How To Write A Letter Of Interest For A Paraprofessional Position? [Tips]
How To Write A Letter Of Interest For A Paraprofessional Position? [Tips]
How To Write A Letter Of Interest For A Paraprofessional Position? [Tips]. The purpose of a Paraprofessional letter of interest is to showcase an applicant’s talents, experience, and qualifications, and to express their interest in working for a target company.
A letter of interest is a letter you write that states your interest in working for a company, even if that company isn’t advertising a job opening. It’s also referred to as a letter of intent and statement of interest and it is distinct from a cover letter for an internal position, which you use to apply for a promotion or transfer in a company for which you already work.
Letter of interest is different from a cover letter in that when writing a cover letter, you’re targeting a specific role that’s been advertised. While, a letter of intent is sent to a company on your own initiative and it should impress the hiring manager so that they’ll want to call you in for an interview.
Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Paraprofessional Letter Of Interest
1. Using humor to stand out
While it’s great to have a unique edge to your cover letter, using humor can come across as unprofessional or offensive.
2. Not following up
If it’s been over a week and you have not heard back from the recipient, try reaching out one more time to follow up. Be proactive and ask for an informational interview.
3. Being overly confident
Confidence is great, but overconfidence can cause concern to an employer. While you should demonstrate your belief that you’re a good fit for the position, you should avoid saying things such as, “You’ll surely regret it if you don’t hire me,” or “No one can compare to what I can bring to the table.”
4. Keeping it too generic
Employers typically have many candidates reaching out to them with resumes, cover letters or letters of interest. If your letter of interest isn’t specific to the position you’re applying to, the employer may think that you’re not taking the opportunity seriously.
5. Not proofreading
Typos in your cover letter can come across to employers as not having attention to detail and unprofessional. Proofread your cover letter multiple times before sending it out. Try reading it out loud or sending it to a friend to peer review.
How to write a letter of interest
1. Research more information about your target company
Research about the company to learn about any new developments and projects, job opportunities, and changes in business processes and leadership. Dig deeper and research what makes the company an ideal work environment. This includes studying its mission and vision statements, business strategies, workplace policies, objectives, and core values. Then determine the right time to send the letter by researching on the latest developments and company-related news.
2. Use the proper format for your letter of interest.
Use the following format:
- Your name.
- Your contact information.
- Date.
- Employer name.
- Employer contact information.
- Greeting.
- Introduction paragraph.
- Two to three body paragraphs.
- Closing paragraph.
- Signature.
3. Introduce paragraph
In the first paragraph of your letter of intent, introduce yourself and spell out what type of work you’re interested in. For instance, if you think you’d suit a role in the accounts department, state that here. Clarify why you’re passionate about working for their company, and what hurdles or problems you’ve identified that you think you can help the company overcome. It’s important to bear in mind that the recipient is not expecting your letter, therefore they are not obligated to reply or help you obtain the job. By introducing yourself first, the recipient will immediately know if the letter is worth considering.
4. Try to impress the reader with your work experience
The next paragraph needs to leave a positive impression on the recruiter so that they’ll remember you in the event a suitable position opens up. Including quantifiable data and tying numbers to your professional achievements is one way of doing just that. Your first paragraph should also include specific soft and hard skills you gained from your most recent professional endeavor as well as any key accomplishments.
Simply talking about your skills and accomplishments in a formal manner may cause the reader to lose interest. Instead, consider telling a compelling story about a time you excelled in your role.
5. Describe your employment background
Use the second paragraph to explain key skills and accomplishments from another professional experience. If possible, select an important project or story about when you reached an important milestone, for your organization. Research the culture and scope of the business so you can tailor this to the specific needs of the business. Detail how your experience, personality and education will contribute positively to the business.
6. Encourage the reader to reach out to you
The final paragraph of your letter of interest is referred to as the call to action because you’re calling on the reader to act. In this case, you want them to call you in for an interview. Clearly inform the reader about your interest in working for the company and thank them for taking the opportunity to read your letter. Express excitement about possible next steps and gratitude for their time and consideration.
7. Request an informational interview
Conclude by thanking the recipient for their time and mentioning that you’re available for an informational interview. This type of interview will give the recipient a chance to get to know you better
Sample Paraprofessional Letter Of Interest Template
Your Name
[Job title]
[Telephone number]
[Email address].
[Date].Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],
After recently reading an [specify] article about [company name’s] successes in the field of [specify], I felt motivated to send a formal letter of interest for a job opportunity in the [specify] department. With over three years’ experience working in a fast-paced and advanced [specify] team, I believe my wide set of skills may greatly benefit your growing [specify] department.
I am a hard-working, motivated, and deadline-driven professional with excellent [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] skills. I currently hold a [type of qualification] in [specify] from the [university/college name] and a certificate in [specify]. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to hone my expertise and build my knowledge of the [specify] industry, earning me recognition in [year] when I [add a career achievement].
I would appreciate an opportunity to present my resume and cover letter or meet for an informational interview. I am available for weekday interviews, both telephonically and in-person. Thank you for taking the time to consider my sincere interest in working for your business and I look forward to speaking to you.
Kind regards,
[Your name].
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