cover letter for social work student placement

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

1. Social Work Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter for Internship: Examples with How-to Guide

Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

25 Free Cover Letter Templates for Google Docs [2023]

School Social Work

School Social Work Cover Letter Example

As a school social worker, you are a vital link between students’ home lives, school, and society. You are a highly-trained professional who provides life-changing services to young people (and their families!) when they need it the most. So, whether you’ve been working in the field for decades or you’re a complete newcomer, you need a school social work cover letter that tells your story. Luckily, we have just what you need to succeed here.

Chances are, you already know what it takes to support young people in their hour of need. But how do you convey your diverse skill-set in 300 words or less? Within this school social work cover letter example — and the corresponding guide — we will show you. Here’s what you can expect to learn when we take a deep dive:

Alongside this school social work cover letter guide, our broad choice of cover letter examples and writing guides help you to choose what to share.

Best format for a school social work cover letter

School social workers play a vital role in students’ lives. You have to be strong, resilient, and compassionate. So, how can you put all of the above into words? As a golden rule, the format of a school social work cover letter should contain the following:

The format of your cover letter should tell a solid story. You want to include a strong introduction, followed up by a body that shares your unique experiences and skills. Once you’ve done that, it’s vital that you end strong. You need to create an ending paragraph that sums up your value and offers a quick call to action too. For more information on how to weave this narrative, check out our comprehensive cover letter guide.

When you’re ready to put pen to paper, take a look at our school social work cover letter sample below:

Dear Principal Wilshire,

Fighting against systemic inequality for much of my own education instilled a strong sense of social justice that I seek to bring to my school social work role every day. Everyone has an equal right to education, yet the mental health challenges that derive from difficult home lives mean that many children don’t experience an even playing field. Nothing like it.

I have worked in the public school system for the past nine years, contributing to raising the educational outcomes of 1,000+ individual students, and helping them meet their behavioral, social, health, and (even) educational needs. For many, school became a safe environment where they had an opportunity to grow.

My educational background in child psychology and passion for trauma counseling enable me to be acutely aware of each student’s needs. I am not afraid to make decisions based on individual circumstance. Student wellbeing must come first.

I am experienced in all aspects of school social work – conducting psychosocial assessments, counseling, individual support, and all aspects of behavioral intervention. When the students know that they are supported, they keep coming to school. Attendance of my students improved by an average of 28 percentage points after three months.

Working with students, parents and school leaders requires polished communication skills. I would love to tell you more about my unique approach to conflict resolution and how I have managed to turn around the fortunes of 200+ students who were excluded from other schools. Educational neglect is a form of child abuse.

I have long been a fan of the approach to behavior management at your school and would welcome the opportunity of an interview to explore how I might help your troubled students to find their best possible path.

Harriet Brooks

Cover letter header

First up, you need to write the cover letter header. This information is the first line of your application and sits at the top of the document. It includes your name, email, and phone number. While it may not be the most exciting part of your cover letter, it is extremely important. Should you pique a hiring manager’s interest, you need to make it easy for them to get in touch with you. Place this information front and center on your cover letter.

To give yourself a fighting chance, label each piece of information. Put “email” in front of your email address, “phone number” in front of your number, and “name” in front of your name. This simple trick could help you get past the ATS (Applicant Tracking System). Take a quick look at our cover letter sample to help you along the way.

Cover letter greeting

You are applying for a professional role — so you need to use a professional cover letter greeting. This is the first line of the actual letter and says howdy to a prospective employer. You should avoid casual terminology such as “hi,” “hey,” and “hello.” These openers won’t do you any favors when applying for jobs. Instead, you need to have a more formal tone.

Age-old wisdom may tell you that “To whom it may concern” is a safe bet. This is not always the case as it can come across as cold and uninterested. If you know the name of the hiring manager, you should address them directly. For example, you may use “Dear Mr. Simons” as a greeting. If in doubt, go for the anonymous “Dear _____ team” instead.

Cover letter introduction

Next up, it’s time to introduce yourself. You only get one shot to make a good first impression. In just a sentence or two, tell the hiring manager why you are right for the job. Rather than trying to pack too much in the cover letter introduction, focus on a couple of your strongest attributes. For example, if you are a master of crisis intervention, mention that. If, on the other hand, you have experience of implementing educational programs, let the reader know ASAP.

Get straight to the point — why are you the right candidate for the job? Where possible, leave the hiring manager wanting more. Take a look at our cover letter sample here.

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle paragraphs of cover letters are arguably the most important. You have the opportunity to tell your career story so far. Make sure that you use formal language throughout and include anecdotes to illustrate your experience. Consider what each story tells the hiring manager about you as a professional. Every snippet should add value.

Want to make your application stand out?

Between 18 and 20 percent of US students have mental health problems that impair their life functions. For that reason, the School Social Work Association of America has released a statement on the importance of better supporting students’ mental health.

To make your cover letter shine, mention any special skills you have pertaining to mental wellness. Adding this important detail to your cover letter may land you the interview.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Take a quick look at our school social work cover letter example below:

How to close a school social work cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Round off your cover letter with a strong argument about why you’re the ideal candidate. Affirm any special skills that you have and encourage the reader to get in touch with you. You may want to say something like “I look forward to discussing my experience with you should I get invited to an interview.” While you don’t want to be presumptuous, you should remain confident in your tone and approach. Take a look at our example for inspiration.

School social work cover letter with no experience

Are you new to the realms of school social work? While experienced social workers will have countless anecdotes to draw upon, you may be running dry. Fortunately, you can still write a persuasive cover letter. Include the following elements:

You can use your cover letter to fill in any gaps that may be on your social worker resume. Show that you are passionate about this fulfilling sector too. Hiring managers don’t simply want candidates who tick their boxes — they are looking for professionals who care too.

Key takeaways

Looking for some additional inspiration? Take a look at all of our expertly-written cover letter guides. Here are some cover letter examples related to the wider public sector:

Free professionally designed templates

Want to use this letter?

City, State, Zip Code

Home : 000-000-0000 Cell: 000-000-0000

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Sanchez,

I’d like to the this opportunity to apply for the Social Worker position with the Pine Grove School District. As an experienced social worker I possess a wide skill set in communication interpersonal skills and resource knowledge. That combination of skills I believe would be an asset to the students parents and staff of your school.

As a social worker for the Rock Haven School System I assist students and their families to address issues that may be affecting their school performance. I am adept at encouraging people to open up making them feel at ease and helping them to find solutions to their problems. I am familiar with community resources that can provide assistance to students in need. My level of experience combined with my personal characteristics and skills make me a suitable candidate for the position of Social Worker. I have a proven track record of helping students overcome personal obstacles to their academic success.

I am confident that I can transfer this skill set to your school to make an impact on the lives of your students. You’ll find that I am an outgoing high-energy and empathetic professional. I look forward to meeting with you and welcome you to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration and time.

Keyla Gallegos

There are plenty of opportunities to land a position, but it won’t just be handed to you. Crafting a cover letter that catches the attention of hiring managers is paramount to getting the job, and LiveCareer is here to help you stand out from the competition.

View All Cover Letter Examples

Ready to build a strong cover letter?

Create My Cover Letter

*As seen in :

University of Michigan School of Social Work

Audience menu.

Search form

Contact Information

Cover Letter Tips

A personally-addressed cover letter is necessary if you want to make a good impression. Do not address your cover letter "To Whom it May Concern" because it may very well become lost in a pile of other anonymously-addressed applications. Instead, find out the name and title of the person accepting the résumés and address your cover letter accordingly.

The first paragraph should be a brief introduction that includes your name and credentials, the job title for which you are applying, and where you found the job posting. If you found the position on a job search engine, include the reference number in this paragraph. If you were referred by someone, include his or her name.

The following paragraph(s) will highlight a few key skills or assets you bring to the employer that are directly related to the position. Review the job description and incorporate the language used in the posting. Also, research the organization and tailor the letter to its specific needs, projects, mission, or other key points. Do not feel as if you need to summarize all of your skills here because a cover letter is an introduction to the employer; your résumé will provide the necessary information about your work history.

In the last paragraph, thank the employer for reviewing your résumé and request an interview. Also, be sure to include an action statement on how you will follow up with the submission of your résumé by providing a date in which you will call to inquire about your application.

Inclusion with Résumé

Always include a cover letter with your résumé! A cover letter is an essential part of the application process so be sure to prepare one for every résumé submission. Even if you know the employer or were personally asked to send in a résumé for review, include a cover letter.

In addition, your cover letter should be tailored to each specific employer and reflect the thoughtfulness and time you spent preparing it. Do not submit a generic cover letter because employers will be less-likely to take your application seriously.

Upcoming Career Services Events

Students can connect with our Career Services team for a variety of resources for professional development, career counseling, job search strategies, license preparation and more.

Career Services 1080 S. University Room 1696 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

Phone: (734) 763-6259 Fax: (734) 936-1961 Email: [email protected]

Michelle Woods Career Services Director [email protected]

Contact Us Press escape to close

University of Michigan School of Social Work 1080 South University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

Faculty, Staff & PhD Directory » Building Hours & Maps

Sample cover letter for Internship position at North Carolina State

Social work internship.

To whom it may concern:

I am a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a masters in social work and I would like to be considered for the internship position. As you can see from my enclosed resume, I have focused my education on poverty and indigence and am eager to advocate for the rights of the minorities. My child social work experience will make me a strong advocate for your clients.

As a graduate social work student, I have worked with and advocated for the impoverished across many North Carolina counties and built upon my coursework in social work to advocate for their rights and interests. I honed my client interviewing skills, conducted discovery including deposing the social worker assigned to the case, and presented testimony and cross-examined witnesses during advocacy for change. During my professional work experiences, I have developed a rapport with citizens from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and have used those communication skills with my clients.

In addition to this in-depth knowledge of social work, I have developed strong research and writing skills. I wrote an appellate level brief in my clinic case and will be presenting the oral argument should the court schedule the case this summer. I also spent last summer with the Office of Juvenile Delinquents, where I researched and drafted appeals for sentence reduction, where I was able to utilize my attention to detail as a team member.

My blend of social work experience and communication skills will allow me to immediately contribute to the work of the 28th District. I look forward to hearing from you.

School Social Worker Cover Letter Examples

School Social Workers assist students dealing with problems that affect their academic performance. These professionals are employed by schools or educational institutions and complete the following duties: talking to students about issues such as illegal drugs or school attendance, identifying students with economic or physical challenges, providing emotional support, supporting at-risk groups, referring student to other specialists, communicating with parents and teachers, maintaining case files, and organizing workshops.

Not exactly what you are looking for? Check our complete library of over 1000 cover letter examples .

Rate This Template:

Featured in:

For help with your resume, check out our extensive School Social Worker Resumes .

Improve your chances of getting noticed with a powerful cover letter. Take a look at our guide to create the best cover letter in 2023 .

Include These School Social Worker Skills

Relevant job skills can be seen in the example cover letter displayed below.

Dear Ms. Sheppard:

When I learned of your search for a new licensed and highly skilled School Social Worker to join your staff at Jefferson High School, I hastened to send along the enclosed resume for your consideration. With 13+ years of experience providing emotional and academic support to students facing various issues and concerns, I am poised to significantly benefit your school—and your students—in this role.

My background lies in providing a range of support and counseling services to students, parents, and teachers comprising diverse personalities, cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In striving to enhance the emotional and academic welfare of students, I excel in developing individualized student plans, performing social intake assessments, and providing crisis intervention as necessary while quickly connecting with students and establishing trusting relationships, With my strong communication and empathy skills, I am positioned to thrive in this challenging position.

Consider the following highlights of my qualifications:

Managing a caseload of up to 205 students with varying academic and emotional challenges, including special needs; developing curriculum and facilitating programs to encourage growth and success while liaising across multiple groups encompassing parents, teachers, and administrators.

Providing overarching support to students, evaluating concerns, developing treatment plans, advocating for students, and working closely with teachers and parents to reach student goals.

Delivering referral linkage to school-based support services and external resources, leveraging extensive network of community resources and contacts cultivated throughout my career.

Played a key role in developing and introducing an Anger Management support group at Redford High School, leading to a drastic reduction—65%—in detentions and suspensions resulting from physical aggression.

Utilizing superior interpersonal and communication abilities to provide optimal solutions and support in difficult and stressful situations.

With my previous experience in student social services, complemented by my expertise in providing comprehensive assistance to students in need, I believe I could swiftly exceed your expectations for this role. The opportunity to discuss the position in further detail would be most welcome.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

James J. Spencer

A professional cover letter is the first step toward your new job!

IMAGES

Social Work Cover Letter: Example & Ready-To-Use Templates
10 best cover letter examples images on Pinterest
Social Work Cover Letter Example Database
Social Work Cover Letter Entry Level
Social Work Cover Letter: Example & Ready-To-Use Templates
FREE 9+ Sample Social Worker Cover Letter Templates in PDF

VIDEO

social work student aesthetic ✨ #shorts #study #student #trend #trending #instagram
Mini Stationary Haul from Amazon🍀
First Semester at Columbia University School of Social Work
Insider's Guide To A Winning Cover Letter
Day in The Life Working in PRIVATE EQUITY as a 21 year old University Placement Student
Day In Life Of A Social Worker AT NASW NJ Chapter| Holiday Cheer|

COMMENTS

Preparing-for-Field-Placement-Resume-Cover-Letter-and-Interview
Address why you are inspired/motivated to learn and contribute as a placement student in this setting. I am a third-year Bachelor of Social Work student from
Writing a Cover Letter
Cover letters serve several purposes. They are NOT simply a paragraph version of your resume. In your cover letter, you are matching your experience, knowledge
Social Worker Cover Letter and Resume Sample
Please accept my enthusiastic application for the school social worker position at Acme High School, listed on Monster.com. I have extensive
School Social Worker Cover Letter Examples and Templates
Thank you for allowing me to present my background and skills in order to be considered for the School Social Worker position at Westwood
Social Work Cover Letter Examples & Templates for 2023
During my [number of years]+ years as a [Previous Position Title], I have developed the [very strong relevant skills you have] skills that will allow me to
School Social Work Cover Letter Examples & Expert tips [Free]
My educational background in child psychology and passion for trauma counseling enable me to be acutely aware of each student's needs. I am not afraid to make
School Social Worker Cover Letter Examples
I am confident that I can transfer this skill set to your school to make an impact on the lives of your students. You'll find that I am an outgoing high-energy
Cover Letter Tips
A cover letter should be concise. Typically they are three or four paragraphs long and never more than one page in length. Remember: You do not need to include
North Carolina State Cover Letter
I am a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a masters in social work and I would like to be considered for the internship
School Social Worker Cover Letter Examples
Previous experience working in a school · Knowledge of student issues · Social work training · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills · Good listening