TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s header correctly
Every cover letter must have a properly formatted header. In this first section, you'll share the letter's date, details about the recipient and a formal greeting.
Strong cover letter header example:
April 10, 2025
Susan Thompson
Hiring Manager
Springfield School District
1234 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Dear Ms. Thompson,
Weak cover letter header example:
To whom it mayer concern,
Deandra Jsckson
Email: deandra.jgmail.com
Phoe: 555-123-4567
Februay 30, 2022
Hogwarts School of Spells
Attn: Dumbledorr Albus
9999 Wizardry Ln
Nowhere, GL 00000
PRO TIP
A big cover letter red flag is to greet the letter's recipient with a generic “To Whom It May Concern.“ Instead, personalize the greeting by stating your recipient's name or address a cover letter without a name professionally with “Dear Hiring Manager.“
STEP 2
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph
The way you introduce yourself to hiring managers in your cover letter's opening paragraph will set the tone for the rest of your letter. Stand out by mentioning key skills and qualifications, and state your interest in the particular school social worker position.
Strong opening paragraph example:
As an experienced social worker with five years in educational settings, I am thrilled to apply for the school social worker position at Riverwood High School. My expertise in supporting students' emotional well-being is enhanced by successfully decreasing absenteeism rates by 20% through targeted intervention programs. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Weak opening paragraph example:
Hey there, I'm super keen to join Sunnydale Elementary as a school social worker. I've done stuff with students before and totally think this role suits me well. Looking forward!
PRO TIP
It's a huge bonus to have a recommendation for the role from a current employee. Our referral cover letter opening paragraph article provides different examples of approaching this topic.
STEP 3
Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph
Your cover letter's body paragraph should consist of one or two paragraphs — or even bullet points — sharing what makes you the ideal candidate for the school social worker role. Ensure you include relevant quantifiable achievements and more insight into who you are as a professional.
Strong body paragraph example:
As a school social worker, I have successfully implemented programs that improved student attendance by 15% and reduced behavioral incidents by 20%. My experience in crisis intervention has equipped me with effective communication and problem-solving skills that prioritize student welfare. By collaborating with teachers and families, I facilitated access to essential resources, enhancing student well-being. I am eager to bring my skills and proven results to your school's dynamic team.
Weak body paragraph example:
I am seeking a school social worker role because I feel I want this for my career. I've done some related work, though not intensively, so I'm eager to learn. I think I can connect well with students, although I don't have formal achievements. If hired, I am sure I could gradually improve over time.
STEP 4
Finish by encouraging next steps
Seal the deal with potential employers by finalizing your cover letter with a compelling closing paragraph. Summarize your letter's key points and state your interest in scheduling a future interview.
Strong closing paragraph:
My dedication to fostering a supportive environment for students, coupled with extensive experience in mental health, makes me an ideal candidate for the school social worker position at Lakeside School District. I am eager to bring my skills to your team and would welcome the opportunity for an interview. Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Samuel Ellis
Weak closing paragraph:
I'm interested in the school social worker position because I genuinely like helping people, even though I'm not entirely sure if I'm the best fit. I'd be happy to discuss my experiences further if you're interested. Thanks a lot for taking the time to read my application.
Yours sincerely,
Emily Daniels
Follow these steps, and you'll be able to create a professional school social worker cover letter in no time. If you need to write multiple letters for different job applications, our Cover Letter Builder is your best bet. With just your target job title, we can generate as many custom cover letters as you need.
Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for School Social Worker
The cover letter is a great place to include more required skills that show you're the ideal candidate for the school social worker role you want. Share an equal mix of hard skills and soft skills to demonstrate you're a well-rounded candidate.
- Crisis Intervention
- Child Advocacy
- Resource Coordination
- Conflict Resolution
- Mandated Reporting
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Multicultural Awareness
- Special Education Knowledge
- Counseling Techniques
- Ethical Decision-Making
- School Policy Knowledge
- Collaboration with Educators
If you want to avoid bad writer's block, check out our Cover Letter Builder. Instead of facing a blank page for hours, our Builder will suggest dozens of content ideas for your letter based on your target job title.
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