A cover letter, in your own words, describes what you are applying for, how you
found out about the position, and why you are qualified for the position. The cover
letter typically accompanies a CV/resume and serves as an invitation for an interview.
Both the academic and non-academic job search require a cover letter. A cover letter
extracts information from the CV/resume that the applicant deems significant to
highlight and expand upon in paragraph form. In addition, a cover letter demonstrates
your writing skills to an employer.
- Submit along with the CV or resume
- Address to a person and tailor the letter to the job/employer to which you are applying.
Never send a generic cover letter!
- Allude to and expand upon information on your CV or resume that is relevant
and significant to the position
- DO NOT re-state your entire CV or resume in the cover letter
- PROOFREAD!
- Length may exceed one page (no more than 2 pages)- provides more detail on the applicant’s
research and teaching experience/goals, departmental service
- Know the institution, department and other information about the school (research
oriented, teaching oriented, size, student body makeup) to draw relevance to how
you would be a good fit for the position
- Indicate if you will be attending any upcoming conventions/conferences
- Mention when you will be awarded your dissertation if you have not yet completed
it
- Indicate your willingness to submit additional materials upon request (ie- syllabi,
writing samples)
- Keep to one page, 3-4 paragraphs
- Highlight one or two skills or experiences relevant to the position
- Know the organization and highlight what you can contribute to the employer
|