A librarian cover letter will accompany your resume when you are applying for a librarian job. The letter aims to present you as the best candidate for the advertised job. You must take your time to write an outstanding cover letter. Hiring managers use cover letters as a screening tools for interview candidates.
Make sure the cover letter isn’t a duplicate of your resume. It should instead complement your resume. Use the right words to explain to the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate.
The cover letter should be a response to the job advert. Do you have the relevant skills, experience, knowledge, and passion for the job?
How to Draft an Effective Librarian Cover Letter
Format
- Pick the right font for your cover letter, and use the normal 11-12pt font size throughout.
- Use the left-side alignment from top to bottom. Avoid using the justified alignment on the cover letter since it looks terrible.
- The cover letter should be single-spaced as everything needs to fit under one page.
Heading Section
- In the top corner of your cover letter, include your full name, job title, and mailing address.
- Next, add the current date, i.e., the date you are writing the letter.
- Lastly, add the library’s info, i.e., the library director, their title, and the address of the library.
Salutation and Introductory Paragraph
- Start your cover letter by properly addressing the head librarian or the hit=ring manager by their name.
- Introduce yourself and your candidacy by stating the position you are applying for at the library.
- Make your introduction as captivating as possible.
Body
- Before writing the body of the letter, make sure to check the job requirements. This will help guide you to know what they are looking for in a new librarian.
- Provide a summary of your work background and make it as relevant to the job position you are applying for as possible.
- Next, explain why that specific position is right for you. Show that you have some knowledge working with books, such as your knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System or other cataloging formats.
- Display your love and passion for books and literature
Make a compelling offer
- Write a compelling ending statement that will sum up your request for the position.
- Write a powerful call to action as you leave the decision to hire you on their hands.
Sign-off
- Use the normal closing statement, i.e., “Sincerely.”
- Add your full name below, leave a space between it and the closing sentiment.
- Add a postscript, perhaps, to draw their attention to a specific achievement one last time.
Sample Librarian Cover Letter
Consider this sample as you write your librarian cover letter.
Jack Luggit232 Flavor Street
Blacktown, BA 45320
222 343 3451
April 5, 2019
Renee Mark
Human Resources Manager
Bright school Academy
113 Riverside Lane
Campcity, CA 30021
Dear Mrs. Mark,
I was excited to find an advert for a school librarian on your website. I’m a skilled librarian with experience in school library services for over 13 years.
My background education in library studies and success in assuming the responsibilities of a school librarian for years make me the best candidate to take over the role of a librarian in your school. Besides I’ve been successful in assisting students in research, locating materials and acquiring information. Finally, I’ve got strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Remarkable achievements in my Librarian career include;
- Digitization of library services. I was instrumental in the digitization of library services at St Georges High school, making access to books and other literacy materials fast and convenient.
- Implementation of advanced information and technology resources at Junta Academy including both external and internal databases, remote access of information and digital libraries to facilitate easy access to information.
- Development of the interlibrary loan service and reference desk support at St Georges High School.
With a solid knowledge of implementation and management of library services in several schools and a deep passion for helping students in their pursuit of knowledge, I believe your institution stands to benefit significantly from my knowledge, skills, and experience.
I look forward to a chance to discuss further what I Can offer to your school.
I’m thanking you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Jack Luggit
Enclosure: Resume and testimonials
Librarian Cover Letter (Examples & Templates)
Tips for writing a librarian cover letter
- Use a few sentences to explain to the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate for the librarian position.
- In the letter highlight the most relevant achievements in your career that relate to the job you’re applying for.
- Appreciate the hiring manager in advance for a chance to discuss what you can offer to their institution.
- Avoid including skills and work experience that doesn’t relate to the job at hand.
