How to Write a Cover Letter for an Academic Advisor Position

Academic advisors provide advice to students.

According to salary.com, an academic adviser provides university or college students with advice about the courses that they should take as part of their respective programs. Academic advisers typically have a degree in counseling or a similar discipline and two to four years of related experience. If this is a job that you are interested in, you should follow a set of basic guidelines for writing your cover letter.

Instructions

1. Write your personal contact information, centered, at the top of the paper. Use the following format:

   John Q. Public
   123 Fake St.
   Anytown, NJ 00000
   [phone]
   [e-mail]

2. Skip four lines and write the date.

3. Skip one line and enter the contact information for the person to who you are addressing the letter. If the person has a title, such as doctor, be sure to address her using this title. Use the following format:

   Dr. Jane Doe
   State University
   102 West Ave.
   Faketown, NY 00000

4. Skip one line and address the recipient. For example, write "Dear Dr. Jane Doe."

5. Skip one line and write an introductory paragraph explaining which job you are applying for and briefly outlining your education and experience. Specifically highlight any counseling or academic advising experience.

6. Skip one line and write a paragraph explaining how your experience will help you perform the job of academic adviser. If you have limited counseling experience, highlight relevant experience you have working in an academic environment or with students.

7. Skip a line and write a closing paragraph that thanks the reader. For example: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further."

8. Skip a line and write a closing salutation such as, "Yours truly," or "Regards." Then skip four lines and type your name. Sign your name above your typed name and below the salutation.

References

• Graduate College Career Services Office: Cover Letters for Academic Job Applications
• Resume Cover Letters: Academic Advisor Cover Letter