How to Write a Cover Letter for a Research and Development Job

Research and development (R&D) jobs are available in a variety of industries such as pharmaceuticals, engineering and business. However, no matter which industry you are interested in, you need a good sales pitch in the form of a one page cover letter to go along with your research and development resume. The following steps will ensure that the employer offering that research and development job checks out your resume and supporting materials.

Instructions

1. View some sample cover letters before beginning your R&D cover letter. You can find some good sample cover letters at Best Cover Letters or the Career Lab Web site.

2. Prepare a template. Break your research and development cover letter into several sections: a greeting, introductory paragraph and then two or three paragraphs that sell yourself before closing.

3. Begin the R&D cover letter by addressing the hiring manager or human resources representative by name.

4. Introduce yourself, explain what you currently do, name the R&D job you are applying for and say how you found out about the open research and development job.

5. Go into detail about your research and development background in the next paragraph. Tell the employer whether you have experience in basic (general scientific inquiry) research or applied (bridging the gap between your research and business) research and how that experience would make you a great fit for the open research and development job.

6. Share some of your accomplishments as well. Did the research or studies you conducted result in a breakthrough in a process or product? Did any of your research change industry standards? Showing that your inquiries resulted in positive change is essential.

7. Close your cover letter with contact information, when you can start the new job, salary requirements and a short thank you for the reader's time and consideration. Also, reiterate that you want the job. Sign off with "best regards" or "sincerely"; nothing too out of the ordinary.

8. Proofread your letter. Ask someone else to edit it too. Even minor errors make applicants look unprofessional.

Tips & Warnings

• Tailor each cover letter to each research and development job you are applying for. Employers can spot a boilerplate cover letter from a mile away.