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Table of contents

Historian Cover Letter Example
Related Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter Template for a Historian
Format Your Historian Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Historian
Add a Matching Resume
Key Takeaways
Resources to Help Prepare for Your Interview

As a historian, you’ve dedicated yourself to your education. Developing your research skills is a challenging and rewarding pursuit, but finding a role that lets you make the most of your passion for sifting through forgotten historical records can be an even bigger challenge.

Give yourself a head start by building a historian cover letter that describes how you intend to contribute to the position. Our guide will help you do it!

Our Guide Includes:

A sample cover letter emphasizing key historical research and analytical skills.
A historian cover letter template that you can customize to fit your exact needs.
Expert tips to write a cover letter that stands out.
Key takeaways to keep in mind as you work on a persuasive cover letter.

Struggling With How to Start? Our Cover Letter Generator is a fantastic resource to help you get the hang of cover letter writing! It offers detailed content suggestions and customizable templates, so you can submit that application with total confidence.

Historian Cover Letter Example

Sample Historian Cover Letter

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What Makes This a Great Sample Cover Letter for a Historian?

Simplicity
Using a neat and simple style allows this historian’s experience and skills to be the star of the show.
Active Language
A historian’s career might not be the most action-packed, but you should still use active language to describe your experience. The action words in this cover letter help make the candidate feel energetic and motivated.
Specific Details
This letter gives specific details and outcomes that back up the candidate’s skills and give them a sense of impact.

Cover Letter Template for a Historian

Not sure how to start your historian cover letter? Copy and paste this template. Then, you can customize it to reflect your unique career!

Bella Ross
East Hartford, CT 06118
555-555-5555
example@example.com

Nov. 16, 2024

Isaiah James, History Department Head
University of New Haven
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516

Dear Mr. James,

I am excited to apply for the historian and adjunct faculty position at the University of New Haven. With over 15 years of experience in historical research, analysis and education, I bring a deep passion for the subject matter and a commitment to fostering academic excellence. My public history and academic background have equipped me with the skills to inspire and educate students while contributing meaningfully to the university’s research initiatives.

During my tenure at the Connecticut Historical Society, I led a team in meticulously documenting and preserving over 15,000 artifacts. I spearheaded the digitalization of a collection of colonial manuscripts, resulting in a 60% increase in accessibility for researchers worldwide. Additionally, my development of interactive history programs has seen participation rise by 40%, demonstrating my ability to engage diverse audiences with historical content.

In my previous role as a Museum Curator at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, I curated over 20 exhibits, including one that received national acclaim. One of my proudest achievements was the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology into a Revolutionary War exhibit, which led to a 25% boost in younger visitor demographics. My budget management skills were also crucial in securing over $200K in additional funding through grant writing and donor outreach, allowing us to expand the museum’s collection with rare artifacts.

I am particularly drawn to the University of New Haven’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching methodologies. I am eager to contribute to the university’s academic community by offering courses that challenge students to critically engage with historical narratives while providing them with practical skills in archival research and public history.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to the University of New Haven’s esteemed history department and helping to shape the next generation of historians.

Sincerely,

Bella Ross

Format Your Historian Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate to the hiring committee that you’re the thoughtful and detail-oriented historian they’re seeking. To make a lasting impression, your letter should adhere to standard formatting conventions.

Formatting Tips to Ensure Your Cover Letter Meets Professional Expectations:

Font Style and Size: While it can be tempting to use decorative fonts, it’s best to stick with a professional font like Arial or Calibri. Keep the font size between 10-12 points for clarity and readability.
Spacing: Use consistent line spacing between 1.15 and 1.5 to make your letter easy to read and visually appealing.
Margins and Alignment: Align your text to the left and use 1-inch margins on all sides to create a clean and polished look.

Selecting a Historian Cover Letter Template

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Your cover letter should capture the reader’s interest right from the start.

The best cover letter templates are simple and professional. They highlight your personality and expertise clearly and simply, allowing your achievements to shine.

Explore our range of cover letter templates and choose one that complements your resume template. A cohesive application package helps present you as a well-organized and prepared candidate.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Historian

As a historian, you understand the importance of attention to detail in uncovering and preserving history. The same commitment applies to creating a professional cover letter. Demonstrate your interest in the role and how well you align with the position by following these simple steps to build an impressive letter.

Step 1

Tailor Your Cover Letter for the Specific Historian Position

Begin by customizing your cover letter for the specific institution, museum or organization you’re applying to. Personalizing your letter shows your genuine interest in the role and demonstrates how well you fit the position.

This also helps you navigate applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use. These systems scan for keywords related to the job’s responsibilities. Incorporating phrases from the job listing will increase the likelihood of your letter reaching the hiring manager.

Step 2

Include Your Contact Information in the Header

The header of your cover letter should include your contact information, making it easy for potential employers to reach you. Be sure to include:

Your name.
City and state.
Phone number.
Email address.
A link to your LinkedIn profile, academic portfolio, or professional website.

Pro tip

Use a professional email address that matches the one on your resume. If your current email address isn’t suitable for professional use, you can always make a new one using your name or initials.

Step 3

Address the Hiring Manager by Name

Personalize your cover letter by addressing it directly to the hiring manager or relevant department head.

If the job listing doesn’t provide a contact name, look into the position to find out who to address your letter to. This shows your thoroughness and initiative. If you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a respectful alternative.

Step 4

Introduce Yourself in the First Paragraph

Begin your cover letter with a strong introduction that immediately conveys your professional identity. Highlight key skills and experience relevant to the historian role.

Example Opening Paragraph for a New Historian:

I am excited to apply for the historian position at [institution name], as advertised in [source]. With a passion for researching historical events and a solid foundation in archival methods, I am eager to contribute my enthusiasm and expertise to your team.

Example Opening Paragraph for an Experienced Historian:

I am thrilled to express my interest in the historian role at [institution name]. With over [number] years of experience in conducting in-depth historical research and presenting findings, I have consistently provided valuable insights and fostered public understanding of historical narratives.

Pro tip

Keep your opening paragraph concise, limiting it to three sentences to ensure clarity and avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information upfront.

Step 5

Explain Why You’re the Best Candidate for the Role

Use the body paragraphs of your historian cover letter to demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate the hiring manager is looking for. Highlight skills from the job listing and provide detailed descriptions of your experience.

Focus On:

Detailing Relevant Experience: Share your experiences as a historian, such as conducting in-depth research, publishing scholarly articles or curating exhibitions. Include specific examples of how you’ve contributed to expanding historical knowledge, engaging public interest or supporting educational programs. Use quantitative data to illustrate your achievements and showcase your real-world impact.
Highlighting Your Skill Set: Your cover letter should emphasize a combination of hard and soft skills. Describe how your expertise in historical research, familiarity with archival resources and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively make you an asset.
Addressing Unique Qualifications or Experiences: If you have special qualifications, such as a Ph.D. in history, fluency in a relevant language or experience with digital humanities tools, be sure to mention these in the body paragraphs of your letter.

Example Body Paragraphs for a Historian Cover Letter:

While working at [institution name], I led a project to digitize and catalog a collection of rare historical documents, increasing accessibility for researchers worldwide. My meticulous attention to detail and expertise in archival preservation resulted in a 40% increase in research inquiries and academic citations.

In another role at [museum name], I curated a groundbreaking exhibit on [historical event/topic], which attracted over 15,000 visitors in its first month. My ability to create compelling narratives and educational content significantly enhanced public engagement and received praise from both the public and the academic community.

Step 6

Write Your Cover Letter Closing

Conclude your historian cover letter with a closing paragraph that:

Expresses your enthusiasm for the position.
Demonstrates the contributions you can offer if selected.
Invites further discussion in an interview.
Thanks the reader for considering your application.

Example Closing Paragraph for a Historian Cover Letter:

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research skills and passion for history to [institution name]. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s work in preserving and interpreting historical knowledge. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills and enthusiasm align with your institution’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Step 7

Sign Off Appropriately

End your cover letter with a professional signoff, such as “Sincerely,” “Respectfully” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Add a Matching Resume

Create your resume

Your job application process should begin with creating your resume. If you haven’t built one yet, start there! Your resume is the perfect launchpad for your cover letter. Consider looking at resume examples from other professionals in your field to get an idea of what makes an effective resume.

Need help building your resume? Our Resume Builder has the tools to help you create a unique and professionally formatted resume quickly. Choose a resume template that complements your cover letter for an extra polished look.

Key Takeaways

Explore Historian Cover Letter Examples
Look at some historian cover letter examples to get a sense of how professionals in your industry structure their letters.
Highlight Essential Skills for a Historian
Focus on the core skills necessary for a historian, such as in-depth research abilities, strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Your letter should blend both hard and soft historian skills.
Choose an Appropriate Historian Cover Letter Template
Pick out a cover letter template that reflects your professionalism and scholarly nature. A clean and well-organized layout will help present your qualifications clearly and effectively.
Keep Your Introductory Paragraph Concise
Start your letter by introducing yourself and highlighting your most important skills and your enthusiasm for the specific institution or project. Keep it engaging and short to capture the reader’s attention.
Compose Detailed Body Paragraphs
In the body of your cover letter, provide specific examples of your experience and skills. Use solid outcomes to demonstrate your impact on past roles.
Ensure Appropriate Formatting
Make sure your cover letter is appropriately styled and formatted. A historian needs solid writing skills, so the editing and proofreading you do on your letter can support your competence as a historian.