Academic Cover Letter Examples - Templates & Writing Tips

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Table of contents

Academic cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for an academic role
Format your academic cover letter
How to write a cover letter for academia
Add a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

Whether you’re driven by an innate love of learning, a passion for research or a dedication to teaching, academia is a field that allows you to hone, develop and share your knowledge with students, colleagues and the wider world. To excel in an academic career, you first need to convince the hiring department of the role you want that you’re the passionate expert they need. Submitting a cover letter with your CV can help.

Writing an academic cover letter might sound intimidating, but the process can be simple and painless with the right resources. Our comprehensive guide is ready to assist you every step of the way, with insights and resources to help you build a compelling application that captures your academic excellence.

Here’s what our guide provides:

Tailored examples of cover letters for academic roles, allowing you to see a successful cover letter in action.
Adaptable cover letter templates designed to accentuate your love for education.
Expert advice on building each segment of your cover letter with finesse, from the initial salutation to the final signoff.
Tried-and-tested strategies and tactics to ensure your cover letter commands attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Need a cover letter right away? Our Cover Letter Generator is at your service. This tool will help you quickly write your letter and create a polished application that showcases your credentials and enthusiasm for academia. Seize the opportunity to embark on your academic journey today!

Academic cover letter example

Sample academic cover letter

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What makes this a great sample cover letter for an academic setting?

Passion
Teaching is more than just a career, it’s a calling! This cover letter uses strong language to convey the candidate’s genuine passion for his field and for the professor role.
Formatting
A tidy and technically proficient formatting shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Well-roundedness
This cover letter portrays the candidate as both a passionate teacher and a prolific researcher with a well-rounded skill set that has prepared him to face any academic challenge.

Cover letter template for an academic role

Ralph Campbell
Southampton, PA 18966
555-555-5555
example@example.com

April 18, 2024

Christine Rodriguez, Head of Faculty
Penn State Abington
1600 Woodland Rd
Abington, PA 19001

Dear Ms. Rodriguez,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the film professor position at Penn State Abington, as advertised. With a profound passion for film studies, a solid academic background and a proven track record of excellence in teaching and research, my unique blend of skills and experiences aligns perfectly with the requirements for this role.

As an accomplished assistant professor with nine years of experience, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for students; leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality (VR) simulations and interactive online platforms, I have enhanced the student learning experience. These efforts have resulted in a 30% increase in student engagement and a 60% improvement in overall course evaluations.

In addition to my teaching accomplishments, my research contributions are marked by 62 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals and 22 at national and international conferences. My research focuses on cinematic adaptations and transmedia storytelling, and I am excited about the prospect of bringing this expertise to the vibrant academic community at Penn State Abington.

I am particularly drawn to Penn State Abington due to its esteemed reputation in film studies, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the department’s continued success. My commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment aligns with the university’s values, and I am eager to collaborate with colleagues in shaping the next generation of film scholars.

Enclosed with this letter is my curriculum vitae, which provides additional details regarding my academic background, teaching philosophy and research contributions. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences make me an ideal candidate for the film professor position at your university.

Sincerely,
Ralph Campbell

Format your academic cover letter

Your cover letter should highlight both your track record of academic accomplishment and your skills and knowledge. To this end, it’s vital that you organize your letter well and format it neatly so that your content can shine without distractions.

Below are some formatting suggestions for crafting an exceptional cover letter for an academic setting:

Font style and size: Opt for classic and professional fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial to maintain an air of sophistication befitting academia. Use a font size ranging from 11 to 12 points for optimal clarity and readability.
Spacing: Ensure readability by employing spacing between 1.15 to 1.5 throughout your cover letter.
Margins: Keep your cover letter organized and easy to read with 1-inch margins and left alignment.

Cover letter templates for academic careers

Create your cover letter

Your cover letter serves as your initial introduction to prospective employers, so the visual impact of your cover letter is an important consideration.

Choose an academic cover letter template that aligns seamlessly with academic norms and complements your individual style. Keep in mind the role you’re seeking too. An academic role in an innovative research environment calls for a sleek modern design, while a role at a more tradition-focused institution calls for something classic and refined.

Explore our assortment of cover letter templates tailored specifically for academic positions to showcase your academic experience.

To present a unified and professional application package, select a cover letter design that matches your resume templates. A cohesive presentation of your credentials reinforces your attention to detail and commitment to excellence within academia.

How to write a cover letter for academia

Research indicates that cover letters play a significant role in the academic hiring process, with 83% of hiring managers considering them essential. Despite this, a lot of job-seekers try to avoid writing them. While building a cover letter may not be the most fun job in the world, it is still an important one.

Thankfully, writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be a headache. By following a few straightforward steps, you can easily build a cover letter quickly.

Step 1

Study the academic job description

Tailoring your cover letter to align with the specifics of each position you pursue is an important step. Personalizing your cover letter not only shows that you’re interested in the specific role, it also shows that you’re willing to put in the effort to prove it. Using and reusing a generic cover letter for multiple applications conveys a lack of enthusiasm for the role.

Furthermore, in today’s fiercely competitive job market, many institutions use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to expedite candidate evaluation. These systems scour for keywords that correspond with the qualifications outlined in the job description.

To enhance your prospects during ATS evaluation, ensure your cover letter incorporates terms specified in the job description. Tailoring each cover letter to resonate with the unique requirements of each role makes your resume stronger and gives you a better chance of impressing the ATS.

Step 2

Include your contact information in the header

While it may not take much thought to decide the content of this section, the contact information provided in your cover letter’s header is crucial to your application. Ultimately, the goal of your cover letter is to prompt the hiring committee to initiate further contact. To do that, they need to have easy access to accurate contact information.

Ensure your contact details are easily accessible and accurate. Situate them in the header, and check and double-check for errors.

Include:

Your name
City and state
Phone number
Email address
Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile, if applicable

Pro tip

Maintain professionalism. If your email address appears inappropriate or excessively casual, consider making a new one. Opt for a variation of your name or initials.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager by name

Personalize the salutation of your academic cover letter by directly addressing the hiring manager or head of the program you’re applying for. This gesture makes your cover letter feel more personal and shows your willingness to do your research.

If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, addressing the letter to the hiring team of the institution is a suitable alternative.

Pro tip

Job listings frequently include contact information for a hiring manager or department. If this isn’t the case for the job you’re after, dedicate some effort to researching the institution to identify the individuals responsible for hiring. Staff details of most educational institutions are publicly accessible.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

No matter your level of experience or educational area of focus, making a strong first impression is imperative. The opening paragraph serves as your introduction, and should give the employer a quick overview of your merits as a candidate.

Entry-level academic faculty cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am thrilled to convey my interest in the academic faculty position at [Institution], as advertised. Having recently completed my [Degree or Training Program] in [Relevant Field], I am eager to leverage my ardor for education and commitment to lifelong learning to contribute to the academic community at [Institution]. Possessing a robust dedication to student success and a collaborative teaching approach, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to foster positive change in the classroom.

Experienced academic advisor cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my genuine interest in the academic advisor position at [Institution], as advertised. Boasting [Number] years of experience instructing [Subject Area] at [Previous Institution], I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Throughout my career, I have showcased an unwavering commitment to fostering student engagement and cultivating critical thinking skills and inclusive learning environments. I am invigorated by the prospect of joining the esteemed faculty at [Institution] and contributing to its academic distinction.

Pro tip

Stay concise and focused in your introduction. Spotlight your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position within a few sentences.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job

The body paragraphs of your academic cover letter are your opportunity to elaborate on your experience and draw attention to the skills and achievements that make you a great candidate.

Specify relevant academic experience: Explain your experience in academia, be it teaching pertinent subjects or courses or engaging in cutting-edge research projects. Accentuate any accomplishments or innovations that apply to the role you’re seeking. Provide concrete examples of how you have facilitated learning, orchestrated discussions and extended mentorship or guidance.

Highlight transferable skills: Beyond your teaching background, highlight transferable skills such as communication, organization and adaptability. Showcase your capacity to collaborate with peers, engage diverse student cohorts and contribute to academic progress through research, curriculum development or service endeavors. Your skills section should highlight a balanced blend of hard and soft skills, demonstrating your comprehensive professionalism.
Address any unique qualifications or experiences: Use the body paragraphs of your cover letter to draw attention to any distinctive facets of your background that distinguish you as an exceptional candidate. Whether you’ve been published, acknowledged for academic contributions or completed challenging coursework, underscore how these experiences have equipped you for success in the academic role.

Example body paragraphs for an academic cover letter:

During my tenure as a lecturer at [Previous Institution], I acquired invaluable insights into curriculum design, pedagogical methodologies and student assessment techniques. I have a demonstrable track record of cultivating student engagement through dynamic lectures, interactive activities and collaborative learning exercises. My dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity in educational settings has driven me to create nurturing learning environments where all learners feel empowered and esteemed.

As a prospective academic faculty member, I am committed to continual professional development and innovation in teaching and learning. I actively participate in workshops and conferences to enrich my pedagogical repertoire and integrate cutting-edge instructional approaches into my courses. I am enthused about the prospect of collaborating with esteemed colleagues at [Institution] to advance student success and enrich the scholarly landscape through research, scholarship and community engagement.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

You should end your academic cover letter by restating your interest in the role and drawing attention to the qualities that make you a perfect candidate. Try to do this without repeating content from previous sections. Cover letter real estate is limited and each section should be used to create a unique value for your application.

Example closing paragraph for an academic cover letter:

I am genuinely elated by the opportunity to impart my expertise and enthusiasm for [Subject/Area of Expertise] to the students at [Institution]. With an unwavering commitment to nurturing student growth,, I am confident in my ability to make a substantive impact within the academic community at [Institution]. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further explore how my background and proficiencies resonate with the objectives of your department. Thank you for considering my application.

Pro tip

Maintain a tone that is both professional and gracious in your closing statement, inviting further dialogue without appearing presumptuous.

Step 7

Sign off

As with any formal correspondence, your academic faculty cover letter should conclude with a professional signoff. “Sincerely” or “Best regards” are fitting choices that convey respect and professionalism.

Add a matching resume

Create your resume

Your cover letter is merely one facet of your application dossier; the ability to write a persuasive resume is equally important. Ensure your resume effectively highlights your teaching experience, qualifications and accomplishments. Check out some resume examples for the inspiration you need to get started.

For some academic roles, however, a curriculum vitae or “CV” may be required instead. For help writing your CV, our library of CV examples as well as our CV Builder are here for you.

In case the role does require a traditional resume, consider using our AI Resume Builder. This tool provides customizable templates and expertly written phrases specific to academia, along with professional formatting help so you can build a standout resume that seamlessly complements your cover letter. You can even choose a template that matches your cover letter for a cohesive application package.

Key takeaways

Explore academic cover letter examples
Gain valuable insights into effective cover letter composition by examining examples tailored specifically for academic faculty positions. These examples serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, empowering you to craft a compelling cover letter that accentuates your qualifications and passion for teaching.
Highlight indispensable skills for academic roles
Showcase your proficiency as an academic by emphasizing your subject matter expertise and research prowess. Emphasize your ability to cultivate dynamic learning environments, foster critical thinking skills and produce valuable insights that contribute to academic progress. Additionally, show off valued personal attributes such as adaptability, problem-solving and a relentless dedication to scholarly excellence.
Select an appropriate academic faculty cover letter template
Choose a cover letter template that mirrors your professional demeanor and aligns seamlessly with academic expectations. Opt for a refined and polished design that allows your qualifications and accomplishments to take center stage. Steer clear of overly embellished or ostentatious templates, as they may overshadow the substance of your cover letter.
Keep your introductory paragraph succinct
Captivate the reader’s interest with a short introductory paragraph that presents your qualifications and articulates your interest in the academic role. Convey your passion for your area of study and your suitability for the role, while refraining from unnecessary elaboration or excessive details.
Compose detailed body paragraphs
Use the body paragraphs of your cover letter to provide specific examples of your academic experience, instructional methodologies and contributions to your field of study. Highlight any pertinent achievements, such as curriculum development initiatives, student mentorship endeavors or scholarly research pursuits. Tailor your examples to best demonstrate how your skills and experiences harmonize with the expectations of the role.
Ensure meticulous formatting
Uphold a professional aesthetic for your cover letter by adhering to established formatting conventions. Employ a legible and discernible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and opt for an appropriate font size to ensure readability. Maintain consistency in formatting and spacing throughout the document to ensure a polished appearance. Prior to finalizing your cover letter, review it for any grammatical or typographical errors.