Full Department Name
Name of Institution
Department Address
Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. Search Committee Chair’s last name and/or Search Committee Members:
Paragraph 1 [3-5 Sentences]: Identify the position you are applying for. Introduce yourself to the committee and your research interests. Connect your interests to the department and describe what makes you interested in becoming part of this departmental community.
Paragraph 2 [3-5 Sentences]: Briefly explain your research to date. Consider mentioning your research questions, methods, key findings, as well as where and when you published and/or presented this work.
Paragraph 3 [4-5 Sentences]: Elaborate on your current research project. Consider mentioning your most prestigious funding awards for this project. Explain your key findings in more detail.
Paragraph 4 [3-5 Sentences]: Introduce your future research plans and goals. Point out the intellectual merit and/or broader impacts of this future work.
Paragraph 5 [3-5 Sentences]: Briefly discuss your teaching experience and strategies. Provide examples of teaching strategies or an anecdote highlighting your teaching effectiveness. You may also want to introduce your philosophy on diversity in an academic setting.
Paragraph 6 [2-3 Sentences]: Make a connection between your work and the department to which you are applying. Include how you will participate in the intellectual life of the department both inside and outside the classroom. Provide concrete examples of how you will be a hard-working and collaborative colleague.
Paragraph 7 [1-2 Sentences]: A thank you for the search committee’s time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Your Name
Credentials and Position
Institution/Affiliation Name
Date: Month Day, Year Search Committee Chair’s First and Last Name, Graduate Degree Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. Search Committee Chair’s last name and/or Search Committee Members: Paragraph 1 [3-5 Sentences]: Identify the position you are applying for. Introduce yourself to the committee and your research interests. Connect your interests to the department and describe what makes you interested in becoming part of this departmental community. Paragraph 2 [3-5 Sentences]: Briefly discuss your teaching experience and pedagogical commitments. Provide examples of teaching strategies or an anecdote highlighting your teaching effectiveness. You may also want to introduce your philosophy on diversity in an academic setting. Paragraph 3 [3-4 Sentences]: Provide a discussion of how you involved yourself with students or the broader university community outside of the traditional classroom setting. Discuss how those interactions influenced your teaching. Paragraph 4 [2-3 Sentences]: Briefly explain your current research interests to date and how it relates to your teaching. State your research questions, methods, and key findings or arguments. Point out the intellectual merit and/or broader impacts of this future work. Paragraph 5 [3-5 Sentences]: Highlight when and where your research was published and/or presented this work or any forthcoming publications. Mention any prestigious funding or awards. Introduce your future research plans and goals. Paragraph 6 [2-3 Sentences]: Make a connection between your work and the department to which you are applying. Include how you will participate in the intellectual life of the department both inside and outside the classroom. Provide concrete examples of how you will be a hard-working and collaborative colleague. Paragraph 7 [1-2 Sentences]: A thank you for the search committee’s time and consideration. Sincerely, Your Name |
Remember your first draft does not have to be your last. Try to get feedback from different readers, especially if it is one of your first applications. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of revisions. Check out the Writing Center’s handout on editing and proofreading and video on proofreading to help with this last stage of writing.
Using the word dissertation. Some search committee members may see the word “dissertation” as a red flag that an applicant is too focused on their role as a graduate student rather than as a prospective faculty member. It may be advantageous, then, to describe your dissertation as current research, a current research project, current work, or some other phrase that demonstrates you are aware that your dissertation is the beginning of a larger scholarly career.
Too much jargon. While you may be writing to a specific department, people on the search committee might be unfamiliar with the details of your subfield. In fact, many committees have at least one member from outside their department. Use terminology that can easily be understood by non-experts. If you want to use a specific term that is crucial to your research, then you should define it. Aim for clarity for your reader, which may mean simplification in lieu of complete precision.
Overselling yourself. While your job letter should sell you as a great candidate, saying so (e.g., “I’m the ideal candidate”) in your letter may come off to some search committee members as presumptuous. Remember that although you have an idea about the type of colleague a department is searching for, ultimately you do not know exactly what they want. Try to avoid phrases or sentences where you state you are the ideal or the only candidate right for the position.
Paying too much attention to the job description. Job descriptions are the result of a lot of debate and compromise. If you have skills or research interests outside the job description, consider including them in your letter. It may be that your extra research interests; your outside skills; and/or your extracurricular involvements make you an attractive candidate. For example, if you are a Latin Americanist who also happens to be well-versed in the Spanish Revolution, it could be worth mentioning the expanse of your research interests because a department might find you could fill in other gaps in the curriculum or add an additional or complementary perspective to the department.
Improper sendoff. The closing of your letter is just as important as the beginning. The end of the letter should reflect the professionalism of the document. There should be a thank-you and the word sincerely or a formal equivalent. Remember, it is the very last place in your letter where you present yourself as a capable future colleague.
Small oversights. Make sure to proofread your letter not just for grammar but also for content. For example, if you use material from another letter, make sure you do not include the names of another school, department, or unassociated faculty! Or, if the school is in Chicago, make sure you do not accidentally reference it as located in the Twin Cities.
Name dropping. You rarely know the internal politics of the department or institution to which you are applying. So be cautious about the names you insert in your cover letters. You do not want to unintentionally insert yourself into a departmental squabble or add fire to an interdepartmental conflict. Instead, focus on the actions you will undertake and the initiatives you are passionate about.
We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.
Ball, Cheryl E. 2013. “Understanding Cover Letters.” Inside Higher Ed , November 3, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/11/04/essay-cover-letter-academic-jobs .
Borchardt, John. 2014. “Writing a Winning Cover Letter.” Science Magazine , August 6, 2014. https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2014/08/writing-winning-cover-letter# .
Helmreich, William. 2013. “Your First Academic Job.” Inside Higher Ed , June 17, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/06/17/essay-how-land-first-academic-job .
Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “How To Write a Journal Article Submission Cover Letter.” The Professor Is In (blog), April 26, 2013. https://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/26/how-to-write-a-journal-article-submission-cover-letter/ .
Tomaska, Lubomir, and Josef Nosek. 2008. “Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Cover Letter to Accompany a Job Application for an Academic Position.” PLoS Computational Biology 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006132 .
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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November 2, 1998
Dr. Naomi Sellers Chair, English Search Committee Box 58 Baxter College Arcadia, WV 24803
Dear Dr. Sellers:
I am writing to apply for the position as assistant professor of English with an emphasis in rhetoric and composition that you advertised in the October MLA Job Information List. I am a graduate student at Prestigious University working on a dissertation under the direction of Professor Prominent Figure. Currently revising the third of five chapters, I expect to complete all work for the Ph.D. by May of 1999. I believe that my teaching and tutoring experience combined with my course work and research background in rhetoric and composition theory make me a strong candidate for the position outlined in your notice.
As my curriculum vitae shows, I have had excellent opportunities to teach a variety of writing courses during my graduate studies, including developmental writing, first-year writing for both native speakers and second language students, advanced writing, and business writing. I have also worked as a teaching mentor for new graduate students, a position that involved instruction in methods of composition teaching, development of course materials, and evaluation of new graduate instructors. Among the most satisfying experiences for me as a teacher has been instructing students on an individual basis as a tutor in our university Writing Lab. Even as a classroom instructor, I find that I always look forward to the individual conferences that I hold with my students several times during the semester because I believe this kind of one-on-one interaction to be essential to their development as writers.
My work in the composition classroom has provided me with the inspiration as well as a kind of laboratory for my dissertation research. My project, The I Has It: Applications of Recent Models of Subjectivity in Composition Theory, examines the shift since the 1960s from expressive models of writing toward now-dominant postmodern conceptions of decentered subjectivity and self-construction through writing. I argue that these more recent theoretical models, while promising, cannot have the liberating effects that are claimed for them without a concomitant reconception of writing pedagogy and the dynamics of the writing classroom. I relate critical readings of theoretical texts to my own pedagogical experiments as a writing teacher, using narratives of classroom successes and failures as the bases for critical reflection on postmodern composition theory. After developing my dissertation into a book manuscript, I plan to continue my work in current composition theory through a critical examination of the rhetoric of technological advancement in the computer-mediated writing classroom.
My interest in the computer classroom has grown out of recent experience teaching composition in that environment. In these courses my students have used computers for writing and turning in notes and essays, communicating with one another and with me, conducting library catalogue research and web research, and creating websites. I have encouraged my students to think and write critically about their experiences with technology, both in my class and elsewhere, even as we have used technology to facilitate our work in the course. Syllabi and other materials for my writing courses can be viewed at my website: http://machine.prestigious.edu/~name. In all of my writing courses I encourage students to become critical readers, thinkers, and writers; my goal is always not only to promote their intellectual engagement with cultural texts of all kinds but also to help them become more discerning readers of and forceful writers about the world around them.
I have included my curriculum vitae and would be happy to send you additional materials such as a dossier of letters of reference, writing samples, teaching evaluations, and past and proposed course syllabi. I will be available to meet with you for an interview at either the MLA or the CCCC convention, or elsewhere at your convenience. I can be reached at my home phone number before December 19; between then and the start of the MLA convention, you can reach me at (123) 456-7890. I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
First Lastname
The purpose of a cover letter.
Anatomy of a Cover Letter
Sometimes called a “letter of intent” or “letter of interest”, a cover letter is an introduction to the rest of your job application materials (e.g., resume/CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, writing samples, etc.). The purpose of a cover letter is to quickly summarize why you are applying to an organization or for a particular position, and what skills and knowledge you bring that make you the most suitable candidate for that position. The cover letter is often the first impression that a prospective employer will have of you, especially if they do not know you, or have not heard about you from their network of contacts. First impressions count, and so getting your cover letter right is a critical step in your job application process. Like all your job application materials, it may take time and focus to write your cover letters well. You will likely have several drafts before you come up with a final version that clearly articulates your skills and your understanding of the employer and the job requirements.
While your resume briefly states your skills, knowledge, experience, and (most importantly) what you have achieved using your abilities, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to create a narrative that shows the path you have taken in your career or education, emphasizing the skills you’ve used along the way, and explaining why the position you are applying to is the next desirable step on this path. To find out more about the structure of the cover letter, you can see some examples here. Also, it is important to know that there are some differences between cover letters written for faculty positions and those written for non-faculty positions. You can review some of the key differences of cover letters for faculty positions here .
When you start the process of looking for job opportunities, you will probably read through lots of job advertisements. You will notice that most job ads ask for a cover letter of some sort. The exception to this might be when you apply for some jobs through an employer’s online job application system, where they may ask you to upload your letter as a document, cut and paste the contents of your letter into specific fields, or they may not ask for a letter at all. For most jobs, and whenever you are submitting a formal application, cover letters are usually expected – and can be very helpful – even if a letter is not requested in the job ad itself.
You might be tempted to send the same version of your cover letter to multiple employers, especially if you are applying for similar types of positions. Don’t. It can be fairly obvious to an employer when they receive a stock letter, and this will make a bad first impression. Tailor your letter to the employer and to the specific job. This may require you to do some background research on the employer’s website, or talk to someone you know (or don’t yet know) who already works there. Use this information to explain why you want to work at that particular place, doing that particular job. It takes time, but it is worth it. You’ll probably have more luck with three tailored cover letters than with 30 stock letters sent out to 30 different employers. Your cover letter will be read by someone as part of a formal job application, so make certain that it is free of spelling mistakes, grammar issues, and typos. Make sure your cover letter fits onto 1 page (for non-academic position applications), has consistent margins and formatting, and a readable font that is between 10-12pts.
When Not to Use Cover Letters: There are some occasions during the job search process where cover letters shouldn’t be used. During career fairs, you would typically only hand out your resume to employers (and a 1-page resume is ideal). Employers want to be able to quickly scan your resume for the key points, and you should be able to verbally communicate some of the ideas that a letter might contain (for example, why this company interests you). Recruiters won’t have the time to read a letter.
Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to first have a good resume. For information on putting these documents together, click here . Your cover letter expands upon some of the information you include within these documents, and describes the role you have played in achieving your academic or non-academic goals (i.e., showing how your experiences have made you the best candidate for the position).
Step 2: The next step is to find an open position that interests you, or at least the type of job to which you want to apply. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter, as each should be tailored to each job you apply to, but there will certainly be parts of the letter that will stay much the same, and be appropriate for multiple jobs. This might mean changing some of the key words in the letter, so that you are describing your experience in the employer’s language (using some of their keywords), not your own.
Step 3: Go through the job ad and carefully note all of the requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Based on your background research of the employer and the people you have spoken to who know about this employer, try to identify the two or three most important skills that the employer is looking for. You should then try to create a cover letter that illustrates that you have these skills and have used them effectively. Your cover letter will be stronger if it addresses these requirements and the job duties. Ensure that you talk about your experiences in the language used by the employer, echoing their words in descriptions you use to illustrate your skills. Write out a list of the keywords that you highlighted from the job ad, and then next to each of these words, write a brief statement that illustrates the fact that you have this skill/ability/knowledge using a specific example. You may not have an experience for all of the requirements, but the more you think about what you have achieved, the more likely it is that you will find something relevant to talk about. When you have all of this information, then you can begin to structure it within the format of a formal cover letter.
Here is a general template for a cover letter:
Your Name Street Address City, State, Zip Email and phone number
Today’s Date
Mr./Ms./Dr. Name Title Organization
Dear ______:
The opening paragraph should explain why you are writing, giving your specific employment interest. Mention how you found out about the position. If it was advertised, refer to the website or resource in which you saw it. If a contact told you about it, say so. It is also helpful to include an overall summary of the key skills, knowledge areas, or experiences that you are bring to this role right here in the first paragraph. If you start off with these very specific conclusions that confidently state that you have what the employer is looking for, then the reader will also have a lot of confidence that your letter and resume are worth reading. The next paragraphs will then expand on and illustrate what you are summarizing in this first paragraph.
The middle paragraph(s) should summarize the aspects of your background which will interest the employer. The more information you have about the organization and its needs, the better. Discuss your qualifications in terms of the contributions you can make. While you should not repeat your resume verbatim, don’t hesitate to refer to the most important information discussed in it. Ideally, both your cover letter and your CV/resume would be able to stand alone. It is not necessary to describe yourself in superlatives. Rather than saying, “I can make a uniquely valuable contribution to your organization,” give the employer enough relevant, targeted information to allow the reader to reach that conclusion independently. Be specific and credible. Tell stories that have a touch of drama, for example: “When I was working as the president of X student group, one of the challenges that we faced was XYZ.” Once you have created a touch of drama, describe how you used your skills to overcome it, for example: “So what I had to do was build relationships with administrators on campus by communicating the critical role our group played in doing ABC.” Once you have told the story, reflect on it in terms of how this is particularly relevant for the reader, for example: “I really enjoyed being placed in a position where I had to reach out to contact and bring them all together by creating a shared vision for everyone to buy into. I think this combination of strong marketing skills and relationship building will be valuable to the role of Advertising Associate.”
The closing paragraph should explain why the position and the particular organization is attractive to you, and should hopefully pave the way for the interview. Provide an authentic reason why you are excited about bringing your skills to the role, and what you will also gain from being in the role. Speaking with former or current employees at the organization as part of your networking will help in this regards. You can also offer to send any additional information, restate your contact details, and state that you look forward to hearing from them.
If you’re applying for jobs at a university, you need a cover letter that will make you stand out amongst all the other qualified candidates.
It’s key that you present yourself in a manner that will persuade the recruitment team to shortlist you for interview, and to help you impress, we’ve put together this detailed guide on how to write a standout cover letter.
We’ll share all our expert advice, along with some university cover letter examples to inspire you.
CV templates
Build your CV now
These University cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.
But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.
A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.
Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.
The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.
If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.
To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.
Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.
Go with something like…
Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.
Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.
Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.
Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.
Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.
See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles
The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.
Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.
Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.
This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.
It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.
Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.
To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.
This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.
Include the following points;
Here is an example signature;
Warm regards,
Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn
Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.
Your University cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.
To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.
Copy and paste these University cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.
I am excited to apply for the Lecturer position in the Politics Department at Sheffield University, bringing with me a wealth of experience and a passion for International Relations, Political Philosophy, and Critical Theory. With an MA and PhD from the University of Leeds and 6+ years of teaching experience, I possess the skills to design engaging lectures, mentor students, and conduct impactful research.
In my current role as Assistant Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, I have designed a popular course on the politics of identity and social movements, demonstrating my ability to innovate new and well-received modules. My research on the intersections of power, identity, and social movements was presented at the International Political Science Association Conference and published in the Journal of Politics. During my tenure as a Teaching Assistant, I introduced a seminar series on essay structure and technique, which received positive feedback and contributed to a significant 12% increase in exam scores. My dedication to fostering inclusive classrooms and research, as evidenced in my publications on intersectionality and politics of representation, aligns with the values of your department.
I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my qualifications and commitment to diversity and equity align with your department’s vision.
Best wishes,
I hope you’re well. With a varied 30-year academic career and specialist experience in 18th-century literature, literary theory, and critical race studies, I am thrilled to apply for the position of Professor of English Literature at UCL.
Through my PhD research and 12+ years of teaching experience at The University of Manchester, I have honed my ability to design and deliver engaging lectures and seminars while effectively mentoring students. My original research on race and gender in 18th-century literature has garnered recognition from Lit Today and LHB Journal, including a successful research project on the reception of African American literature in the UK. My monograph on the same subject received acclaim in Women’s Writing Journal. In my previous role as Senior Lecturer, I designed a highly requested course on the history of the novel which attracted 65% of students in its first year, showcasing my innovative approach to course development. Additionally, in 2021 I organised an international conference on race and literature that attracted scholars from 38 countries and engaged 800 undergraduate students.
I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my qualifications and dedication can contribute to the progressive academic excellence at UCL.
Kind regards,
Simone Rickard
Dear Martin,
I hope this email finds you well. With a 25+ year career at UCL, including a PhD in the history of women’s rights and the feminist movement, I am excited to apply for the esteemed position of Program Director, bringing with me a wealth of experience and dedication to advancing the field of Women’s History.
As the current Program Director of Women’s History at UCL, I successfully spearheaded the development of a new undergraduate program in Women’s History Studies, becoming the most popular history class in recent cohorts. I have also cultivated partnerships with external organisations, such as the British Library and the Tate, to create interpretive exhibits showcasing influential women throughout history. My dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment is evident in my implementation of a 1-2-1 mentorship program for women interested in pursuing careers in history. My ability to design and deliver engaging curriculum materials, mentor students, and secure funding through grant proposals makes me the ideal candidate for this role.
I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my qualifications and commitment to advancing the study of Women’s History align with your institution’s mission.
Osei Johnson
Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a job working at a University, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.
By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.
Good luck with your job search!
Your academic cover letter must immediately highlight your most significant achievements. Showcase the research or projects that align closely with the position's requirements. Demonstrate your potential contribution to the department and the institution. Ensure your passion for teaching and scholarship shines through every word.
Cover letter guide.
Academic Cover Letter Sample
Cover Letter Format
Cover Letter Salutation
Cover Letter Introduction
Cover Letter Body
Cover Letter Closing
No Experience Academic Cover Letter
Key Takeaways
Crafting an academic cover letter can be a stumbling block, especially when you're already deep into job applications and realize it's a required piece of the puzzle. This isn't just a repeat of your resume; it's your chance to spotlight a shining professional triumph and weave a compelling narrative around it. Forget the clichés—your cover letter must exude formality without being mundane, all while fitting neatly on a single page. Let's unlock the secrets to a cover letter that leaves a lasting impression.
Let the power of Enhancv's AI work for you: create your academic cover letter by uploading your resume.
If the academic isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
Carter Andrade
+1-(234)-555-1234
Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your academic cover letter?
Make sure to include the following:
Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your academic cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)
Ensure your academic cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .
Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your academic cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.
At the end of the day, your academic cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.
Before you start writing your academic cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.
Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your academic cover letter salutation .
What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?
Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.
Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the academic cover letter introduction ?
There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.
Some professionals start their academic cover letter by:
The lengthiest part of your academic cover letter is the body.
Within the next three to six middle paragraphs, present yourself as the best candidate for the role .
How can you do that without retelling your whole professional resume?
Select one key achievement that covers job-crucial skills and technologies (and is memorable).
Within the body of your academic cover letter, aim to tell the story of how you achieved your success. Also, write about how this would help out your potential team.
So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your academic cover letter for the role and recruiter.
Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.
And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.
End your academic cover letter with the future in mind.
So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.
You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).
Don't worry if you have no conventional professional experience . Within your whole experience, there's plenty more you can write about in your academic cover letter.
Take, for example, your biggest achievement or award - dedicate your cover letter body to describe it and the job-relevant skills you've learned.
Your professional ambitions could also take center stage. Describe what you plan on achieving in the next five to ten years and the efforts you're making towards your dreams.
Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your academic cover letter:
Explore additional academic cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.
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An effective cover letter makes a personal, memorable introduction while detailing your interest, qualification, and compatibility for the job. Rather than reiterating your resume, a cover letter brings your resume to life through stories and examples.
A successful cover letter describes your qualifications (e.g. education, experiences) most relevant to the employer based upon the job description and your knowledge of the company. Ideally, you should write a new cover letter for every job application, since the content should be specific to the needs of the job and company you're applying to.
Often, a cover letter is a required part of an application process. However, even when it is optional, it is advantageous to include one. Writing a cover letter demonstrates that you are interested enough to invest extra time drafting a thoughtful letter.
Using a generic cover letter. Employers can usually tell when you've used the same cover letter for multiple jobs. It makes a bad first impression because it appears that you aren't interested in that specific job or don't understand what unique skills are important. Be sure to write a tailored cover letter for each position that makes strong connections between your experiences and interest in the company and their needs, challenges and/or mission.
Failing to provide examples. Many cover letters make empty claims, asserting that the applicant is a "good communicator" or "detail-oriented." Unfortunately, employers say that these claims usually are not believed and have become common clichés. To make your claims more powerful, add an example or proof to each skill you mention. For example, you might write, "I am very detail-oriented, a skill that I honed while completing detailed inventory sheets working in a grocery store".
Restating the resume. Often, cover letters will fall into the trap of reiterating the facts of the resume — "I worked at Company X for 2 years where I was a cashier. Then, I worked at Company Y in 2018." Instead of repeating the resume, a good cover letter should draw connections between your skills and experiences, and how these connect to the company's needs. For example, a cover letter statement could be "As a shift manager at Jimmy John's, I enjoyed training and coaching new employees to be successful within the team, a skill that I know would be helpful working as a team leader within your organization."
*For example cover letters, see our sample documents above
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Use these student cover letter examples as a guide for formatting and general writing guidelines. Each example includes a copy of the job description with key qualifications in bold to highlight the connection between the skills and experiences in the description and those included in the letter.
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Example #3: internship | data science intern, example 4: full-time job | analyst.
We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O'odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
What are the objectives of a cover letter.
A good cover letter puts your résumé in context and persuades the prospective employer that you are a good match for the position in question. If your cover letter does its job, the prospective employer will begin to consider your candidacy and go on to review your résumé in detail.
Your cover letter also serves as a sample of your organizational and communication skills. For this reason, it's essential to spend time writing and organizing the content, and to proofread it carefully. The time and care that you devote to constructing and writing your cover letter and résumé will demonstrate to the prospective employer that you're capable of producing high quality work.
Finally, your cover letter expresses your interest in the particular position or particular organization. Cover letters should be individually tailored for each job prospect. Your letter should convey to each prospective employer that you have an understanding of the job, and that you've done some thinking about how you could fit in to the organization and contribute to its goals.
Your cover letter is your opportunity to market those aspects of your skills, abilities, education, training, background, and experience which are most relevant to the position you're seeking. This means that you will need to begin by doing some thinking about your skills and background and how these relate to the position for which you're applying. (For more information about skills, visit the Humanities Academic Services Center website .) Your cover letter should reflect your individuality, but remember that you are "introducing yourself" for the first time to a stranger: it's best to err on the side of professionalism.
Read the job announcement carefully. What are the most important qualifications being sought? How can you best demonstrate that you have them? Try to put yourself in the prospective employer's position: What would you want to know about a candidate for this particular job? What information would be most important to you? Include only the most relevant attributes and experiences you possess which specifically match the job for which you're applying.
Research the company or organization: What does the employing organization do? What are its goals? What is its history? How does it fit in to its industry? What characterizes the organization's culture (e.g., is it casual, conservative, highly structured, diverse, traditional, modern, fast-paced, etc.)? Some information, such as the organization's mission, purpose, clients, partners, and a sense of its "style" can be found on its website (if it has one). There are also industry and employer directories available on the web, in the libraries, and at UW Career Center in 134 Mary Gates Hall. Local and national newspapers, industry-related publications and journals, and the Washington Occupational Information System are also good resources.
Address the letter to a specific individual. As with all writing, it's important to identify your audience. Taking the time to find out the hiring party's name and correct title is another way to demonstrate your interest in the position.
Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs in length and limited to one page. Like an essay, its content can usually be divided up into three parts:
The introduction states the position you're seeking, explains how you learned about the position, and indicates your interest. It often also contains a brief statement of your qualifications (education, experience, and skills).
The body highlights the most important qualities you can offer to this particular employer , related to the position that you're seeking. Because you will be attaching your résumé, this is not the place to go into great detail. What you are attempting to do is to get the employer's attention and interest him/her in your candidacy. This is also the place to present other relevant information about your characteristics or background that may not be evident from your résumé. You might provide the employer with some specific examples of how you've demonstrated particular key skills or how you fulfill the most important qualifications listed in the job announcement.
The conclusion should summarize your qualifications and your interest in the position. Be sure to close your letter with a request for action or an indication that you'll be following up. This might include a request for an interview, a statement of your intent to call the employer on a specific date, or the dates you'll be in town for an interview. Finally, always thank the employer for considering your application.
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Cover letters are typically part of an application. They are formal documents you use to introduce yourself and discuss your knowledge, skills, and experience. Cover letters function alongside your resume and can be submitted physically, attached as documents, or typed into an online form. This resource provides basic information about cover letters, but you should always tailor your work to your audience and prompt
A cover letter includes introductory information followed by the body of the letter. Cover letters are generally reviewed in 20–40 seconds, so your letter should be concise, persuasive, and mirror the language used in the application prompt or guidelines.
For physical or attached documents, include your contact information , the recipient’s contact information , and the date . Include the introductory information at the top of the page, left-aligned. If you are including a header, the heading format should match your resume. Include a salutation . Address the person in charge of filling the position by name. If unknown, use a generic greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Selection Committee.” For online forms, skip the introductory information, and start with the salutation.
In the opening paragraph , name the position you are applying for and how you learned about it. For example, if you learned about the position from a current employee, mention the person by name. Identify keywords from the job description and use that same language to discuss your qualifications. Summarize the qualifications you will highlight in your letter in an agenda or thesis statement.
Write two or three concise body paragraphs detailing your relevant knowledge, skills, experience. Describe specific accomplishments and explain how these accomplishments qualify you for the position or program. Do not simply repeat information from your resume. Remember, your cover letter and your resume work in conjunction with each other.
In your closing paragraph , thank the reader for reviewing your application and express your enthusiasm for the position. If needed, restate your contact information, list times you are available for an interview, and, if the job description does not specify when you will hear back, consider stating your intention to follow up on a certain date. Note that date in your own records, so you can contact the person again by email or phone.
When applying by email:
Dear Kathy Beck:
I appreciated learning about the Account Manager position with XXX Organization in our conversation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln career fair. As we discussed, I believe my communication, problem solving, and analytical skills, would allow me to succeed in the role.
My education and experience developed my ability to learn complex systems and to communicate them to others. Additionally, relationship building has been part of many of my roles on and off campus. Specifically, I have been a successful fundraiser for the University of Nebraska, connecting to alumni, understanding their interests, and adapting my approach accordingly. Coursework required my critical thinking and technical skills, such as learning and interpreting results of SPSS.
My resume details my related experiences which demonstrate my ability to be a strong Account Manager for XXX Organization. I look forward to further discussing my qualifications for the position with you. If you would like to arrange such a meeting, please contact me at 402-555-5555 or [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Herbie Husker
Judicial internship sample cover letter.
[Your street address] [City], [State (2 letter abbreviation)] [Zip Code] [Phone Number] [UChicago Email Address]
December 1, 2024
The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois 219 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 1486 Chicago, IL 60604
Dear Judge [Last Name]:
I am a first-year law student at The University of Chicago Law School writing to apply to your summer 2025 judicial internship position. I believe my strong legal research and writing skills would allow me to contribute to the important work of your chambers. As an aspiring litigator, I am also eager for the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in federal court. Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs, I plan to practice here following graduation. I am fortunate to have summer funding available from my law school for legal volunteer work.
My academic and work experiences have prepared me for this role. As a senior at Northwestern University, I wrote an honors thesis on how public policy influences the development of high tech industries. In the process, I examined the intersection of the government and the economy, conducting extensive research and authoring a clear and precise academic paper. During my internship with the United States House of Representatives, I quickly and thoroughly reviewed proposed legislation and drafted memoranda analyzing the impact on existing law. My legal coursework, including a memorandum on the ministerial exception in employment discrimination, has refined my research and writing, and by pursuing a judicial internship, I hope to continue improving these skills in a practical setting.
Please find my resume and writing sample attached for your review. My law school transcript should be available by late January. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
/s/ Sally Student
Sally Student
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Here are 6 examples of skills to describe in a university student cover letter. Communication (always describe your style of communication) Collaboration and teamwork. Leadership. Critical thinking. Time management. Responsibility. Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter.
Read our tips for writing a great cover letter. We suggest that you write the first draft of your letter without using a sample to guide you. Once you've created your first letter, those that follow will be much easier. Sample Cover Letters Undergraduate Internship. Layla D'Antonio New York, NY | [email protected] | (212) 555-0000
New to cover letter writing Anatomy of a Cover Letter 3 Applying to a specific opportunity Sample Letter: Response to a Job Lead Worksheet: Interpreting a Job Description 4 & 5 Sending an internship inquiry Sample Letter: General Inquiry Worksheet: Organization/Agency Information 6 & 7 Seeking further inspiration Weak-Better-Best Sample ...
Begin your college application letter with a formal salutation. The standard, in this case, is "Dear". Be sure to avoid informal salutations such as "Hey", "Hi", and "Hello". 💡 Tip: Do your best to personalize your university application letter in every way that you can.
Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates; 11 Essential Cover Letter Tips; QUICK FORMATTING TIPS. Font: 10 to 12 point, ... University Career Center. 515 E Jefferson St Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1316 View on a map (734) 764-7460 (734) 763-9268 [email protected]
1. Write your name and street address. At the top of your cover letter, write your first and last name. On a separate line include your street address, followed by your city, state and zip code on another line. 2. Include the date. Below your contact information, write the date you plan on sending the cover letter.
Cover Letter Samples . A cover letter is a document that introduces you to a prospective employer. Your cover letter (along with your resume) is an important part of your application. ... during my time at the University of Central Florida, having written several policy analyses papers for my government courses. Outside the classroom, my ...
Sections of a university cover letter. The format of a university cover letter is defined by its key sections, its structure, and its text volume. In most cases, a university cover letter should be one page only, with a maximum of 300 words. Unlike a 100,000-word doctoral dissertation, a cover letter prizes brevity and economy of words.
Academic cover letter sample Use this sample to help craft your own academic cover letter: Malik Hanson Providence, Rhode Island 312-209-9389 [email protected] Feb. 1, 2023 Hiring committee Teal University Department of English 12 Teal Ave. Providence, Rhode Island 02902 Dear Hiring committee, I am writing to apply for the Tenure-Track English Professor position at Teal University as ...
The image is titled Cover Letter vs Resume. An example cover letter is on the left with tips written below it. The cover letter reads: Malik Rabb (123)456-7891 [email protected] May 1, 2020 Dear Hiring Manager, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the associate marketing position at Retail Ocean. Storytelling through marketing is a true passion of mine, and I graduated with a four-year ...
At their most basic level, academic cover letters accomplish three things: one, they express your interest in the job; two, they provide a brief synopsis of your research and teaching; and three, they summarize your past experiences and achievements to illustrate your competence for the job. For early-career scholars, cover letters are ...
Keep your cover letter less than one page. Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 4. Get it reviewed. Get your cover letter reviewed during drop-in hours, no appointment necessary. Use the Read Aloud function in Microsoft Word (under the Review menu) to help improve flow and readability. 5. Format and submit.
Here are tips on how to format your cover letter properly: Include an introduction, two to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Keep the font size between 10.5 and 12 points (be sure to choose a professional cover letter font). Make sure the margins are ½"-1" on all sides side. 3. Open with a strong introduction.
Academic Cover Letter Sample. November 2, 1998. Dear Dr. Sellers: I am writing to apply for the position as assistant professor of English with an emphasis in rhetoric and composition that you advertised in the October MLA Job Information List. I am a graduate student at Prestigious University working on a dissertation under the direction of ...
over Letters for Academic PositionsThe purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to demonstrate the fit between your ba. advertised position. THE BASICS cover letter must accompany and be ta. lored to any application you submit. STE. letters should not exceed one page. Humanities and social science.
Sometimes called a "letter of intent" or "letter of interest", a cover letter is an introduction to the rest of your job application materials (e.g., resume/CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, writing samples, etc.). The purpose of a cover letter is to quickly summarize why you are applying to an organization or for a ...
These University cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened. But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter, then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.
Getting Started with CVs and Cover Letters. culum vitae, or CV Your CV represents your accomplishments and experience as an academic and helps to establish yo. professional image. Well before you apply for faculty positions, you will use your CV to apply for fellowships and grants, to accompany submissions for publications or conference papers ...
Closing paragraph; Signature (this one is up to you). Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your academic cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.) Ensure your academic cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates.
Sample Cover Letters & Correspondence. The following documents include sample cover letters and other correspondence: Acceptance Letter Sample. Withdrawal Letter Sample. Yale College Student: Sample Cover Letters. Yale College Alum: Sample Cover Letter. GSAS/Postdocs: Sample Cover Letter.
Rather than reiterating your resume, a cover letter brings your resume to life through stories and examples. A successful cover letter describes your qualifications (e.g. education, experiences) most relevant to the employer based upon the job description and your knowledge of the company. Ideally, you should write a new cover letter for every ...
The University of Arizona. Student Engagement & Career Development. Bartlett Academic Success Center Room 301AA. 1435 E. 4th Street. Tucson, AZ. (520) 621-2588. [email protected]. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes ...
A good cover letter puts your résumé in context and persuades the prospective employer that you are a good match for the position in question. If your cover letter does its job, the prospective employer will begin to consider your candidacy and go on to review your résumé in detail. Your cover letter also serves as a sample of your ...
Parts of a Cover Letter. A cover letter includes introductory information followed by the body of the letter. Cover letters are generally reviewed in 20-40 seconds, so your letter should be concise, persuasive, and mirror the language used in the application prompt or guidelines.
When applying by email: Write a shorter cover letter as the body of the email.Keep your email cover letter to three paragraphs.Attach your resume as a PDF using your name in the title, i.e., Herbie Husker Resume.Dear Kathy Beck:I appreciated learning about the Account Manager position with XXX Organization in our conversation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln career fair.
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[Your street address][City], [State (2 letter abbreviation)] [Zip Code][Phone Number][UChicago Email Address] December 1, 2024 The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name]United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois219 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 1486Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Judge [Last Name]: I am a first-year law student at The University of Chicago Law School writing to apply to ...
attach to the Cover Letter and upload into the ICTR electronic REDCap application system. Please contact Eric Chapman, Associate Vice President for Research, via ([email protected]), with questions about this requirement. Applications with UMCP costs that are missing the signed UFF will not be reviewed.
Cover Letter Examples. Monday to Friday, 8AM - 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM - 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048. CVs. CVs . CV Templates. ... University of Oregon, Eugene, OR May 20XX Associate Degree in Business Administration. Additional Skills. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)