Congratulations 2013 Graduates!!
Did you know that as an alumnus, you can continue to utilize Career Services? To review a list of services offered, click here.
Do you want to stay connected to what is happening in TC Career Services and the Columbia community? Join the TCCS Alumni Listserv to receive emails about upcoming career development workshops and panels, webinars, employer information sessions and current career opportunities. You will receive weekly updates during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, along with special announcements. Click here to subscribe.
Welcome to Career Services
Teachers College Career Services (TCCS) is committed to guiding all TC students and alumni throughout the different phases of the career development process. Whether you are entering a new field, advancing within your current profession, or changing directions, we will help you identify and develop the skills and resources needed to achieve your career goals.
TCCS Employer Relations: The "Educated" way to recruit
Employers connect to highly talented TC students and alumni in the fields of education, psychology, health and international educational development. Our employer relations staff can maximize your recruitment efforts by understanding your immediate and future hiring needs and developing targeted recruitment strategies. It is the educated way to go! We welcome your partnership and long term interest in our students and alumni. Upon hiring from TC, please share with us your hire information by clicking here.
Services Offered
TCCS can assist you with your career development throughout the duration of your time at Teachers College and when you become an alumnus. Start you career development journey today. Schedule an hour long career counseling appointment to help you make informed decisions about your career goals: take an assessment test, learn job search tips, and schedule a mock session for interview preparation. Have your resume, cover letter, and curriculum vita (CV) reviewed electronically or come in for a 15 minute walk-in.
Join the TCCS Linkedin Group
ATTENTION: This group now serves as the new TCCS Alumni Mentor Program. The former Alumni Mentor Program housed in TCCS LINK is no longer accessible. The transition to this group will significantly enhance your overall networking opportunities! Click here for more information on joining this group!
TCCS Programs & Events
Throughout the fall and spring semester, attend a workshop to learn how to write a resume and to negotiate your salary. Attend an employer information session to learn more about an organization you are interested in pursuing. Come to a panel to hear from TC Alumni who are teachers working outside of the classroom or who have advanced their education by getting a doctorate degree.
NACE Job Choices Magazine now in digital format on the TCCS Website
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) connects campus recruiting and career services professionals, and provides best practices, trends, research, professional development, and conferences. NACE Job Choices Magazines are now available in digital format. Magazines feature job-search advice and interview tips, sample cover letters and resumes, links to employer websites, and more! To view, go to the Resources Section on the TCCS Website and click on
Publications.
ACCESS ONLINE RESOURCES THROUGH MY TC PORTAL
Resources_Tips and Samples > Cover Letter Writing Guide: Specific Job Opportunity
Cover Letter Writing Guide: Specific Job Opportunity
Printable Version
Cover letters are letters of application that supplement and accentuate information on the resume. They should be written with the reader’s interest in mind. Direct particular attention toward specific skills and use concrete examples. Make sure you clearly stated why you are interested in the company, what you have to offer, and how you can contribute.
Letter for Specific Job Opportunity
This letter is written in response to a specific job within an organization, which has been advertised or identified through networking.
COVER LETTER GUIDELINES
- Never send a resume without a cover letter (unless directed)
- It should be concise and no more than one page with three to four paragraphs maximum.
- Use 12 point, Times New Roman Font (font can be 11 point except for corporate jobs)
- Use .8-1 point. (for corporate jobs, font must be 1 inch)
- Use the same identifying information format for resume and cover letter
- Address your cover letter to the recruiter/hiring manager. If you do not know the name of the appropriate individual, call the organization and request the proper contact person’s name and title.
- Double check spelling of contact names and titles.
- Tell an employer why they will benefit from hiring you not what you are going to gain from them
- Use action verbs
- Use your own words; you do not want your cover letter to sound like it was copied from a book or the internet
- Let your letter reflect your professionalism, individuality and creativity
- Demonstrate your abilities with concrete examples.
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Spelling, typographical, and grammatical errors are unacceptable.
- Sign your letters in blue or black ink.
- How to send it
- As an Email, the cover letter should be the body of the email message and (attach your cover letter and resume as two separate MS Word or PDF attachments or follow employers directions).
- Standard mail, the cover letter should be printed on resume paper (match paper used for resume). Do not staple your resume to your cover letter
- Fax on standard paper (resume should follow)
| Use the same heading that is on your resume
2 spaces
Date
4 Spaces Name
Title
Organization
Street Address or PO Box #
City, State, Zip Code 2 Spaces Dear Mr./Ms________: 1 Space
1st Paragraph: State why you are writing by identifying the position of interest. Tell the employer how you heard of the opening or organization. Be specific: tell them that the job was listed on TCCS LINK. If you were referred by someone, include that person’s first and last name. Let the employer know the degree you will receive or received, the graduate school you are attending or attended, the type of license/certification you will be eligible for or have, and that your resume is attached.
1 Space
2nd Paragraph: Include a sentence that introduces your overall areas of expertise which illustrates that you are qualified for this position (this sentence can also be included as the closing sentence of your first paragraph). Indicate why you are particularly suited for this company and this position by reviewing the job description. Highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications. Elaborate on key points from your resume without repeating your resume word-for-word. Be specific by providing examples from your current and/or past work experience, volunteer experience, academic, or training. Avoid “I feel" and "I believe” phrases.
1 Space
3rd Paragraph: Include two or three of your skills that relate to the position and how the population will benefit from these skills. Let the employer know that you are available for questions about your background and experience. Thank the employer for his/her consideration. Include your phone number and email address (same contact information listed on your resume) 2 Spaces Sincerely,
3 Spaces
Your Name Typed
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