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A cover letter is a document to an employer explaining your interest in a specific job. This letter should also highlight your qualifications for the advertised position.  The number one mistake that coaches make when drafting a cover letter is adding too much information.  A cover letter should be a brief introduction.  To be honest, I look at the resume before the cover letter.  And if the cover letter is as long as yours, I only read the first 3 paragraphs just to see if the person actually has excellent grammatical skills.

Start your cover letter with how you found out about the career opening and why you’re interested in the job position. Be specific: use the correct names and titles. As you write this letter, use clear and readable words. You want to come across as professional and approachable, but not overly formal or stale.

The goal of the cover letter is to give a teaser of what is going to be in the resume.  You want the reader to be intrigued and anticipate reading your resume. Do not go into too much detail on some of your responsibilities.  Focus more on some of the accomplishments that you have in your resume instead of the responsibilities.  Provide examples of why you’re the right person for the job.  Tell the reader what you can do for them!

Finally, provide your contact information and how you prefer to be reached.  Offer to meet with the reader at their earliest convenience. Thank them for their time and attention and let them know that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Before you send your cover letter, read your draft out loud to quickly spot errors and wordy sentences.

My general recommendation for cover letters is to use 4 paragraphs and follow the following format:

Paragraph 1

Introduce yourself.

Include what position you are applying for.

Mention your current position and summary of experience.

Paragraph 2

Talk about 2 to 3 of your most important coaching accomplishments on and off the field that you think make you a strong candidate for the position you are applying for.  Don’t go into too much detail, just briefly discuss them.  The goal is to get the interest of the reader with something that really stands out and makes them want to really take a closer look at your resume (then the goal of the resume is to get them to look at your portfolio and invite you for an interview).

Paragraph 3

Speak to what is most important to you as a coach.

Paragraph 4

Closing remarks. Talk about how interested you are in the position.  Be sure to add something along the lines like “I am looking forward to learning more about this position and the football program at Frostburg.  Please let me know a day and time that would be convenient for a phone call to learn more.”

Most people aren’t going to follow up with a response about a day/time to call, but you want to be direct and let them know how serious you are about the position.

The cover letter is the first impression in the application process.  Be concise and convey the correct information.  Remember, there is a flow to the job application process that looks like this:

Cover Letter

Demonstrates who you are and what you can do for the employer.

Resume

Shows what you’ve accomplished in the past and how you created value for a program.

Portfolio

Expands on what you’ve done in the past by laying out the principles, philosophies, and processes that led to success. Also provides a vision and establishes the foundation for future success.

Interview

Provides you with the opportunity to display your communication and social skills. Allows you to elaborate in detail the items you presented in your portfolio.

For samples of effective cover letters for coaches, sign up to be a member of The Coaching Portfolio Guide today!