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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When you're applying for a faculty position with a college or university, the cover letter is your first chance to make a strong impression as a promising researcher and teacher. Below you'll find some strategies for presenting your qualifications effectively in an academic context.
A cover letter for an academic job has a function similar to one for a business job, but the content differs significantly in quantity and kind. While the general advice for business cover letters—such as tailoring your letter for the specific job and selling your strengths—still applies, a cover letter for an academic position should be long enough to highlight in some detail your accomplishments during your graduate education in research, teaching, departmental service, and so on. The typical letter is thus usually one and a half to two pages long, but not more than two—roughly five to eight paragraphs.
In the opening of your letter you need to convey some basic information, such as what specific position you are applying for (using the title given in the job notice) and where you learned of the opening. Since a cover letter is a kind of persuasive writing (persuading a hiring committee to include you on a list of candidates for further review), the first paragraph of your letter should also make the initial claim as to why you are a strong candidate for the position.
In an academic context knowing your audience means reading the job notice carefully and knowing the type of institution to which you are applying. Most graduate students have studied a broad range of material within their discipline before specializing in a narrow field for the dissertation project. Since it is rare to find a job notice specifying your exact qualifications, you need to emphasize those aspects of your graduate training that seem particularly relevant to the position advertised.
If you're still working on your dissertation, you should mention somewhere in the letter when you expect to be awarded the Ph.D., even being as specific as to mention how many chapters have been completed and accepted, how many are in draft version, and what your schedule for completion is. Last-paragraph tips include the following:
Job seekers at Purdue University may find value in the Purdue Career Wiki.
In your professor cover letter, it is imperative to display your academic expertise. Highlight your publications and research to showcase your contributions to your field. Connect your teaching philosophy to your professional experiences. Illustrate how you engage with students to foster an effective learning environment.
Cover letter guide.
Professor Cover Letter Sample
Cover Letter Format
Cover Letter Salutation
Cover Letter Introduction
Cover Letter Body
Cover Letter Closing
No Experience Professor Cover Letter
Key Takeaways
Embarking on the job hunt, you've realized a well-crafted professor cover letter is expected alongside your resume. But here's the challenge: You must capture attention without echoing your CV, opting instead to spotlight that crowning professional achievement that defines you. Writing in a formal yet fresh tone can feel like a tightrope walk, all while keeping your story compelling and concise within a one-page limit. Let's unlock the secrets to creating that impactful, cliché-free cover letter.
Use the power of Enhancv's AI: drag and drop your professor resume, which will swiftly be converted into your job-winning cover letter.
If the professor isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
Hazel Clark
San Antonio, Texas
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When using our cover letter builder , make sure to include these vital sections:
Our cover letter templates are already set up for you with the best professor cover letter design with single-spaced paragraphs and a one-inch margin.
As for the font of your professor cover letter, use the same one as you did in your resume (where modern and simple fonts, like Rubik and Bitter, take precedence over Arial and Times New Roman).
Your professor cover letter is created with the recruiters in mind - as no Applicant Tracker System looks over this part of your profile.
When sending over your professor cover letter, download it in PDF. This format allows your information and design to stay intact and to keep the same visual quality.
As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Write your professor cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:
Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.
In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".
The opening paragraph of your professor cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing ?
In your professor cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your professor cover letter - the body .
In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.
What better way to do this than by storytelling?
And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.
Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.
Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.
Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.
The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.
The final paragraph of your professor cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression .
Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:
Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).
If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your professor cover letter with a follow-up request.
You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.
Even though you may not have any professional experience , your professor cover letter should focus on your value.
As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.
Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.
If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.
Creating your professor cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:
Explore additional professor 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.
Which resume font to use for making an outstanding resume, how to write responding to recruiter email [templates included], how to make resume margins the right size, resume order of jobs – does it matter, area of expertise: a smart way to curate resume experience and skills.
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Criteria for success.
The faculty cover letter is the first part of your application to be read by the Faculty Search Committee. Your cover letter may be the only part anyone reads if the Search Committee doesn’t like what they see in your cover letter. Therefore, the primary purpose of a Faculty cover letter is to capture attention and generate interest among members of the specific department for which you are applying.
The cover letter should serve as a letter of introduction. It connects all other application material, such as the CV, research statement, and teaching statement. Brainstorm approaches to reiterate important points and themes between these documents in a complementary, cohesive, and concise manner. The cover letter should not be longer than one page.
Knowing what the Faculty Search Committee is looking for will help you tailor your application. Searches for new hires often focus on specific research areas ( e.g., robotics, machine learning, nanomaterials, systems, renewable energy). If this is the case, you should customize your application to highlight your work in the specified research area. Explain why you are a good fit and how you’ll benefit the department.
Alternatively, departments may concentrate solely on the best candidates regardless of pre-selected scientific disciplines. In such cases, you have more flexibility in presenting yourself. Still, you should indicate your research area in a clear manner and give a strategic vision for your research program.
Additionally, academic employment opportunities differ based on whether positions are tenure-track or non-tenure track, research-focused or teaching-focused, and the type of institution (R1 university, liberal arts college, etc.). Investigate the responsibilities and culture associated with each of these positions, and include only information relevant to the specific position – don’t waste valuable space on irrelevant experiences.
The cover letter emphasizes your past and present academic career while promoting your future potential. For many of us, exuding confidence in an open letter of introduction is challenging, but you have to believe in yourself before you can convince others to believe in you.
In academia, the institutions and departments you have attended and the advisors for whom you have worked do matter. State this information in Scientific Achievements . Inform your audience if you have co-taught classes with distinguished professors in Teaching & Mentorship or emphasize existing collaborations in the Motivation & Impact section.
Academia identifies scientific contributions by the following conventions: number of publications, quality, and impact. In addition to research articles, noteworthy contributions may also include book chapters, or your role as a conference or journal reviewer. Emphasize alternative sources of scientific communication (and funding) such as distinguished merit-based fellowships.
Engineering students are likely to be co-authors of patents; state this information.
Beyond reiterating your past accomplishments, you must also show you are prepared to handle the future challenges of being a Principal Investigator. By far, the most difficult paragraph to write in the faculty cover letter focuses on the Motivation & Impact of your future research program. Clearly articulate the vision of your future research program and describe how your leadership will facilitate an environment of scientific and teaching excellence. Demonstrate expert understanding of your field, and confidently state your qualifications as a leader in research, educator, and citizen of the university.
Your application will be one out of hundreds. You must differentiate yourself and your research program from other candidates, as well as previous or current advisor(s). Ask yourself what you will do that is unique compared to any of your past or future colleagues. How will you uniquely fit into the department? What is your niche?
The Motivation & Impact section provides an opportunity to concisely define your niche. State specific aims of your proposed research that expand upon the department’s core strengths while simultaneously diversifying the university’s research portfolio ( e.g., emerging research fields, state-of-the art technologies, novel applications). Carefully consider research centers, core facilities, or affiliated institutes at the university. In many cases, campus- or state-wide research initiatives may complement your research program.
Finally, take advantage of any experiences you’ve had outside of academia. Have you previously worked in industry or consulted? Would these former and future relationships lead to additional funding for your lab? If so, suggest more unusual avenues of additional funding. It may no longer suffice to focus primarily on traditional grants sponsored by government agencies. Think of creative alternatives and diversify your future financial portfolio. This, in turn, differentiates your research program from colleagues.
Finally, you will more than likely apply to multiple departments and universities. Therefore, modify your niche for every application!
Again, your application is one out of hundreds. Helping the Faculty Search Committee easily identify important information in your cover letter will only improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. A faculty cover letter should not exceed 1 page , so you must present your qualifications to the Faculty Search Committee in a concise manner.
Maximize impact of words. When it’s accurate, use verbs that illustrate impact (“led,” “developed,” “innovated”) over verbs that make you sound passive (“participated”). Aim for verbs that are more specific to the actual contribution you made.
Minimize redundancy and wordiness. For every sentence, challenge yourself to remove as many words as possible without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Use keywords. Keywords cited by grant-funding agencies, easily recognizable by any faculty member, should be included in relevant sections of your faculty cover letter. Using field-specific vocabulary may demonstrate your understanding of the field and the department’s needs, but be aware that Faculty Search Committees that are more mixed in expertise may require simpler vocabulary and/or explanations accessible to a broader audience.
Maintain abundant white space. In terms of formatting, inclusion of white space is easy on the eye while providing a precise transition from one section to the next.
Crafting your faculty application is a process that will continue indefinitely.
Above all else, remember that the faculty application is a creative process. Enjoy it!
Content adapted by the MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Communication Lab from an article originally created by the MIT Biological Engineering Communication Lab .
Ee faculty cover letter.
Submitted by an MIT PhD candidate who now holds a faculty position at UT Austin 474 KB
Cover letter template for academic faculty and teaching positions.
Below is a general template for use when crafting a cover letter for academic teaching positions. Before getting started, you will also want to review the academic cover letter samples .
Optional – include header (similar to your resume and other supporting documents)
[Mailing date] [Search committee mailing info, including department and address] [Dear Professor _____________________, or Dear Search Committee Chair and Members:] [Paragraph 1: simple introduction.]
I am writing to apply for the position of [official title] announced in the XXX [e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education]. I am completing a Ph.D. in XX from the [department name] at the University of California, Davis. I will defend my dissertation, "[dissertation title]” and expect to graduate in [month]. OR: I am finishing the first year of my postdoc with XX [your PI's name or in the lab of XX], where I am working on X, Y, and Z [briefly describe, but leave the bulk of the research description for the below sections]. [Paragraph 2: principal research area(s) and dissertation - this paragraph along with paragraph 3 would follow the introduction when applying for a faculty or teaching position within a R1 university emphasizing the research over the teaching. For Liberal Arts Colleges and State Universities, research and teaching paragraphs should be somewhat balanced in length. For teaching-only Community Colleges, a research statement might be included towards the bottom of the cover letter, but only in the context of staying on top of the discipline in order to perform more effectively as a teacher. ]
My principal research area is X [area here], with a focus on [focus area(s)]. [3-4 sentence summary of dissertation here]. I've used X method/technique/approach to explore W and Z. [Paragraph 3: other research areas, contributions, and future directions - this paragraph would be included for R1, Liberal Arts College or State University.]
My immediate research priority is to expand this manuscript into a book. I will direct future research toward [1-2 sentences on next project]. [Add additional sentences on your broader research agenda, how you would apply this to your new institution]. [Paragraph 4: teaching experience and interests - this paragraph would follow the 1st paragraph when applying to a State University.]
During my [number] years at X [campus], I have taught [identify what you have taught, particularly as it relates to the institution you are applying]. [Add 2 or so sentences on any pedagogical training, innovative approaches you have taken in the classroom, technology you've used, areas you are particularly interested in exploring, and/or specific new class or seminars you would like to teach at their institution]. [Paragraph 5: closing.]
I have enclosed my CV, a writing sample, and a teaching philosophy state [or whatever they ask for…]. Three faculty recommendations will be mailed under separate cover [or by Interfolio , a dossier service]. I will attend the XX conference in [city] this year, and I can always be reached by phone or email. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [your signature] [your email] – include if you don’t use a header [your phone number] – include if you don’t use a header
Adapted from a template provided by Robert P. Newcomb, Ph.D., Department of Spanish & Portuguese, UC Davis
The Professor Is In
Guidance for all things PhD: Graduate School, Job Market and Careers
Times are weird so here is help –a july special.
By Karen Kelsky | July 4, 2024
I know, I know it's summer (actually writing this on July 4 which I do not celebrate) but Fall is coming and if you know you're going to be applying for academic jobs (because we are all, every one of us, suckers for punishment in one way or … [Read more...] about Times Are Weird So Here is Help –a July Special
By Karen Kelsky | May 1, 2024
Can AI Write an Academic Cover Letter?Short answer: no.Years back I wrote:"Anyone can write a cover letter fast, over a weekend. A BAD cover letter, that is.But to write a good one takes weeks, even months, of close, painstaking edits."Why?Because … [Read more...] about Can AI Write an Academic Cover Letter? Part 1 of an Experiment
By Karen Kelsky | October 25, 2022
Our Academic Job Market Webinar Series Starts this week! While the data is mixed, some fields are seeing a rebound in academic hiring to pre-pandemic levels (which are not good levels, but are better than the last couple of years). If you're … [Read more...] about Academic Job Search Live Webinars Start Friday!
By Karen Kelsky | August 15, 2022
I periodically publish a Careers Digest on Facebook, and here is the one for August 2022. We'll start a whole new one for the '22-23 academic year from this point on. Our individual goal is to help you advance in your career; our overarching … [Read more...] about Leveling the Academic Playing Field: Our Mission
By Karen Kelsky | February 24, 2022
I just gathered up a new Spring 2022 Career Outcomes Digest, with updates from both clients and readers. Lots of great updates on interviews, job offers, negotiations, and grants, plus one successful client tenure case! The negotiators make me … [Read more...] about Spring 2022 Career Outcomes Digest
By Karen Kelsky | December 12, 2021
A genre of tweet has been gaining steam the last couple weeks, about the complete meaninglessness of academic job application documents or processes. It's all a crap shoot, argues this line of thought. Further, the collapse in hiring has only exposed … [Read more...] about Nihilism Was Inevitable
By Karen Kelsky | February 10, 2020
In our new Dispatches series, we crowdsource responses to questions we see about the academic job market and career. Last week we put out the question: “Search committee members–what mistakes do you see candidates make? What do you wish they … [Read more...] about #Dispatches From the Front, What Candidates Are Doing Wrong, Part III of III: “Don’t Forget the Basics”
By Karen Kelsky | September 19, 2019
By Katie Harling-Lee This post and a companion post on the Non-Academic Job Market are summaries of two talks I gave at the University of Durham in the UK, generously compiled by Katie Harling-Lee, who attended. For anyone curious about my … [Read more...] about Workshop Summary: Hacking the Academic Job Market
By Karen Kelsky | July 31, 2019
Sharing another post in our new semi-regular series, "Missives from the Editing Trenches" written by long-time TPII editors. They are the real MVPs, working in the trenches to catch you in all your job document pitfalls -- from the self-deprecating … [Read more...] about How to Turn Your Teaching Duds into Memorable Statements
By Karen Kelsky | March 30, 2019
I got the chance to meet a client-turned-R1 assistant professor at the AAA meetings, and I asked her what she found most helpful about the work with me. She took the time to write it out. This is what she wrote. I finished my PhD in Anthropology … [Read more...] about Trailer Park Professor: On R1 Success and Learning to Value Yourself (A Guest Post)
All those years of writing countless academic papers make it seem like something you could do in your sleep. As for job applications … well, how hard can it be to knock out a faculty position cover letter?
Be assured that cover letters are in a writing league of their own, and rarely second nature to anyone. That’s one reason Resume.io is here to help. Our job search resources include more than 180 occupation-specific cover letter examples, each paired with a writing guide.
This step-by-step guide aims to demystify the process of writing a faculty position cover letter. Backed by an adaptable faculty position cover letter example, we’ll discuss:
Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.
For related examples and writing guides in our Education category, check out the following:
For anyone accustomed to writing scholarly research papers and dissertations, the simplicity of a cover letter’s format can be a welcome treat. Like any type of letter, it conforms to this outline of parts:
Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter middle part (body).
Cover letters are a critical part of the job application process, and yet many struggle with how to write them. The cover letter writing tips in this guide will help you move beyond amateur errors and into the realm of a job-winning professional.
Before taking a closer look at the purpose of each cover letter part and how to optimize the impact, here is some general advice.
Assume your cover letter recipient is busy with many other preoccupations. That includes dozens, if not hundreds, of other faculty job applications to weed through and pour over. Making life easier for that person will earn you bonus marks when your cover letter is:
Here is an adaptable cover letter example that you can customize for the faculty position and hiring institution.
Dear Professor Donnelly,
The teaching assistant faculty position would be an ideal role for me as I complete my PhD in Applied Linguistics at Brown University. I am fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian and have tutored Brown students in all three languages over the past four years. Having assisted with some cover lecturing last year, I would like to formalize my role within the department.
95% of private students have improved their grades and my extra-curricular linguistics class was attended by lecture halls of 300+ students from across the faculty. Students warm to my accessible teaching style. I enjoy reaching out to the nimble minds of tomorrow. You cannot study a language if you do not have an appreciation for the building blocks of semantics.
My ambition is to become a lecturer after my PhD, so this faculty position would provide the ideal stepping stone for the next couple of years. I already know many of the teaching staff well and a few of them suggested that this role would be a good fit for me.
I enclose a summary of my PhD thesis as I would like to discuss participating in your linguistics teaching as well as the individual languages. I know that staff absence has been an issue over the past few years, and I would like to offer as much academic support as possible.
I enclose my CV alongside nine academic and pedagogical testimonials from your faculty colleagues. I look forward to the opportunity of a formal interview - I would love to share my ideas about how I can make a difference to both students and staff.
Brain Townsend
A distinctive cover letter header — traditionally at the top of the page but sometimes along one side — can help your job application stand out from the rest in a “personal brand” fashion. Your identifying information is prominently displayed in a way that gets noticed first and is easy for recruiters to find when they’re ready to get in touch with you later.
Be sure to include your name, occupation title, phone number, and email. It’s a good idea to add your LinkedIn profile URL too, and any relevant professional social media or website links.
A professional pair It takes very little extra effort to visually match your cover letter and resume design — notably in the header — so it’s obvious that the documents belong together, and to you.
The goal of the cover letter header: Stand out from scores of other faculty job candidates with an attractive cover letter header that makes it easy for recruiters to remember and reach you.
No job candidate can go wrong using this traditional cover letter salutation: “Dear <Dr.> <Mr.> <Ms.> Surname.” It’s not considered old-fashioned and strikes the right balance between formal and friendly.
Typically, faculty position cover letters are addressed to a professor, a department or section head, or perhaps a principal investigator if it’s a research role. In any case, do make every effort to find out who will be on the receiving end of your faculty job application so you can address that person by name in your cover letter greeting.
“Sir” or “Madam” might have their place in polite society, but not in cover letters. Here, we look at why “Dear Sir or Madam” is the wrong way to address your cover letter recipient and the best alternatives.
If no one is named in the advertised faculty job posting, check the university website, LinkedIn profiles, or online publications. Failing those sleuthing efforts, just make a phone call and ask.
But if you still come up empty, your next best option is “Dear Search Committee Members.”
“To Whom It May Concern” is an old-fashioned way of writing a letter greeting when you don’t know the name of the correct person to address. But it should never be used in a cover letter in which you’re seeking a job. Here are some alternatives.
The goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off on a professional but personal note by directly addressing the faculty position recruiter by name.
The introduction of your faculty position cover letter has some basic ground to cover off the top, in the space of just two or three sentences. It must convey who you are, your current academic role, why you are interested in the job, and what makes you an excellent candidate.
The challenge is to prevent the search committee members’ eyes from glazing over reading the same opening lines as dozens of other applicants have put forward. You need a hook that resonates right away, intriguing them enough to keep reading and then learn more in your CV.
Was your faculty job application prompted by a lead from another university professor or colleague that the recruiter and you know in common? If so, your cover letter introduction is the place to mention it.
Hitting the high notes of your brightest accomplishments won’t go quite far enough. An engaging cover letter introduction helps faculty recruiters understand your motivation and how you might contribute to the projects and activities they care about deeply. How will this institution benefit from your expertise and enthusiasm? Is your excitement about this prospect coming across?
The goal of the cover letter introduction: Appeal to the specific faculty hiring needs by emphasizing the value you would bring to this research project.
Here’s the greeting and introduction from our faculty position cover letter sample.
The body of your cover letter substantiates why you belong on this faculty team. To some extent, it’s like a written response to the “Tell me about yourself” interview question that you hope will come later when your application is shortlisted.
Again, the career highlights presented in these middle paragraphs should paint a picture of your future that’s framed from the recruiter’s standpoint. Citing facts and figures to quantify beneficial outcomes where possible, give a few examples of achievements that speak to the hiring university’s needs and values. Focus on skills and experiences that are impressive, relevant, and relatable.
Brief anecdotes also have their place in this cover letter section. Tell a story or two about unique or unexpected discoveries reflecting your curiosity and creativity as a dedicated researcher and teacher.
Evidence of your efforts to learn everything about this faculty role should be implicit here. How compatible are your career goals with this institution’s mission? What about your personality and work style? Who are you eager to collaborate with?
The goal of the cover letter body: Build the recruiter’s confidence in your ability to help advance the university’s research and teaching goals.
This faculty position cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:
It’s time to end your cover letter while hinting at a professional relationship that’s only beginning. Beware of treating this concluding paragraph offhandedly as just a final formality.
By all means, do the courtesy of thanking the hiring professor or search committee members for their time and consideration of your application. Beyond that, it’s the place to reinforce how interested and enthusiastic you are about this faculty opportunity. And absolutely reiterate why you’re an excellent match for the position.
Be sure to conclude with a call to action that opens the door wider to the next steps. Indicate you look forward to speaking or meeting with the search committee, or at least hearing back soon. Ask if they’d be receptive to a follow-up phone call from you in a week’s time. Anything that puts some onus on the recruiter to respond in some way is fine, as long as it doesn’t sound pushy or presumptuous.
Finally, close with a professional sign-off: your full name below “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.”
The goal of the cover letter closing: End with a call to action that implies your expectation of a response and next steps.
Below is the closing section of our faculty position cover letter example.
It’s a safe bet that writing errors are not something most academic professionals typically need to worry about. Still, no cover letter writing advice would be complete without these precautions about common pitfalls to avoid:
Save yourself the time, hassle and uncertainty that DIY layout, design, and formatting entails. Leave those details up to Resume.io, by using one of our field-tested cover letter templates. It could not be simpler to drop in your own replacement text using our cover letter builder tool.
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Home » Job Tips » Resume Writing Tips » Assistant Professor Cover Letter
When crafting an application for assistant professor jobs, the cover letters should showcase what makes you the ideal fit for the university and department. A well-written cover letter should adequately highlight your skills, qualities, experience, accomplishments, and career goals. In this blog, we will learn how to write a cover letter for assistant professor. We will also explore some key tips on how to create a compelling cover letter that will help you secure an assistant professor position at a top institution.
Table of Contents
1. a letter header.
Your cover letter should contain your contact details at the top, this makes it easy for hiring managers or department heads to get in touch with you.
A letterhead typically includes your full name, your location (city and state), phone number, and professional email address. In addition, you can choose to include a link to your website or online portfolio showcasing your academic achievements under your email address.
Crafting an appropriate salutation is important when writing a cover letter for the position of assistant professor. It’s important to personalize your greeting, this can be done by directly addressing hiring managers by their names. Additionally, it’s advisable to use formal language and maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
To begin your cover letter, it is important to introduce yourself and clearly state the position you are applying for within a specific department or college. This section should accurately highlight key skills and experience that align with the requirements of the job.
End the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the body of your cover letter, where you will provide comprehensive details of your qualifications and experiences that make you a strong candidate for this position. Use this section to demonstrate how they directly align with the requirements outlined in the job description, demonstrating why you are an ideal fit for this role.
In this last paragraph of your cover letter for an assistant professor job, make a strong impression and encourage recruiters to take further action. By including a call to action, you can inspire the hiring manager to review your writing or research samples, reach out to your references, or directly contact you for an interview.
Also Read: How to write Cover Letter for a Job
This is a cover letter template for an assistant professor. It will guide you in structuring an ideal cover letter as per your requirements.
+91********** [email protected] City, Postcode [Date] Dear [Recruiter’s Name], Your introductory paragraph should effectively convey your enthusiasm for the assistant professor position and briefly showcase your strengths, accomplishments, abilities, and passion for this opportunity. This section should give a comprehensive overview of your most recent work experience. You can also emphasize any academic successes or pertinent technical proficiencies. Furthermore, you can emphasize your achievements with measurable statistics or numbers that showcase your influence in previous positions as an assistant professor or similar role. This is where you express gratitude to the employer for their valuable time and thoughtful consideration. Conclude with a confident statement conveying your enthusiasm for further communication shortly. Additionally, you can include a CTA prompting the recruiter to take a specific action. Sincerely, Your Full Name Your Signature |
Explore our comprehensive guide on cover letter formats and craft a winning application today!”
Use this assistant professor cover letter sample as a template to help you create your own. Simply insert your personal information and it’s ready to go.
+91-000000000000 [email protected] 456 Avenue, Mumbai, India February 21, 2024, Dear Arjun Tiara, I am writing to extend my candidature for the assistant professor job vacancy in your university that I came across on Internshala. I believe my research background and teaching experience make me an excellent candidate for this role. As highlighted in my CV, I recently completed my Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Delhi University. During this time, I focused on researching “Neural Mechanisms of Memory Formation” and delved into the impact of hippocampal neuroplasticity on memory consolidation. My contributions to the field have been recognized by prestigious peer-reviewed journals like Neuroscience Letters, Journal of Neuroscience, and Brain Research where I have published research papers exploring various aspects of neurobiology and cognition. In addition to research, I am passionate about educating students. I have 7 years of teaching experience in undergraduate psychology courses. I have introduced innovative and engaging teaching methods into the classroom, including interactive group discussions and hands-on experiments. Furthermore, I have supervised over 20 graduate and undergraduate students on their theses and research projects on topics spanning cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and behavioral neuroscience. I believe my research and teaching background directly align with the requirements and responsibilities of this assistant professor role. At ABC University, I would particularly look forward to collaborating with esteemed faculty members, such as Prof. Sharma, and getting involved in projects related to cognitive neuroscience, using resources like the Neuroimaging Lab which aligns perfectly with my background in brain imaging research. I am confident in my ability to publish high-quality projects in this field and effectively teach a range of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. My full credentials and qualifications for this position are detailed in my attached CV. I have also enclosed a writing sample demonstrating my research capabilities and a link to my publications. I welcome the opportunity to speak further with you about how I can contribute my skills and experience to the Department of Neuroscience and Psychology. Please feel free to contact me by phone at +91-X or email at . Sincerely, Rajendra Shiva (sign) |
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Here are practical tips to write the best cover letter for assistant professor position:
When writing a cover letter for an assistant professor position, it is crucial to demonstrate your familiarity with teaching. This can be achieved by offering a concise summary of your relevant experience in the classroom, including specific courses you have taught and feedback received from students.
Even if you lack formal teaching experience, you can emphasize how you have aided students in previous roles or situations.
When crafting a cover letter for an assistant professor role, it is crucial to tailor it according to the specific requirements of the position. This means highlighting your teaching experience and emphasizing how you can add value to the department.
If the university or college is seeking someone who can assist with course registration, make sure to mention any relevant skills or experiences you possess in this field.
When crafting a cover letter for an assistant professor, it is important to mention any past research experience, including the specific type of research you have conducted and where it has been published. If you have received awards or recognition for your work, be sure to include that as well.
Here are some of the key skills to highlight in an assistant professor cover letter:
When applying for a job, it is crucial to carefully review your cover letter before sending it in. This will enable you to identify and correct any mistakes in spelling or grammar, as well as ensure that your cover letter format is accurate.
To craft an effective cover letter for an assistant professor position you must first have a clear understanding of the job requirements so you can tailor your cover letter to the job role. Also, highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications in a concise yet impactful manner. A well-crafted cover letter can make you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of securing the desired role as an assistant professor.
If this blog helped you craft your own cover letter, let us know in the comment section by leaving your thoughts and feedback. Here is another valuable blog on how to get a job with no experience that you can check out.
Answer: Typically, cover letters for assistant professor positions are limited to two pages for early-career scholars and up to four pages for senior scholars. However, in some cases where a separate teaching or research statement is not required, an additional third page may be appropriate for an early-career scholar.
Answer: Stating your motivations for applying and highlighting your qualifications is the best way to compose a cover letter for an associate professor position. Share notable accomplishments and skills that showcase how you would excel in this role. Take advantage of this chance to illustrate yourself as an ideal fit based on the job requirements and desired qualities mentioned in the vacancy post.
Answer: When there is no name provided, you can start the cover letter by simply writing “Dear Hiring Manager”.
Answer: An ideal way to start your cover letter is by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the role. For instance, “As a recent graduate from XYZ University, I am eager to secure a position in the field of XYZ.”
Answer: Yes, it is necessary to include both your first and last names in the top left corner of the cover letter. This is important because it states your identity to the hiring manager.
Shailja Kaushik has been an Editor with Internshala since March 2023. She loves creative writing and experimenting with different forms of writing. She has explored different genres by working with journals and radio stations. She has also published her poems and nano tales in various anthologies. She graduated at the top of her class with Bachelor's in English and recently completed her Master's in English from the University of Delhi. Her experiments with writing continue on her literary blog.
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STEM letters should not exceed one page. Humanities and social sciences letters may extend up to two pages. Check with faculty in your department. Address to the individual named in the job posting, or with "Dear Members of the Search Committee." The cover letter is a writing sample. It must be good. Proofread and spell check! TIPS
A 1-3 page cover letter might be the norm when applying for a tenure-track faculty position, but you need to check with your own department to find out what the standards are in your field. 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 ...
Additional tips for writing a professor cover letter Here are some additional tips for writing a professor cover letter: Review the job description. reading the job description first is always a good idea because it can help you understand precisely what the hiring manager is looking for. Then you can target your statements to appeal to the ...
A faculty cover letter should not exceed 1 page, so you must present your qualifications to the Faculty Search Committee in a concise manner. Maximize impact of words. Use verbs that illustrate impact ("led," "developed," "innovated") over verbs that make you sound passive ("participated"). Aim for verbs that are more specific ...
In the hallowed halls of higher learning, a well-crafted professor cover letter could be your ticket to tenure. Our ultimate guide offers a syllabus of handy tips, examples, and templates that will illuminate how to highlight your pedagogical expertise, academic passion, and career drive. So stay tuned to learn: 1.
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 ...
Academic Cover Letters. When you're applying for a faculty position with a college or university, the cover letter is your first chance to make a strong impression as a promising researcher and teacher. Below you'll find some strategies for presenting your qualifications effectively in an academic context.
Free Professor cover letter example. Dear Dr. Crockett: As a skilled and enthusiastic college-level instructor with key experience developing curriculum while maintaining a steadfast focus on incorporating various methodologies and new technologies into the classroom, it is my pleasure to submit the enclosed resume for your review.
In your professor cover letter, it is imperative to display your academic expertise. Highlight your publications and research to showcase your contributions to your field. Connect your teaching philosophy to your professional experiences. Illustrate how you engage with students to foster an effective learning environment.
Purpose. The faculty cover letter is the first part of your application to be read by the Faculty Search Committee. Your cover letter may be the only part anyone reads if the Search Committee doesn't like what they see in your cover letter. Therefore, the primary purpose of a Faculty cover letter is to capture attention and generate interest ...
Professor Job Seeking Tips. Bettering yourself as a seeker of jobs as a Professor can only take your search so far, but improving and polishing your cover letter can be the ultimate catalyst for nailing your dream job. Professionals from myriad different industries and career paths rely on their cover letters to sell their story to future ...
Adapted from a template provided by Robert P. Newcomb, Ph.D., Department of Spanish & Portuguese, UC Davis. Below is a general template for use when crafting a cover letter for academic teaching positions. Before getting started, you will also want to review the academic cover letter samples. Optional - include header (similar to your resume ...
A connection at the school. A recent, positive news item about the school. See the next of our academic cover letter examples: When Carol Daviau suggested I apply to the undergraduate research position, I knew it was the perfect fit. My manager at MedicalNewsToday called me the most helpful researcher he's ever known.
Free College Professor cover letter example. Dear Dr. Freedman: As an experienced, dedicated, and highly accomplished college-level instructor with 11 years of excellent experience developing business and marketing curriculum and leading lectures and group projects, it is my pleasure to submit the enclosed resume for your review.
When writing a cover letter for faculty positions, make sure to: Use clear cover letter formatting. Remember about elegant font, margins, and a header with your information. State the post you're applying for and mention your credentials and tenure. Reference your achievements and activities relevant to the job posting.
Part 1 of an Experiment. By Karen Kelsky | May 1, 2024. Can AI Write an Academic Cover Letter?Short answer: no.Years back I wrote:"Anyone can write a cover letter fast, over a weekend. A BAD cover letter, that is.But to write a good one takes weeks, even months, of close, painstaking edits."Why?Because ….
2 3 www.jobs.ac.uk How to Write a over etter for cademi obs Tweet this ebook, share on Facebook, LinkedIn or Google+ The cover letter exists to: •emonstrate your enthusiasm for theD post, based on the research you have done about the role and the institution •our rationale for applying andExplain y how the role fits with your career plans
Speaking to your strengths as an ideal faculty job match in each cover letter section: header, greeting, introduction, body, and conclusion; Common cover letter mistakes to avoid; Elevator Pitch Newsletter. Once every 2 weeks, our experts gather the best career & resume tips you can read in 15 minutes or less. Straight to your inbox!
How to format your cover letter for academic posts. A fill-in-the-blanks template that will produce your academic cover letter within 15 minutes. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now. Create your cover letter now.
404-555-0107. [email protected] May 3, 2023 Dear Hiring Manager, My name is Dr. Alice Johnston, and I'm writing to express my interest in the open position of Assistant Professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at Peachtree University. As an experienced educator with a doctorate in English literature, I bring a combination ...
2. Tailor Cover Letter According to Job Role. When crafting a cover letter for an assistant professor role, it is crucial to tailor it according to the specific requirements of the position. This means highlighting your teaching experience and emphasizing how you can add value to the department.
An adjunct professor cover letter example that passes all exams. How to format your adjunct faculty cover letter for academic jobs. A fill-in-the-blanks adjunct professor cover letter template you can use to make your letter in the blink of an eye. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy.
813-253-3333. Dear Professor Marvin, I am tremendously excited to be able to apply for the position of Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Tampa. With my penchant for teaching and equipping students with the right skill set and knowledge, I am committed to furthering the students' career aspirations.