The cover letter is your opportunity to make a persuasive argument for why the hiring committee should invest in you as a colleague. Unlike industry cover letters, academic cover letters are typically longer (2-3 pages) and serve as a comprehensive introduction to your scholarly identity, research agenda, and teaching philosophy. It goes beyond your CV by weaving together your research, teaching, and service into a cohesive story that aligns with the department’s mission and priorities.
Before writing your cover letter, it’s essential to research the norms and expectations of your discipline and the type of institution you’re applying to. Some departments may prioritize research and publication records, while others may focus more on teaching and community engagement. An effective cover letter will strike the right tone, highlight your most relevant accomplishments, and align your letter with what the search committee is looking for. Review sample letters, consult with your mentoring team, and read job postings closely to gain valuable insights into what’s expected. Once you have a draft, reach back to your mentoring team for review.
Tips for a Strong Cover Letter
- Tailor Each Letter: Read the job posting carefully and be sure to specifically address the requirements listed so that your letter reflects the needs of the institution and department. Mention specific faculty members, research centers, or programs at the institution that align with your work.
- Strong Introduction: Clearly state the position you are applying for, where you found the job posting, and a brief summary of your interest in the position and why you are a good fit.
- Research Accomplishments: Provide a clear and compelling summary of your research to date, emphasizing its significance within your field and its broader impact, and describe your key findings, methodologies, and contributions.
- Future Research Agenda: Include specific questions you plan to pursue and how your work will evolve, and connect your future research to the department. Demonstrating how your research complements and enhances the department’s strengths will help the committee see you as a valuable and strategic addition to their team. For example, are you addressing a gap or introducing a new area of inquiry? Will your work create new opportunities for collaboration or interdisciplinary initiatives with current faculty?
- Teaching Experience: Highlight your teaching philosophy, experience, and any innovative teaching methods you’ve used in a way that highlights your effectiveness and enthusiasm as an educator. Mention specific courses you have taught or assisted with, and explain how you engage students through your teaching methods or philosophy, including examples of innovative practices, use of technology, or inclusive strategies that support diverse learners. Also discuss the types of courses you are prepared to teach and how your teaching aligns with or enhances their curriculum. If the institution places a strong emphasis on teaching, this section should be expanded to reflect your commitment and contributions in this area.
- Service and Leadership: Summarize your involvement in activities that support the functioning and development of your institution or field. This may include committee memberships, peer review work, event organization, mentorship programs, outreach initiatives, and contributions to academic societies. Demonstrating your commitment to service illustrates your willingness to contribute to the academic community and enhances your profile as a well-rounded candidate dedicated to the institution’s broader mission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic Content: Be specific about your achievements and how they align with the institution’s needs.
- Excessive Length and Repetition: Keep your cover letter concise and adhere to discipline norms (typically 1-2 pages). Instead of simply repeating information from your CV, focus on providing a high-impact summary of your most relevant qualifications by highlighting key achievements and experiences that align closely with the job.
- Unfocused Structure: Ensure your cover letter has a clear focus and well-defined structure. Each paragraph should serve a specific purpose and contribute to your overall narrative. Start with the most critical sections, prioritizing them based on the job description and department priorities. This approach ensures that your key qualifications and experiences are highlighted effectively, making it easier for the hiring committee to immediately see your fit for the position
- Grammatical Errors: Carefully proofread for typos and grammatical errors. Use a professional format and font.
Online Resources
- HERC Jobs, The Academic Job Search: Presenting Yourself on Paper
- PLOS Computational Biology, Ten simple rules for writing a cover letter to accompany a job application for an academic position
- Chronicle of Higher Education, How to Write a Persuasive Cover Letter
- Chronicle of Higher Education, How to Write a Successful Cover Letter
