an interview anytime and can relocate to Vietnam by early September. Thank you for considering my application—I look forward to the possibility of working together.
What to Include (And What to Leave Out)
When you sit down to write your TEFL cover letter, it’s tempting to include everything—your life story, every job you've ever had, and three paragraphs about why you love travel. But less is more. The best cover letters are concise, targeted, and human.
✅ What to Include:
- Tailored reasons for applying: Make it clear why you want this job—not just any job abroad.
- Relevant experience or training: TEFL certs, tutoring, volunteering, coaching—if it’s teaching-related, mention it.
- Personal enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement for the role, the school, or the country. Let them see your motivation.
❌ What to Leave Out:
- A copy-paste of your CV: They already have your résumé—don’t waste the letter repeating it line-by-line.
- Generic statements: “I am a hard-working and passionate individual” doesn’t say much. Be specific instead.
- Your full life story: Keep it relevant to teaching and this role. Save the travel blog for later.
💡 Bonus: Include Links (If Relevant)
If the job ad allows it, you can add a hyperlink to your intro video, online teaching profile, or portfolio—just make sure it’s polished and easy to access. A simple sentence like this works well at the end:
You can view my short video introduction here or visit my teaching portfolio here for more about my teaching approach.
Tone, Language, and Personality: Finding the Balance
One of the trickiest parts of writing a TEFL cover letter is getting the tone right. You want to come across as confident but humble, friendly but professional, and enthusiastic without sounding desperate. Think of it like introducing yourself to a new colleague—not a formal speech, but not a WhatsApp message either.
✨ Confident, Not Cocky
Don’t oversell yourself with lines like “I know I’m the perfect candidate.” Instead, highlight your strengths with quiet confidence:
I believe my TEFL training and online teaching experience have prepared me well to step into a dynamic classroom environment.
😊 Warm, Not Robotic
Avoid overly formal phrases like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “I hereby submit my application.” Use natural, polite language:
I’m excited about the opportunity to teach English at your school and contribute to your students’ learning journey.
🎯 Personality, Not Rambling
You can show a bit of who you are—especially if your personality is a big asset in the classroom. Just stay on track. A quick, vivid detail can go a long way:
I’ve always loved helping others learn—I even used to tutor my younger cousins using board games and song lyrics.
Your cover letter should sound like you—but the clearest, kindest, most focused version of you.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Interviews
Even strong candidates can sabotage their TEFL applications with a weak or careless cover letter. If your email inbox is eerily quiet after applying, these missteps might be the reason why.
❌ The Same Letter for Every Job
Recruiters can spot a copy-paste job instantly. If your letter says “Dear Sir/Madam” and talks about “your institution” without naming it, it’s going straight in the trash. Tailor each cover letter to the specific school or job post—even if you use a template.
🥱 Saying Too Much, or Too Little
A long, rambling letter filled with clichés (“I am passionate about education…”) tells them nothing. So does a letter that’s so short it feels like an afterthought. You need to strike the balance: explain what makes you a good fit, back it up with proof, and keep it tight.
🔁 Buzzwords Without Context
Words like “creative,” “flexible,” and “motivated” mean nothing unless you show how. Instead of:
I’m a creative teacher with strong communication skills.
Try:
I used songs and storytelling to help my beginner students feel confident speaking in class, even after just a few weeks.
🧹 Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
This one’s obvious—but it’s still the most common dealbreaker. You're applying to teach English. One spelling slip can ruin the first impression. Always proofread, read it out loud, and consider running it through a tool like Grammarly. Better yet, ask someone to check it.
For Non-Native English Speakers: How to Make It Work for You
If English isn’t your first language, you might worry that your application won’t stand out—or worse, that it’ll be overlooked. But many schools are open to hiring non-native English speakers, especially when your application is strong and strategic.
🇫🇷🇧🇷🇹🇭 Should You Mention Your Nationality?
Only if it’s relevant or strategic. If the job post specifies “native speaker only” and you’re not one, it's probably not worth applying. But for open roles, there's no need to emphasize your nationality unless you’re using it to highlight strengths (e.g., multilingual skills, cross-cultural experience).
📊 Include Proficiency Proof (When It Helps)
If you’ve taken a TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge exam—and scored well—mention it. If you’ve completed a high-quality TEFL course with a strong grammar or practicum component, that’s also worth noting. These details build trust.
🧠 Reframe Your Background as a Strength
You know what it’s like to learn English. That gives you empathy, insight, and strategies many native speakers don’t have. Try something like:
As someone who learned English as a second language, I understand the challenges students face—and I know how to help them overcome them.
Being multilingual also means you may be able to support students in their native tongue (when appropriate), or explain concepts in ways that make sense to them.
In short, your background isn’t a barrier—it’s a unique asset. Use it.
If You Have No Experience Yet
No teaching jobs yet? No problem. Everyone starts somewhere—and schools know that. The key is to frame your current skills and preparation in a way that shows you're ready to grow and committed to teaching.
💡 Be Honest, But Not Empty
Don’t pretend to have experience you don’t. Instead, confidently say something like:
While I haven’t yet taught in a formal classroom, I’ve completed a 120-hour TEFL course and have been volunteering with local language learners online.
That shows initiative, honesty, and momentum.
🔄 Highlight Transferable Skills
Worked in customer service, coached a sports team, helped kids with homework, or led a group trip? Great—those all show leadership, communication, and people skills. TEFL employers often hire based on potential and presence more than years on a résumé.
Try this:
My background in hospitality taught me how to build rapport with people from all walks of life—something I bring into the classroom to create a welcoming learning environment.
📚 Show What You’ve Done to Prepare
Mention specific TEFL modules (e.g., grammar, lesson planning), any practice teaching included, and any platforms you’ve explored like Preply or Cambly. If you’re taking a Young Learners or Business English add-on, say so—it shows direction.
What to Write Instead of a Personal Statement
You don’t need a “personal statement” at the top of your letter—and in TEFL, most of them hurt more than help. Why? Because they usually sound like this:
I’m a passionate, hardworking, and motivated individual who is excited to begin my teaching journey.
That tells the recruiter nothing they didn’t just read in 50 other letters.
⚡ Start With a Hook
Instead of a bland summary, lead with something memorable, real, and relevant.
Here’s a better example:
After leading summer camps for teens in Spain, I realized how much I enjoy helping students grow in confidence—especially through language.
Or:
I recently completed my TEFL course and have been volunteering at a refugee language center, which confirmed that teaching is what I want to do full-time.
A short anecdote or insight gives a glimpse into your motivation—without trying too hard.
🧠 Keep It Tight and Human
No need for lofty mission statements. Just speak clearly, personally, and in your own voice. The goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect.
Formatting, Length, and Presentation Tips
Even the best cover letter can be ruined by bad formatting. When hiring managers open your application, they should see something clean, easy to scan, and professionally presented.
📄 Keep It to One Page
Aim for 3–4 short paragraphs. You want enough space to show who you are and why you're applying—without rambling. More than one page is usually too much.
✍️ Use Clean, Simple Formatting
Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use size 11 or 12, and leave a bit of white space between paragraphs. Avoid colorful backgrounds, unusual layouts, or anything that might not display well on all devices.
🧾 Save It As a PDF with a Clear Name
Always save your letter as a PDF so formatting doesn’t break. Name the file professionally—something like: Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter.pdf
Not: mycrazycoverletterFINALv3.docx
Final Proofread Checklist
Before you hit send, run through this checklist to catch any last-minute issues:
- ✅ Have I tailored the letter to this job?
- ✅ Is it clear, concise, and personal?
- ✅ Have I avoided clichés and added a specific reason I’m applying?
- ✅ Are there any spelling or grammar errors? (Use Grammarly or ask a friend.)
- ✅ Did I include relevant links (e.g., intro video, portfolio) if needed?
- ✅ Would I want to read this if I were the hiring manager?
Great applications don’t need to be perfect—they need to feel thoughtful, professional, and human.
Explore Next:
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.