How to Write an Academic Cover Letter
An academic cover letter, used when applying for a job at a college or university, differs from a business cover letter only in content. The basic rules still apply, but the focus and content is geared more towards past research and future teaching goals. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Write an Academic Cover Letter
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Refresh your understanding of basic business letters to format your letter. You want your academic cover letter to be professional. In that same vein, proof your letter to make sure it is free from typos and grammatical errors.
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Expand on your experiences. Academic cover letters tend to be about 2 to 3 pages long. Go into as much detail as possible about your experience during graduate or research studies and in other teaching positions.
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Tailor your letter to the specific institution. You should research the school or university before you write your cover letter to find out if it is teaching- or research-based. Find out the school's mission and mention how you'll fit into it. Basically, let the school know why you want to work in the department you are applying for.
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Focus on your past research if you are applying for a position at a research university. When applying for a community college, write about your teaching experience first.
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Write about your teaching goals and how your previous experience lends to these goals. Since you are applying for a teaching position, you should let the committee know that you are prepared to jump right in front of a class.
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End your cover letter with an offer to send previous lesson plans, writing samples or research papers. You obviously can't include every piece of paper that makes you shine, but you can mention the work you are most proud of. Only send the material requested by the committee.
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Tips & Warnings
Prepare a basic cover letter and CV to use as a template when an opening comes along. If you prepare yourself in advance, it will be less stressful when actually applying for a position.
Mention any connection you have with the institution. If you attended the school as an undergraduate, did research there or have family members who attended, be sure to include that information in your cover letter.
Look at sample cover letters and CVs from your current colleagues. If you know someone who was recently hired, ask if she will share her cover letter with you.
