How to Write a Cover Letter for a Research Job
When you submit a resume for a research job, a cover letter must accompany it. The cover letter is a way for you to introduce yourself and also showcase your writing skills, which is a requirement for most research jobs. With these steps, you will be able to compose a descriptive cover letter that illustrates who you are and why you are the best candidate for the open research job.
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Instructions
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Look at sample cover letters. Finding sample cover letters geared toward research job seekers is even better. You can find all types of sample cover letters on career related websites such as Monster or Vault.
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Prepare an outline for your cover letter. Start with a greeting, ideally addressed to a specific person such as the hiring manager or department head, and divide your outline into an introduction, body and then conclusion using three to four paragraphs total.
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Begin the first paragraph of your cover letter with an introduction. Talk about which research job you are applying for and how you heard about it. Then briefly state who you are, what you are currently doing and your educational background.
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Transition into the second paragraph by discussing why you are seeking a new research job. Make a connection between what you are currently researching or working on and what the new job requires.
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List some of your past research and accomplishments next. Why are you the best candidate for the job given what you have done in previous research jobs? Cite a publication of yours, if applicable.
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Close the cover letter with information such as the date you're available to move onto the new job, salary requirements and your contact information. Also list the other contents in your application such resumes, letters of recommendation and writing samples.
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Thank the cover letter's reader for his time and consideration and sign off appropriately. Usually "best regards" or "sincerely" suffices.
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Check for grammar or punctuation errors. Your cover letter could end up in the trash can even if you only have an error or two.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep you cover letter only one page in length. It should include a good amount of information but not be a novel either.
