Letters of Inquiry

The purpose of the letter of inquiry is to introduce yourself to an employer and to inquire if a vacancy exists or is anticipated in the fields for which you are qualified.   You write a letter of inquiry when you are interested in a specific school or location and want to know about the availability of jobs there.  It is not an application for a specific position, but rather an inquiry about possible openings, whether full time, part time or substitute.  Whenever possible, address the letter to a particular individual (e.g., personnel officer, district administrator, principal, department chairperson).  Names of appropriate individuals can be found in directories available in your placement office or in the reference room of some libraries.

The OPENING  PARAGRAPH of a letter of inquiry should state why you are writing to the employer and the type of position you are seeking.  You may also want to include a sentence or two on why you want to live or teach in the employer's area.

The MIDDLE  PARAGRAPH(s) should include information on your qualifications in your field, based on your education and past experiences.  Mention where and when you received your latest college degree, as well as your major and minor teaching fields.   It may be helpful to include extracurricular interests like coaching to enhance your background.  Since you will be enclosing a resume with your letter of inquiry, don't repeat everything from it in your letter; rather, limit your comments to highlights of your resume, emphasizing special skills or experiences.

The CONCLUDING  PARAGRAPH should indicate the name and address of the placement office where your employment credential is on file, and information on how you can be contacted.  In closing, you will also want to request application forms and/or information about the school district.  One page should be ample for the inquiry letter.

It is time consuming to write letters of inquiry, but the time spent will hopefully result in your obtaining a teaching position.  If possible, use a word processor to prepare your letters as they make it easier to create personalized letters and to edit. These letters provide a first impression of you and first impressions are important, whether in a letter of inquiry or the first few minutes of a job interview.

Responses to letters of inquiry vary.  Some schools, especially those with a small clerical staff, may ignore your letter unless a legitimate vacancy exists.  Enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope may encourage a response.  Other districts may send you a postcard indicating they have no openings in your field, but that they will keep your resume on file in case an opening does occur.  Some schools will automatically send you an application form and perhaps some information on their district.   This does not necessarily mean that they have a vacancy, but you will need to complete the application form to be considered for a position if one does open.

Consider the best time to send letters of inquiry.  Elementary and secondary schools generally begin their search for teachers in the spring.  Letters sent too early might be ignored, while those sent in March, April and May will probably get the most response.  You may need to send letters in the spring, and again in late June or July, to maintain contact with those districts that have at least acknowledged your first letter.  By showing continued interest in a school district, you will enhance your chances of being considered as a prospective candidate when vacancies arise.  Keep a record of the schools to which you have written, as well as the responses they have made to your letters of inquiry, so you will know which schools need to be contacted again.