cover letter to apply for master's degree

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• Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter For Graduate School Application

Most grad school applicants have the grades, passion, and skills to excel there. Not everyone, however, can put that across in a few short paragraphs of a grad school cover letter.

The competition for graduate schools can be fierce. Nobody’s applying here if they don’t have the grades or a passion for the subject. This is why a personal touch can go a long way. Cover letters for graduate school are rarely required, as many institutions have their process fully online. However, if you didn’t have to write one, you wouldn’t have searched for this guide. 

Most people will write an unimpressive description of their prior education and a list of attachments. This is your chance to stand out. So let’s make it a good one.

In this guide:

• A graduate school cover letter sample that gets the top marks, every time.
• How to format your cover letter for graduate school.
• A fill-in-the-blanks template that will produce your grad school cover letter within 15 minutes.

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If you're looking for a different education-related cover letter sample, have a look at:

• Academic Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Faculty Position
• Cover Letter for Internship
• Cover Letter with No Experience
• Legal Cover Letter
• Postdoc Cover Letter
• Psychology Cover Letter
• Research Assistant Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Best Cover Letter Examples.

First, let’s check out this graduate school cover letter sample. See how it makes the best use of this opportunity.

1. Graduate School Cover Letter Sample

This sample cover letter for graduate school is from Joanna, seeking admission to a Master of Arts in Philosophy program. 

Cover Letter For Graduate School

Cover letter for graduate school—text version.

Joanna Perreault

245 Lucy Lane

Bloomington, IN 47408

309-122-1128

[email protected]

Bloomington, Dec 16, 2019

Dr. John Smith

Columbia University

708 Philosophy Hall, 

1150 Amsterdam Avenue

New York, NY 10027

Dear Dr. Smith,

I am pleased to submit my application to the Master of Arts in Philosophy program at Columbia University. Given my previous academic background, a BA in Linguistics & Philosophy from Boston University (4.0 GPA), the graduate program at Columbia with its modules in Philosophy of Language is a perfect fit for me to expand my expertise and make a step towards my goal of completing a PhD in Philosophy, focusing on the Philosophy of Language and the way microaggressive and dog-whistle language in politics shapes public opinion.

While working on my BA at Boston University, I have had the incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of linguistics research. During my studies in the ‘Topics in Knowledge, Language, and Logic’ module, I have had the opportunity to join Dr. Fraser’s research on the language of the media. My part was in the preparation stage, during initial, manual selection of parsing criteria, establishing algorithm rules and baselines. I have manually analyzed the language of 300+ articles using a continuously evolving model. Several of my recommendations and insights became key tenets of the model, which you can read more about in Dr. Fraser’s letter of recommendation. All in all, I have given over 500 hours over 2 years to this project, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Together with colleagues and students from the Department of Computer Science, an algorithm was built to parse media content and use NLP through Python to analyze the language within. The sentiments of each media outlet could then be plotted on a subject-specific spectrum. Over 500,000 articles and 400 million words were analyzed. One of the recommendations for further research was to study the implications and effects of what Dr. Fraser called ‘combative’ language on public opinion, and the proportional impact of positive vs. negative descriptions. This has now become my ambition, and I hope to complete a PhD that surveys these effects.

Please find the list of attachments and application documents below. It is compliant with the list required on the university website, but if there is anything else you require, or you have any questions, please let me know. 

Attached: 

Graduate School Admission Application

Undergraduate Transcript

Statement of Academic Purpose

2 Writing Samples (1 Philosophy, 1 Linguistics)

3 letters of evaluation / recommendation

With a graduate school cover letter like that, you can be sure you’ll be getting an interview. It captivates the reader with an account of the student going above and beyond— 

Which is what graduate education is about.  It shows a clear path and intention to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field, as well as listing all the necessary parameters concisely.

Let’s get started on your grad school cover letter.

2. Write a Top Of The Class Graduate School Cover Letter

Here’s how to write a perfect cover letter for graduate school:

1. Use a Professional Cover Letter Format 

It would be comforting to assume that every cover letter for grad school is read meticulously, the advantages of each candidate being mapped on a huge leaderboard through standardized weighting.

But—sometimes people just don’t like the look of you. Or your grad school cover letter.

The way your grad school cover letter looks might not secure extra points for being correct, but it can definitely get your application binned if it’s wrong. If you can’t get your graduate school cover letter right, do you demonstrate the attention-to-detail and thoroughness required for further studies?

This is how not to lose points on your cover letter format :

• ‘Align Left’ the text, and don’t use justification. 
• Set even, margins on all sides, 1-inch at a minimum.
• Match your resume font —go for the classic. Garamond is probably bordering in wild in the context of a grad school cover letter.
• Use 1.15 line spacing. Leave a line between each section, and between paragraphs.
• 1-page is always enough when it comes to the cover letter length .

Make sure you check these steps again at the end—sometimes formatting can get messed up mid-way, especially when copy and pasting. 

Now, let’s run down what to include in your cover letter for graduate school.

2. Address Your Grad School Cover Letter

Addressing a cover letter for graduate school is not vastly different from addressing one for jobs. Make sure to include your physical address, but also email and phone number. If there is anything missing from your application, you want them to be able to reach you. 

Underneath, write down the date like any other letter, and below, the details of the person that will be dealing with your admission. 

Check against our template:

Graduate School Cover Letter Header 

[ Your Full Name]

[ Physical Address ]

[ Phone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

[ Graduate Program Director / Administrator ]

[ Academic Department ]

[ College Name ]

[ Address ]

[ City and Zip Code ]

Expert Hint: Take extra time and care when applying to fully-funded programs, the acceptance rates for those drop into low single digits. Check out this list of cover letter dos and don'ts .

3. Identify The Program You’re Applying To and Introduce Yourself

Couldn’t be anything easier to do on a grad school cover letter than addressing it, right? Once again, we are in territory where you will not be winning points, but you may get your application binned.

These aren’t general undergraduate admissions, graduate programs usually have a specific person in charge dealing with the applications, and it doesn’t hurt to look it up. The name of the program administrator should be right there on the course description page on your college’s website. If you wade through the departmental pages and still can’t find it, just call them up. It’s no secret.

Once you’ve done the research, address the program administrator by their first name.

Start your cover letter by clearly identifying the graduate program you are hoping to join, and give them a reason to keep reading—your biggest academic achievement or a specific relation to the course you’re applying to.

Here’s a graduate school cover letter sample—you can just replace the [blanks] with your information. 

Graduate School Cover Letter Example: Introduction

Dear  [Proper Academic Title] [Surname] :

I am pleased to submit my application to the  [Program Name]  program at  [Grad School Name] . Given my previous academic background, a  [Your Degree Name]  from  [College Name] [GPA] , the graduate program at  [Grad School Name]  is the natural progression in working towards my goal of  [your goal] , due to its  [graduate program focus/specific modules/other reason] .

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

4. Show That You’re The Best Candidate

They have the what, let’s give them the why. Graduate programs can be very specific, narrowed versions of a broader discipline—if this is the case, this is your easiest path to proving your adequacy for the program. 

Focus on parts of your existing education that match this focus and what achievements or skills you have acquired that will let you excel in this graduate program. List any extracurricular experience related to your graduate program—jobs, work experience, placements, internships.

Sample Cover Letter For Graduate School: Middle Paragraph

As a graduate of  [Degree Name]  at  [College Name] , I was fortunate enough to  [list any achievements/notable projects/unique skills/things you can quantify].  My  [list background experience/specific modules/extracurricular work]  make me the ideal fit for the  [Graduate Program Name]  program, due to  [the link between your background and the focus of the graduate program].

Expert Hint: Most graduate programs will require you to take a GRE—the Graduate Record Examination. Machine learning solutions exist that craft a tailor-made program to your weaknesses, and help you fix them to raise your score, and your chances.

5. Close the Grad School Cover Letter With the Formalities

All done. Just some formal pleasantries and a safeguard in case you missed something.  Feel free to just copy this paragraph:

Graduate School Cover Letter Sample: The Closing

Please find the list of attachments and application documents below. It is compliant with the list required on your website, but if there is anything else you require, or you have any questions, please let me know. 

6. Sign Off & List Attachments

When ending your cover letter for graduate school, mention your full name again and add a list of attachments. Here is how we close sample cover letters for graduate school: 

Graduate School Cover Letter Sample: Sign Off

Best Regards,

[Your Handwritten Signature]

[Your Full Name]

Graduate Admission Application

Undergraduate Transcripts

Standardized Test Scores

[X]  Writing Samples (1 Philosophy, 1 Linguistics)

[X]  letters of evaluation / recommendation / reference

The handwritten signature is a nice touch if you have the space for it. Drop 3 lines of space to make it stand out.

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

If you’re writing a cover letter for graduate school, you’re most likely going to need a resume. See:

• Graduate School Resume Example  
• Scholarship Resume Example
• Resume for College Application .

When writing your cover letter for graduate school applications, make sure to:

• Use the correct formatting: elegant font, margins, spacing, a clear header with all the information.
• State the graduate program you’re applying to, your previous education background, and the reason for you applying.
• Show that you are suitable for the graduate program by explaining your interest, showing the links and path of progression from your previous studies, underlining it all with your achievements.
• Copy our grad school cover letter closing.
• Sign off formally, and make a list of attachments below.

Do you have any more questions about writing a cover letter for graduate school? Did you find our grad school cover letter examples helpful? Leave us a comment, I’ll be more than happy to hear from you!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Dave is a career expert delivering a wide range of well-researched advice regarding the job hunting and application process. At ResumeLab, his data-driven resume and cover letter guides help readers capitalize on their potential.

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• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter for Graduate School: Sample & How to Write It

Cover Letter for Graduate School: Sample & How to Write It

Our customers have been hired by:

Maybe it’s Africana studies, molecular genetics, or environmental management.

Whatever the focus, you need a cover letter great enough to get you a meeting with the grad school admissions committee.

No problem.

This grad school cover letter guide will show you:

• A graduate school cover letter sample perfect for grad school applications.
• Examples of the ideal components on a cover letter for graduate school applications.
• Tips for using the small space in a grad program cover letter most effectively.
• How to write a cover letter for grad school sure to appease the admissions committee.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

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Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .

Do you always need a cover letter for graduate school?

Many schools don’t require it, opting for a statement of purpose instead. But—

Always check your prospective school’s webpage for the required graduate application materials. Sometimes a grad school cover letter might be compulsory — just like a graduate school resume .

Writing a different academia-related cover letter? Check out these dedicated guides:

• Academic Cover Letter Sample
• Academic Advisor Cover Letter Sample
• Education Advisor Cover Letter Sample
• Research Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Postdoc Cover Letter Sample
• Teacher Cover Letter Sample
• Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Biology Cover Letter Sample
• Letter of Intent for Medical School
• Formal Cover Letter Sample

Want to explore your options further? See our full selection of cover letter examples for every career:  Best Cover Letter Examples.

To start things off, here’s Zety’s example of a grad school cover letter:

Graduate School Cover Letter Sample

Gabrielle Fernandes Costa

1505 Southern Street

Long Island City, NY 11101

June 30, 2019

Dr. Isabelle Holmes

Department of Physical Sciences

The State University of New York at Stony Brook

100 Nicolls Rd.

Stony Brook, NY 11794

Dear Dr. Holmes,

With great pleasure, I would like to submit my application for the Master of Science In Geography program at the Department of Physical Sciences at SUNY Stony Brook. After recently completing my bachelor’s studies, this graduate program is the perfect path forward for me towards my goal of joining the Arctic Research Institute.

As a graduate of Brown University’s Bachelor of Science in Geological & Earth Sciences program, I was fortunate enough to be mentored by some of the greatest minds in these fields. Under their tutelage, I’ve honed my observational and analytical skills, as well as my knowledge of report-taking and reading measurements. I also had the life-changing experience of working with the preeminent polar explorer, Dr. Gilford, on her summer quantifying the rapidly receding coastline of the Queen Elizabeth Islands.

Below my signature, you’ll find the application documents requested from me from the university website. If there is anything further from me you need, please give me a call, and I’ll get to it right away. Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my graduate school application.

• Graduate Admission Application
• Undergraduate Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Standardized Test Scores
• Personal Statement / Essay
• 2x Reference Letters

That was our sample cover letter for graduate school programs.

Here’s how to write your cover letter for graduate school:

1. Address Your Grad School Cover Letter Correctly

A cover letter for grad school may not be identical to one for job applications. 

However— 

They still follow a similar format, which means you begin at the top with a formal header and address.

Here’s how to address a cover letter for grad programs the right way:

Jason J. Davenport

832 Chatham Way

Washington, MD 20008

June 15, 2019

Dr. Margaret J. Waller

Department of Psychology

Golden Gate University

536 Mission St.

San Francisco, CA 94105

Simple, right?

You list your name and address first, leave a space, then follow it by the date you’re writing or submitting this grad school cover letter.

Then, leave a space again before addressing the graduate program director or other person who will decide on your admittance. 

Use their name and title, then the academic department they’re in, and finally the university name and address.

The address on a graduate school program cover letter is probably the easiest portion of the whole writing process. 

But— 

If you don’t add it correctly, you might turn the admissions committee member off before they even start reading!

Pro Tip : We told you to check your school’s specific requirements to see if you need a cover letter at all. However, if you do need one, they could have a particular way to format it or ask you to include a special statement ( here’s an example from Drexel ). Always read carefully!

Looking for more strategies for formatting a cover letter? Read this guide: Cover Letter Format

2. Introduce Yourself First on a Graduate School Cover Letter

Before we get to the good stuff, segue into the cover letter intro with a simple cover letter salutation.

Here are two grad school cover letter greeting examples:

As you can guess, the wrong one is because it doesn’t address someone specifically.

One look at it, and they’ll toss your graduate school application out with window.

Always address the person directly!

Pro Tip : Scour the university’s website to find the graduate program administrator. Another option is to use LinkedIn—it doesn’t have to be only for job seekers. 

We continue with your introduction paragraph.

On a cover letter for graduate school admission, the first paragraph should:

• briefly introduce you and state your interest in applying, 
• list the graduate program you’re aiming to take part in, and 
• give a few basic details about your academic background thus far.

Here are two cover letter examples for graduate school opening statements:

The first example does seem captivating, at first, but a graduate school application is not a place to be informal. On top of that, it doesn’t specify the program you’re applying to.

In the second example, all that changes.

It’s short, tailored, direct, and it is academically professional— 

Just the kind of intro they want.

Pro Tip : Another option, if you’re stuck on content for your intro, is to explain how you found out about this graduate certificate or master’s program. Did a professor recommend you? Perhaps it was promoted at a conference? They’d be interested to find out!

Want more examples of cover letter openings? See this guide: How to Start a Cover Letter: 20+ Great Opening Lines & Paragraphs

3. Explain Your Purpose for Applying to This Particular Graduate Program

You’ve explained your interest in a particular program, and they see that you can see yourself there.

Now— 

Make it clear to the supervisor or admissions board member that you belong there.

The body of a cover letter for graduate program applications should include:

• More information on your undergraduate academic studies.
• A few examples of skills you’ve acquired relevant to this grad program.
• Any experience gained which is applicable to your graduate program.

Here are two sample cover letters for graduate schools (body section):

How about that?

The first one: 

• is way too short 
• lists irrelevant skills (we’re applying for a geography program here), and 
• doesn’t give appropriate experience.

The second example is a winner, and it shows you are, as well.

Pro Tip : Name-dropping on a grad school cover letter can be risky business. While it’s more than appropriate to name one or two professors or other academics, don’t exceed that. Too many names dropped drops your chances. Also, only mention people relevant to your program.

Need more tips for cover letter greatness? Check this post out: 35+ Successful Cover Letter Tips, Advice & Guidelines (With Examples)

4. Close the Cover Letter for Graduate School Succinctly

You’re just about there.

You’ve explained to them what makes you a great candidate for this particular grad program, and you’ve given skills and experience to support it.

Now, let’s wrap it up.

Here are two grad school cover letter examples of closing statements:

Here, though you’re excited for the opportunity, remain professional. It’s a graduate school, so lose the exclamation marks and ditch the informalty.

Pro Tip : Don’t use the last paragraph to include any more points which support your application. If they’re crucial, add them in the previous paragraph. Save this one for a simple thank you and conclusion.

Want to see more great examples of cover letter endings? Check out this article: How to End a Cover Letter [20+ Examples of Great Closing Paragraphs]

5. Sign Off With a List of Enclosed Grad Program Application Documents

To close it off, simply add a valediction (or complimentary close) and your name:

If you will hand-sign this document, add additional spacing to allow for your signature.

And, finally— 

The list of enclosed documents:

That’s it!

Some grad school applicants choose to add a sentence detailing their enclosed documents in the closing paragraph. That’s fine, as well, as long as you include it.

Pro Tip : List your enclosed materials in descending order of importance, usually the way they list it on the university or graduate school’s website.

Looking for a perfect template for your reference pages? Have a look at this article: How to List References on a Resume

But remember—

A cover letter without a strong graduate school resume (or CV) won’t mean a thing.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our online resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Key Takeaway

So, there you have it—

Here’s what you need to include on a cover letter for graduate school:

• Your name and full mailing address.
• The date of the cover letter’s writing.
• The name of the professor you’re writing to.
• The department, school, and school’s address.
• A brief introduction paragraph proclaiming your interest.
• A quick background of your education and experience.
• Skills and other factors which support your application.
• A thank you and a short ending paragraph.
• A list of all your enclosed documents for their convenience.

Do you have a specific grad school cover letter scenario not mentioned here? Need help on your cover letter for graduate school applications? Raise your hand by shooting us over a comment in the space below. Thanks for reading!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://drexel.edu/grad/apply/checklist/
• https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2006/01/applicati

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• Graduate School

Graduate School Cover Letter Examples

With writing tips and a step-by-step guide.

Looking at graduate school cover letter examples is a good idea if you plan on applying to a graduate school program, as you may be required to include a cover letter with your  CV for graduate school  and other application components. Even though it is not a required document for all grad school programs, a well-written graduate school cover letter can help you stand out to the admissions committee and improve your chances of being accepted into your chosen program. This is especially true if you are applying to a highly selective institution or trying to  get into graduate school with a low GPA.

This blog will discuss everything you need to know about writing a cover letter for graduate school. You will learn why cover letters are important, learn tips to make your graduate school cover letter stand out, and you will get to review cover letter samples that will inspire you to write your own. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

What is a graduate school cover letter.

A graduate school cover letter is a brief letter that applicants attach to their graduate school application. Much like a work cover letter, such as a  research assistant cover letter , for example, graduate school cover letters are meant to introduce you and your application to the reader. They give you an opportunity to make an excellent first impression, tell the admission committee that you are interested in their graduate school program and why you believe it is a good fit for you. 

Graduate school cover letters have become less popular as graduate schools typically ask students to fill out their personal information and submit materials online. If you are sending specific application materials or your entire application by mail, then you will need to include a graduate school cover letter. Additionally, a few institutions, like the University of Illinois graduate college, for example, require students to submit a graduate school cover letter with their application, even when it is online. 

Furthermore, even when a graduate program does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, including a well-written and informative letter can help differentiate you from the other students by leaving a lasting impression on the admission committee, thus increasing your chances of admission. That said, before you start writing a cover letter for such a program, you should verify the school's admissions website to ensure that the school accepts additional documents. 

It should also be noted that many graduate students look for work and research opportunities at the school that they will be attending. If that is the case for you, then you will need a graduate school cover letter with your application for that school-related internship, job, or research opportunity. For example, if you’re interested in conducting research with a specific professor while you complete your master’s, then it would be a good idea to send them your application with a cover letter attached so that you can communicate your suitability for their research project.

Graduate school cover letters are academic letters, meaning that they need to be formatted in a way that is professional, clear, and concise. Your graduate school cover letter should be no longer than a page, written in a classic font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Calibri, sized 11 or 12.

The text of your letter should be organized and separated into paragraphs. Keep in mind that your letter may go through several readers, and not all of them may be experts in the field you intend to study, so do not use overly technical language or industry-specific jargon. Keep your language succinct, clear, and consistent throughout the letter.

Lastly, your letter needs to provide a quick introduction to you as a candidate and pique the reader's interest so that they want to read the rest of your application. This means that you should not use your cover letter to list all of the experiences and skills that make you perfect for this graduate program. Simply express your interest in the program, select one or two experiences, skills, or values to focus on, and relate those to your suitability for the program you're applying for.

Wondering how to get into grad school with a lower GPA?

Step 1: Brainstorm & plan 

The first thing you want to do before you start working on your cover letter, or any graduate school admission essay, is make a plan. Think about what you want to say in your cover letter and write it down. Remember that you only have a few paragraphs to work with, and you do not want to repeat information from your personal statement or other application components. 

Once you know what you want your cover letter to say, organize it so that it flows nicely, and it is easy to follow. Your graduate school cover letter should follow the structure of a typical letter. It should have an introductory paragraph, the main body, and a closing paragraph. 

Step 2: Address your letter 

As mentioned earlier, your graduate school cover letter is, in fact, a letter! Therefore, you should begin by addressing it the way you would in a formal letter. Write your full name and mailing address at the very top. We also recommend including your email address and phone number, but this is optional. On the following line, write out the date, and then write the recipient's name (typically, this is the name of the head of the department or just the name of the school you are applying to) and their address. You should verify the school's admissions webpage for this information. If it is unclear and you are unsure whom to address in the letter, contact the school and ask for this information to ensure that your documents get to the right person. 

This first section of your letter should follow this template:

1234 Imaginary Lane

NameofCity, TN 34421

December 12, 20XX

Dr. John Smith

Department of Psychology

BeMo Academic University

66 University Circle

NameofCity, TN 34457

Once again, because this is a formal letter, you want to open your letter with the appropriate greeting or a personal salutation. If you have the name of a specific recipient, you can use the most common salutation for graduate school cover letters, which is "Dear [recipient's name]." Do not forget to include the recipient's title if you have it. If you do not have the name of a specific recipient, then you can simply address the letter "To Whom It May Concern". 

Step 4: Introduce yourself and express your interest in the graduate program

The reader will already have your name at the top of the page, but your introductory paragraph should tell them why you're writing this graduate school cover letter. You should use it to state your interest in your chosen graduate program and briefly mention your academic background and accomplishments thus far. 

Take a look at this example for context: 

I am pleased to submit my application for the Master of Applied Psychology program at X university. As a recent psychology graduate of YZ university, this graduate program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. 

Step 5: Talk about your suitability for this program

This is the main body of your graduate school cover letter. You should try to limit this to one paragraph, but you can use up to two of them if necessary. You should briefly touch on why you chose this particular school and program, what skills you have that have prepared you for this program, and what makes you an ideal applicant. 

You can talk about what you intend to do after this degree or specific professors and faculty members you wish to work with. The information you share here will be personal, so there is no golden template. Just ensure that it is written in an organized fashion that is easy to read and understand. 

Step 6: Conclude and close your letter 

In your last paragraph, make sure you thank the recipient for their time and consideration. You should also encourage them to reach out to you if they need additional information, or if they have any questions. Then finally, You can close your cover letter with a warm, professional closing salutation. "Sincerely" or "Warm Regards" followed by your name are some acceptable closing salutations you can use.

Step 7: List enclosed documents

This section of your graduate school cover letter will look different depending on the school you are applying to, and the application format used. If you are applying by mail, you should list the enclosed documents in the same envelope as your cover letter. If you are applying online or by email, verify that all of the documents listed on your cover letter are attached and ready to send. 

This section should be at the very bottom of the page. It should list the documents in a bullet point format, in the order in which they are enclosed. The list should look something like this: 

Sincerely, 

Jane Doe 

• Program application form 
• Statement of purpose
• Academic transcripts

Letters of recommendation

Graduate school cover letter examples 

Graduate school cover letter example #1.

Candice Williams

1234 Dream St. 

Winnipeg, MB R3J 8T6

[email protected]

204-990-887

August 12, 20xx

Dr. Trevor Thorne

Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media

Toronto, ON M4C 2Y9

Dear Dr. Thorne,

I am excited to submit my application for consideration for the English literature master's program at BeMo Academic University. I have spent the past four years learning the basics of literature analysis through my bachelor's degree in the field, and I am eager to take this next step in my educational journey in order to further my training.

My undergraduate studies allowed me to explore and learn about different forms of literature from around the world. Still, I often found myself drawn to the impressive works of Shakespeare, Milton, Bronte, and many other great English writers. I had the opportunity to study in London for a year, where I attended a seminar on the impact of Charlotte Bronte's work on modern feminism led by none other than Prof. Jane Smith. She is one of the many brilliant professors in the English, Theatre, Film & Media department at BeMo that I hope to learn from. 

You will find enclosed the required application documents, including my academic CV, which provides more information on the research I have been able to do and publish so far in my short academic career. I am especially interested in the role that authors such as William Shakespeare played in the development of modern English, and I wish to explore that further through research. I feel that the rigorous curriculum this program offers will inform my future writing and research efforts, and allow me to achieve my goals. 

Thank you for your time, attention, and consideration. It is truly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information. 

Program application form

Statement of purpose 

Graduate CV

Official undergraduate transcripts

Angela Wong

102-9876 Mainland Rd.

New Haven, CT 44567

[email protected]  

April 8, 20XX

University of BeMo

175 Academy lane

New York, NY 34567

To whom it may concern,

It is my pleasure to submit my application for the Master's degree in Early Childhood Development in the Psychology department at The University of BeMo. I am currently completing my bachelor's degree in psychology and plan to graduate in the fall. Since my goal is to pursue a career as an educational psychologist, this particular program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal. 

My undergraduate degree includes coursework in childhood psychology, special needs education, school and family crisis intervention, and many other courses that have given me the basics required to keep up with the thorough coursework that awaits me in your rigorous program. 

I have also gained valuable knowledge in the field through shadowing and internships in different schools in my community. Observing other child educators at work confirmed that this is the right career path for me, and it motivated me anew to learn how I can best help children develop a love of learning from the early stages of their educational careers. I know that there is only so much I can learn from observing, and the fact that this program provides six months of hands-on training is one of the many reasons why I am hoping to be a student at BeMo next year. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or documents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Research Interest Statement

Cover letters are supposed to be a brief introduction to your application, so unless otherwise specified by the school, they should not be longer than one page. We recommend sticking to three to four paragraphs, as this is long enough to share substantial information without losing your audience. Keep in mind that your reader will also be reviewing your other application components, so you do not need to address everything in this one letter. The information in your other application components, such as your  statement of purpose , will complement your cover letter. So, treat your cover letter like a summary of your candidacy; keep it short but impactful.

Have you started working your graduate school CV? Check out this video for tips:

Be genuine & professional

The individual or committee that will review your application will probably be people that help run the program you're applying to. It is, therefore, best that they get a sense of who you genuinely are. Communicate honestly and let your personality shine through. This will help make your cover letter more memorable. That said, keep in mind that this is a professional document and that genuine does not mean informal or unprofessional. Your tone should still be courteous and consistent throughout the letter.

Proofread & edit carefully

We cannot stress how important this is. Remember that your graduate school cover letter will be one of, if not the first, document that the admissions committee will see from your application. You do not want their first impression of you to be negative. Your letter should be easy to read and follow, and it should be error-free.

Take the time to review your letter multiple times and edit for flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typos. Better yet, reach out to a  grad school essay tutor  for assistance. They can review your cover letter and help you edit it to make sure it is up to par.

Grad school essay tutors can also help you with other tricky written application components, such as  grad school career goals statements . So, do not hesitate to contact one if you need  grad school application help. ","label":"Bonus tip","title":"Bonus tip"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

It is a brief letter that you attach to your graduate school application. This letter should state your interest in the program, and briefly explain why you chose it, as well as why you are a good fit for it.

Many programs do not request graduate school cover letters, but they are more common than most people think. Additionally, several programs accept grad school cover letters even when not required, so you can still submit a cover letter to help your application stand out.

That depends on the program that you are applying to. Some schools may request a cover letter for online applications, and others may not require one, but they allow students to submit them as an optional component.

Graduate school cover letters are not replacements for admission essays like a personal statement or  statement of intent . So if your school requires a graduate school cover letter, do not assume that this means you will not have to write any grad school admission essays.

Unless you are given the name of a specific member of the admission committee, you should address your graduate school cover letter to the "Admissions team," "[subject] Head of Department," or "To Whom It May Concern."

You can make your graduate school cover letter stand out by making sure your personality shines through in your writing, telling a short anecdote or interesting fact about you in the body of the letter, and detailing your relevant skills and experience.

Graduate school can be pretty competitive, but the level of competition depends on the specific program you will be applying to. Some programs have acceptance rates as high as 60%, while others admit less than 10% of applicants.

Graduate school advisors are admission experts who help students plan and prepare for graduate school applications.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, do you need a cover letter for graduate school applications.

Applying to graduate school means getting together a lot of materials. Most likely, you’ll need transcripts, letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a statement of purpose—but do you also need a cover letter for graduate school?

Read on to learn whether you need to submit a graduate school cover letter and how to make one. We’ll also give you six essential tips for making your cover letter for graduate school shine.

Do You Need a Cover Letter for Graduate School?

Generally, you don’t need to submit a cover letter with your graduate school application. Since most programs require you to input your personal information using an online application system, you usually won’t have to submit a separate cover letter as well.

In fact, your statement of purpose already accomplishes most of what a cover letter does: it introduces who you are as well as your academic interests, accomplishments, and goals. Therefore, you most likely won’t need to write a cover letter for your application.

Rarely, a program may ask you to submit a cover letter with your application (or allow you to submit one, even if it’s not required). If you are applying to graduate school by mail, you may want (or need) to include a cover letter in order to highlight your interest in the program and ensure it reaches the correct department.

However, most programs require you to apply online, so you can’t send in an application by mail unless your program allows it.  Aside from these relatively isolated cases, you shouldn’t need to submit a cover letter for graduate school.

That said, if you’re applying for a school-related job or internship, it’s common (and often necessary) to submit a cover letter with your application.  For example, if you were a current grad student looking to conduct research under a specific professor, you could submit a cover letter to that professor explaining who you are and why you’re interested in conducting research with him or her.

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Or, let’s say you’re applying for a part-time job or internship at your school. In this case, you’ll most likely need to submit a cover letter to introduce yourself, your skills, and your employment history.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School: Step by Step

If you plan to submit a graduate school cover letter, it’s important to know what to include on it so that you can make a positive impression on the admission committee (or employer).

In this section, we go over the six essential steps for writing a great cover letter for graduate school. With each step, we give you examples using our original graduate school cover letter sample .

Step 1: Address Your Letter

A clear and organized cover letter is key to making a good impression. Open your letter with your name and contact information followed by your recipient’s name and contact information (as if you were addressing an envelope).

Write your full name first and then use the lines directly beneath it to write your home address. You may also include your phone number and/or email address on a fourth or fifth line after your home address; however, this is optional.

Next, insert a blank space after your contact information and write today’s date. You may use the month-day-year format (e.g., September 4, 2017) or the more formal day-month-year format (e.g., 4 September 2017). Either is fine!

Leave another blank space after the date and  write your recipient’s contact information (i.e., to whom you’re sending your cover letter and application).

The name you use here depends on where you’re sending your application. If applying for admission to a graduate program, address your letter to either the head of the department or the head of the admission committee. If you’re not sure whom to address your letter to, contact your program and ask.

Write the name of the recipient with his or her title, if applicable. On the next line, write the name of the department/school for which the recipient works along with the address of the department/school.

Step 2: Use a Salutation

Like all letters, you should begin your cover letter with a greeting, or salutation, to your recipient.

The most common salutation for cover letters is “Dear [Recipent’s Name]” followed by a comma or a colon.  A comma is a little less formal than a colon, but either mark is acceptable.

If you can’t figure out whom to address your cover letter to, write, “Dear Head of Admissions,” “Dear Graduate Coordinator,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” All of these salutations are acceptable, though less personal than a name; thus, it’s best to find a specific person to address your letter to.

Step 3: Introduce Yourself (Paragraph 1)

Now, we get to the heart of the cover letter. Use this first paragraph to briefly introduce yourself and what program or position you’re applying for.  Also, talk a little about what your background in the field is, why you’re interested in this position/program, and how you heard about it.

Step 4: Summarize Your Background and Qualifications (Paragraph 2)

For this next paragraph, you’ll give a brief summary of any relevant skills and experiences you have that make you an ideal applicant for this program/position. Be sure to focus on transferrable skills— skills that can be applied across a range of fields and positions.

In addition, think deeply about why you’re drawn to this program/school and what it can do for you. What are your research interests and how will this program help you fulfill them? What do you plan to do after completing the program?

Finally, consider how you’ll fit with the program. Do your interests match what the program offers or specializes in? Are there any specific professors or faculty members you wish to work with?

Step 5: Thank Your Reader and List Enclosed Materials (Paragraph 3)

The final paragraph will be a short concluding paragraph in which you thank your reader(s) and give a list of enclosed materials.

When listing what’s enclosed, you may use commas or insert a short bullet list. Normally, you’ll enclose some or all of the following materials:

• Application for the program/position
• Statement of purpose
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation

Be sure to list the enclosed materials in the order in which they’re enclosed. Programs may ask you to submit materials in a specific order, so check that you’re following your program’s directions exactly (and aren’t forgetting to include any documents either).

Another option is to include a list of your enclosed materials at the end of your letter instead of in this final paragraph (see step 6 for more information).

Step 6: Add a Closing Greeting

The last step is to wrap up your letter with a polite closing salutation. There are many greetings you can use to close your letter, such as “Sincerely,” “Yours Truly,” “Warm Regards,” and “Respectfully Yours.”

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After this greeting, insert a blank line and then type your name.  Traditionally, you’d insert three or four blank spaces before typing your name; these spaces would then be used to sign your name in pen. Nowadays it’s OK to skip this step, especially if you’re trying to save space!

Take care to avoid any overly sentimental greetings, such as “Love” or “Forever Yours,” as these are inappropriate for a professional cover letter. Likewise, avoid using the single-word closing “From,” as this can sound a bit rigid and emotionless.

As I mentioned before, you may also insert a list of enclosed materials after your greeting (if you didn’t list them in your concluding paragraph). To do this, insert a space after your typed name and write “Enclosed,” “Enclosure,” or “Enc” followed by a colon. Then, insert a bullet list of the enclosed materials (in the order in which they’re enclosed). Here’s an example:

6 Tips for a Great Graduate School Cover Letter

Your cover letter for graduate school needs to make a great first impression on your program’s admission committee. Here are our top tips for ensuring your cover letter exceeds even your own expectations.

#1: Use a Polite, Professional, and Positive Tone

Because your cover letter is the first document the admission committee will see, be sure to do the following:

• Avoid slang and casual phrases. Nothing says unprofessional like “gotta” and “gonna,” so limit these words to conversations only. Remember, the cover letter is a formal document, much like an essay for school, so it’s better to err on the side of too formal than on the side of too casual.
• Be enthusiastic. Nobody wants to admit an unenthusiastic applicant, so use strong, positive words to convey your pleasure in applying to the program. Stick with upbeat words and phrases such as “happy,” “pleased,” “excited,” “thankful,” “accomplished,” etc.
• Thank your readers. Being polite is all about saying “thank you.” In your letter, thank your readers for their consideration and make it clear that you understand they’re spending a lot of time looking over your application. Don’t thank them over and over, though—this wastes valuable space and ultimately makes you sound desperate!

#2: Be Concise

The cover letter is not the time to delve deep into your personal reasons for pursuing a graduate degree (this is for your statement of purpose!), so be concise without forgoing critical facts about you and why you’re applying.

You’ll typically want to keep your cover letter at a maximum of one page,  with no more than two to four paragraphs. Since this letter is short, avoid getting verbose: don’t use tons of flowery language or open with a broad statement. Rather, get straight to the point of who you are, what program you’re applying to, and why you’re a qualified candidate.

If you’re not sure what to include in your letter, read through your resume/CV and statement of purpose to make note of what you’ve already mentioned in those documents. Then, cut down (or remove completely) any similar parts in your cover letter. In short, don’t repeat information you’ve already talked in detail about in other parts of your application.

#3: Use a Neutral Font Face, Size, and Color

Because the cover letter is a professional document, you’ll want to keep its format simple and elegant, as you would a school essay.

Stick with basic “generic” fonts,  such as Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma, and Calibri. Don’t get creative by choosing fonts such as Comic Sans and Chiller—this will make your cover letter look wildly unprofessional and implies you’re not taking the application process seriously.

In terms of size, don’t use a super small or super large font size. You shouldn’t need to squeeze in tons of information on your cover letter, so an 11- or 12-point font should work fine.

Finally, use a regular black font color (on regular white computer paper). Wacky colors, like wacky font faces, will only make you look unprofessional!

#4: Single-Space Text

Unlike school essays, for which you always double-space and indent your paragraphs, the cover letter is single-spaced and uses block paragraphs. This means that instead of pressing the “tab” button to indent each paragraph, you’ll separate each paragraph from the next using a single blank space.

You should also insert a blank line when indicating any sort of transition from one element in your cover letter (e.g., a salutation) to another (e.g., a paragraph). Use our graduate school cover letter sample  to better understand how spacing should look.

#5: Align Everything Left

On cover letters, everything needs to be aligned left, from your address and date to your salutations and paragraphs. As I mentioned above, you do not  need to indent your paragraphs, so keep these aligned left as well.

There’s no need to justify your paragraphs.  In fact, I advise against doing this, as the justification tool on Word often inserts bizarre spacing between words, making paragraphs more difficult to read.

#6: Edit and Proofread

Like every part of your application, take time to edit and proofread your cover letter. Go over the technical and stylistic sides of your writing: make sure your paragraphs flow well together, and check that you haven’t made any glaring grammar, spelling, or formatting mistakes. (For specific tips on formatting, see tips 3-5 above as well as our graduate school cover letter sample .)

I also strongly suggest getting someone else to read your cover letter. A separate pair of eyes will ensure that your letter is as clear and cogent as it can be.

Remember, your cover letter is the first part of your application the admission committee will see, so it must be as close as possible to perfect. Typos and errors will set a negative tone for the rest of your application, even if your other materials are strong. Don’t let the cover letter be your downfall!

Recap: How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School

Cover letters for graduate school are generally quite rare. Most programs require you to fill out your personal information and submit materials online, so you won’t usually need to submit a cover letter with your application.

That said, if you are applying for a graduate program by mail, have been asked to submit a cover letter, or are applying for a school-related job or internship, you’ll need to know how to write a cover letter for graduate school.

A graduate school cover letter must include the following elements:

• Your name and address
• Your recipient’s name and address
• A greeting (usually “Dear [Name]”)
• Two to three paragraphs explaining who you are, what you’re applying for, and why you’re a qualified applicant
• A concluding paragraph thanking your recipient for considering you and including a list of any enclosed materials (e.g., a statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)
• A closing greeting with your name (typed, or typed and signed)

Finally, to make a great cover letter for graduate school, be sure to follow these six tips:

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• Use a polite, professional, and positive tone
• Use a neutral font face, size, and color
• Single-space text
• Align everything left
• Edit and proofread

You should now have no trouble creating a strong cover letter for graduate school!

What’s Next?

You know how to write a graduate school cover letter—but what about a CV? A resume?  Check out our guides on how to write a CV and  resume  to learn what to include, what to leave out, and how to raise your odds of getting accepted to your program. And if you get stuck, use  our high-quality resume and CV templates  as a guide!

Need to write an essay for graduate school, too?  Learn how to write a personal statement  and how to write a statement of purpose using our in-depth guides and expert tips. We’ve also got samples of both personal statements (coming soon) and statements of purpose .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

How to write a cover letter for a master's degree

05 Dec 2023

Etudiants & apprenants

To gain access to certain courses , a covering letter is an essential step. This is especially true in business , where the cover letter is the first contact you make with the teaching staff . It can help you stand out from the other applicants . IPAG Business School takes a look at how to write a convincing masters cover letter .

Is a covering letter necessary for admission to a Master's programme?

The cover letter plays a crucial role in your application to a Master's programme . It enables you to apply for a Master's degree at the university or school of your choice, while showing that you have given careful thought to your career plans .

This letter shows that you have considered the Grande École programme that interests you and that you have understood how these courses will help you in your future career .

While the cover letter is sometimes a compulsory prerequisite , it is also a tool for the student . It's the ideal opportunity to highlight your personality , your uniqueness and your experience . It allows you to stand out from any competitors and ensures that your application is validated. The admissions panel can learn more about you, your background and your vision for your future career.

As well as being a true testamen t to your intentions, the cover letter is also an indirect way of demonstrating your written communication skills .

Far from being a mere administrative formality , it can be the key to securing an interview with a view to your admission to a Master's programme .

What research should I do before writing a cover letter for a Masters course?

Before you start writing your letter , start by finding out about the specifics of the school and programme you are applying for. This will make your letter more consistent with your CV and your career plan .

It's very important to tailor your cover letter to the school and Master's programme you're applying for. Do not send a single standard letter to all the universities or schools you have selected. The worst idea would be to download a model letter from the Internet and send it en masse to the schools and masters courses that really interest you!

For example, you don't apply for a master's in corporate finance in exactly the same way as for a master's in supply chain . Show that your choice has been carefully thought through and that you have considered each programme . Show the jury that this is the right school for you to enter the job market .

What should your cover letter for a Masters course contain?

Writing a cover letter for a course is not always easy. You need to be both precise and concise. It should summarise your orientation , your career path and your ideas for the future. This letter complements your CV by adding a personal touch and responding to certain codes .

Take a look at this information:

• your studies and education (if you feel it is worth mentioning) ;
• any associative experience you may have
• your professional experience ;
• your personal skills and abilities ;
• your career objectives .

How should a cover letter for a Master's degree be structured?

The header of the cover letter for a master's degree.

Address your cover letter correctly. You need to make a good impression from the very first words. This will show that you are capable of paying attention to detail.

Example: "For the attention of Mr or Mrs XXX": as far as possible, mention the name of the head of the department of your chosen course. If you don't have the name, write "Service XXX" or "École XXX". Also include the address.

Next, add a subject to your letter. Example: "Subject: Application for Master's degree XXX".

Follow this with a simple, classic opening line : "Mr XXX", "Mrs XXX", or "Dear Sir/Madam" if you don't know the name of the person you are addressing .

The body of the cover letter for a Master's degree

1. The first part should be about you. Present your profile and background, and explain why you have chosen to apply.

2. The second part focuses on the educational establishment , and more specifically on the Master's degree you wish to enter. In this section, focus on what the institution offers and what you are aiming for. List the reasons why the programme interests you and highlight the information you have gathered in your preliminary research.

3. The third part should summarise your views on your future relationship with the educational establishment. Talk about why you think you are a good fit for the programme and what this course will enable you to achieve in the future.

The conclusion of your masters application letter

The conclusion is crucial, and it's best not to rush it. Be persuasive , indicating that you are awaiting a positive response and that you are ready to commit yourself to the course.

Don't forget to say thank you and choose a polite formula . You can find inspiration on the Internet to write the most appropriate formula.

A few tips to follow when writing your cover letter for a master's degree

Whether you're looking to get into a digital marketing master's , an entrepreneurship master's or any other master's , here are a few tips for writing a powerful cover letter for your training application.

Don't hesitate to include a few concrete examples in your cover letter. This is another way of ensuring that it complements your CV and makes the members of the selection panel want to know more about you.

Avoid clichés , generalities , phrases that use a lot of emphasis or the use of many superlatives. This weighs down the message more than anything else. Your style should be both effective and punchy. Don't hesitate to ask for help and get someone else to read it for you . This outsider will be able to give you an objective opinion.

Write your letter and allow a little time to pass before rereading it. Mistakes and language errors will be easier to spot.

What are the mistakes to avoid in a cover letter for a master's degree?

In all cover letters, you should :

• Avoid adopting an arrogant or overly modest tone .
• Take care with the formatting of the letter and show that you have an eye for detail.
• Identify and correct grammatical and spelling errors .
• Avoid repeating everything on your CV .

You now have all the tools you need to apply for the Master's programme of your choice with a solid, high-quality cover letter. This will enable you to get an interview with a business school as quickly as possible. University Masters, business school... use these few tips to apply with peace of mind. Don't hesitate to contact the business school that interests you for more information and advice. Want to go further? Find out now how to find an internship for your course.

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TOEIC certifications are nowadays a real totem to certify a good level of English to a top school or recruiter. Which test to take? How to prepare for it? Where to register? Follow our TOEIC guide...

25 Feb 2022

How can learners improve their English?

With globalization, English has become the essential language for international work environments and English fluency is a prerequisite to access many job opportunities . In addition to the standard approach of taking language classes, here are some tips to improve your English and move rapidly from an intermediate level to advanced proficiency.

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Engineering Master’s Cover Letter Advice

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Decide What to Write Using This Three-Sentence Method

­Save time and frustration! Before you write, answer these two questions, writing three critical sentences:

• ­ Why have I decided to spend my time applying for this specific opportunity and not something else? Write this into a one or two-sentence “connection story” that most other people couldn’t or wouldn’t also have written.

­Cut and paste all of these sentences into a “master cover letter”. In the future, you’ll prioritize your message with the three questions, then be able to find and edit existing information into the cover letter template, saving even more time.

­ Structure Your Document Using This Template

Dear [insert recipient’s name],

Take time to research the recipient of your cover letter. Replacing “hiring manager” with a name is preferred.

First Paragraph (Introduction)

­Write a brief paragraph that opens with your connection story, includes the name of the role and any application details like the requisition number, and goes on to state your two impact sentences. If you have additional information to include, like who you were referred by, include it in the first paragraph.

­ Second Paragraph (Evidence of Impact 1)

­Elaborate on your first impact sentence. Briefly describe 2-3 examples of your success in this area to illustrate and bring evidence to the claim. You will use data and technical examples but remember that this exists to tell the story of how your past success relates to this future opportunity.­

­ Third Paragraph (Evidence of Impact 2)

­Elaborate on your second impact sentence following the same guidelines as above. Remember that 2-3 examples to show a pattern across different settings can be more powerful than a singular success.

­ Final Paragraph (Conclusion and next steps)

• ­Politely and briefly conclude, adding no new ideas.
• If you have next actions to take and are perfectly certain you will follow through, state them here.
• Include any contact information not already on the page.

­Sincerely,

[insert your name]

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Graduate Cover Letter

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One vital part of the job application process, especially online job applications is the graduate cover letter. This is your real first impression – something beyond a standard form CV – that will let you show off what you can bring to the company and what you’re hoping they can give to you.

But how exactly should you go about writing a cover letter? After all, surely everything important has been said in your CV ? Not true! Think of your CV as a list of all the necessary points, and the graduate cover letter as someone taking a highlighting, picking pertinent points, and then writing more about them. You can also highlight things that might not have made it to the CV, but that are still relevant – maybe a particular hobby , or general skill gained outside of work.

Remember, your cover letter shouldn’t be too long, and should be quick and interesting to read. It’s not an essay, it’s a brief introduction to the most important and relevant parts of you. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the basics...

Graduate cover letter examples

Generally, there’s a set way you want to write a cover letter, just as there is with CV s. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be original or unique in the content, just that there are certain things you should aim to get in. Generally the follow pattern is good to follow:

Dear [Name],

Paragraph detailing your skills – those mentioned on the CV, but giving more detail and talking about specific achievements.

Paragraph explaining why the company appeals to you – try to be specific ‘because this particular area...’, rather than a general ‘because it’s a world-leader’.

Conclusion, pointing out again your commitment to the role, and a suggestion for them to get in touch.

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Method of communication - email/phone/etc]

However, don’t be afraid to change some aspects of this if the job requires it. For instance, a speculative application requires a very different style of opening paragraph, and a graduate cover letter for a more creative job may have a bit more room to break the format. In general though, this is a good template to follow.

An example of this template filled in:

Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing with regards to [job role] advertised on [website]. Please find attached my CV, which shows I have the necessary qualifications and experience in the workplace.

Second paragraph, no work experience

My degree course  has prepared me well for this position. During my dissertation, I was required to do a lot of independent research, which required self-motivation, and the ability to organise and work on a long term project. In particular, [module] has helped prepare me by [talk about skills gained].

Second paragraph, add on if have work experience

In addition, I have worked at [company], as [role]. This role required [discuss skills]. In particular, [highlight one example of a specific event/project/incident that required certain skills and what you did].

I’m attracted to this role, because [reasons specific to that company, not general ones] and I hope that I can demonstrate to you that I would be a good fit for this company, with my proven skills, commitment to the role, and enthusiasm to learn.

I am available to start [when?]. Please do get in touch if you have any questions,

Yours sincerely,

[email protected]

How to write a graduate cover letter

So now we’ve looked at some templates, let’s look at some brief tips on how to write a graduate cover letter:

#1 Point out where your degree is relevant Don’t just assume having a degree will sell you, instead you need to point out just why it makes you useful. This is slightly easier for say, a marketing job with a marketing degree, but you can work it with any. For instance, applying for a journalist role with a philosophy degree? Point out how you’ve learned to condense lots of information into clear, understandable forms, and how you also touched on things such as politics and scientific ethics.

#2 Don’t be general about skills, give examples Never just say ‘I am good at communicating’. Everyone says this. Show us how! Did you have a fundraising job and participate in the university’s highest raising campaign? Mention it. Or maybe you worked in customer service and got given more responsibilities due to your skills. Definitely worth saying! Concrete examples of your skills will look much more impressive than a generic ‘I can do [x]’.

#3 Highlight relevant non-paid activities If you have a non-paid role that taught you relevant skills, throw it in there. Things such as being the treasurer of a society, or volunteering at children’s events can teach you things, and show that you didn’t just do your degree – you made the effort to do additional things too.

#4 Show commitment to the role Remember – you’re not applying to jobs you’re applying to this particular job. So talk about what you’d like to do with this company, and where you’d like to be in this company – not in general.

#5 Do your research! Make sure you know about the company, and can point out specifically why you want to work there. No ‘because it’s well-known’. For example, if you’re applying for a role at Lush, it goes without saying that Lush is well known for its ethical campaigning, so rather than saying ‘because Lush is ethical’, you would say ‘because [x] campaign really stood out to me, because [reasons]’. This shows you’re interested in working for them, not just a general company.

Bearing these points in mind, and following the general method shown above, you’ll have a great graduate cover letter in no time.

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Layoffs could spike as one labor-market indicator says a recession is already here, market forecaster says

• The US may already be in a recession, according to Danielle DiMartino Booth.
• A steady rise in the unemployment rate above cycle lows signals a recession, she said. 
• Other forecasters have said the unemployment rate could reach 5% by year-end. 

The US could see a rise in layoffs, and there's one indicator in the labor market that suggests a recession is already here, according to veteran market forecaster Danielle DiMartino Booth.

The Quill Intelligence Research chief strategist pointed to worrying signs in the labor market, despite headline job growth remaining strong. The economy added 303,000 workers in March — but the jobless rate has steadily ticked higher, rising from a low of 3.4% in April 2023 to around 3.8% last month. 

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As of February, the labor market has been pointing to a historical recession indicator that flashes when the unemployment rate rises 0.35% above its cycle low and holds above that level for at least three months. That was the case for the 2008 recession, Booth noted, with the National Bureau of Economic Research dating the recession back to the month the indicator was first triggered.

"So we're in a recession, as far as the unemployment rate is concerned," Booth said, speaking in an interview on The David Lin Report last week.

Job cuts have climbed this year. Total layoffs and discharges rose nearly 10% year-over-year in February , according to Federal Reserve data — and worker firings could accelerate in the coming months, Booth predicted, given that layoffs typically surge as firms report earnings. 

She estimated that layoffs for the year could rise to 370,000 by the end of April. That would be the highest number of layoffs recorded over the first four months of the year since 2009, in the wake of the Great Financial Crisis, she said. 

Booth has been warning for months of a coming wave of job losses . Top economist David Rosenberg has also predicted that the unemployment rate could rise to around 5% by the end of the year as a recession hits the economy. 

Watch: How tech layoffs could affect the economy

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