A cover letter is a cover page that you send in with an application for a job, scholarship, or any other opportunity. It's essentially a letter that explains who you are and why the organization should be interested in hiring you. In the case of an academic job application, it will highlight your research agenda and reasons for applying to teach at [University].
In general, cover letters should always follow the standard business letter format: no shorter than three paragraphs and no longer than one page. They elaborately cover why you're perfect for this position by highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. A cover letter can help set you apart from other applicants with similar qualifications because it gives the employer a glimpse into who you are as a person.
Your cover letter will, at the very least, cover the following items:
- Why you're applying for this position;
- How your background fits with what the employer is looking for; and - The value that you can bring to this institution.
Learning how to write a cover letter sounds like it's pretty straightforward because cover letters are so short. But if you've never written one before, you might not know where to start or what really makes a good cover letter great. You may wonder whether employers even read cover letters or whether they just glance over them quickly before sorting through applications based on grades and test scores alone. Here's some information that should help clarify things for you!
What does it take to write a cover letter?
While a cover letter is a short document, it can be quite daunting to write. You should take time to learn the cover letter format and reflect on how your credentials align with what the employer is seeking. But before you even reach that point, there's research to do! Although cover letters are relatively brief compared to other kinds of academic writing, you should still aim for an in-depth investigation into each opportunity that you put yourself forward for. Your cover letters will have more impact if they're completely customized to the particular opportunities you're applying for. Here's some information about research:
When researching a cover letter opportunity, make sure you've read through all of the relevant position postings thoroughly and taken notes on what makes this position great. Also, look for information about the employer's goals and objectives in this position -- you'll need to highlight how your work will align with these goals to show that you're committed to achieving them. You can also do online research to learn about what makes [University] unique and how it has managed its recent growth while maintaining high academic standards.
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d in their job postings or instructions. Always follow cover letter guidelines carefully when sending these along to employers. Consider addressing cover letters to specific people at each organization rather than "Dear Sir/Madam" if possible -- do some research to find contact information for someone who has been involved with other positions at [University]. This shows that you've done your homework about the institution and have put effort into researching who it is that makes final decisions about your application! Make cover letters brief, precise, and professional for cover letter success.
What's the cover letter format?
The cover letter format should include the cover letter greeting of who sent it to them, the cover letter opening statement that grabs their attention, a complete paragraph listing your skills/qualifications for why you're qualified for this cover letter opportunity. One or two body paragraphs that describe specific skills/experiences/accomplishments aligning with what is stated in the job posting (and not just state generic statements about how awesome you are), and finally a closing paragraph thanking them for taking time out of their day to review your application. Include your contact information (or another way they can reach you). The cover letter format needs to be neat and clean.
How do I write cover letters?
Write cover letters that are short, precise, and professional for cover letter success. The cover letter opening should read like the beginning of an article (grabbing their attention with a strong opening statement). Your cover letter's writing should be concise; you don't want to ramble on about your life story -- keep it focused on what they need to hear. Your cover letter can include one or two body paragraphs describing specific skills/experiences aligning with what is stated in the job posting (and not just state generic statements about how awesome you are), then finish off with a closing paragraph thanking them for taking time out of their day to review your application. Make sure that you show that have done your homework on the organization you are applying to, so include their name in your cover letter greeting and anywhere else where it's appropriate. Make sure to follow cover letter guidelines carefully when sending these along to employers.
![A cover letter is a professional document that accompanies your resume and provides an introduction to your application. It is an opportunity to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the position you are applying for while showcasing your personality and enthusiasm for the role. A well-crafted cover letter follows a standard format that enables the reader to quickly grasp the relevance and value of your application.### Cover Letter Format:**Header:**The cover letter starts with a header that includes your contact information. This should be aligned to the left or centered at the top of the page, and it typically includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. Below your contact information, you may include the date and the contact details of the hiring manager or company to which you're applying. If available, address the cover letter to a specific person by name, as it shows that you have undertaken some research and adds a personal touch.**Salutation:**Your cover letter greeting should be formal and addressed to the appropriate person. If you know the name of the hiring manager, always use their name (e.g., Dear Mr. Smith). If you can't find the name of the hiring person, a general greeting like Dear Hiring Manager can be used.**Opening Paragraph:**The opening of your cover letter should capture the reader's attention and introduce the reason for writing. Begin by mentioning the job for which you are applying and how you heard about it. This is also the place to connect your interest in the company and position with your professional background in a compelling way that encourages the reader to continue.**Body Paragraph(s):**The body of the cover letter should be one or two paragraphs that detail your qualifications, skills, and experiences. Here, you should explain why you are a suitable candidate for the job by aligning your skills with the job description. Provide examples of your past accomplishments and how they relate to the potential role. Instead of repeating your resume, delve into specific instances where you added value, solved a problem, or achieved results.**Closing Paragraph:**Your final paragraph should summarize your interest in the position and reiterate the value you can bring to the company. This is your opportunity to make a final impression, so make sure to also express your eagerness to discuss your application further in a job interview. You can also mention that you will follow up on your application within a specified time frame, but make sure to do so if you promise this action.**Formal Closing:**The sign-off should be professional and polite. Options like Sincerely, Best regards, or Kind regards are standard and appropriate. Follow this with your name and, optionally, a professional signature if you are submitting an electronic application.### Example:John Doe 123 Maple Street Anytown, State, Zip Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: johndoe@email.comFebruary 10, 2023[Name of Hiring Manager] [Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip] Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],I am writing to you regarding the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a profound background in [Your Field/Expertise], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the innovative work being done at [Company Name].In my current role at [Your Current or Most Recent Company], I successfully [mention a key achievement or relevant project]. This experience, coupled with my expertise in [Specific Skill or Area of Expertise], prepares me to make a strong impact at [Company Name].I am particularly impressed with [something notable about the company or department], and I believe my [a skill/attribute relevant to the job posting] will enable me to enhance your team's performance. [Optional: insert any personal connection to the company or role that may resonate with the hiring manager.]I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and am keen to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your organization. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy with you further.Sincerely,John Doe---This sample demonstrates the key components of a cover letter format while providing a concise outline that connects the candidate's experience and skills with the company's needs. Tailoring the content for each job application is essential, ensuring that the information is relevant and reflects genuine interest and suitability for the role. Remember, the cover letter is not just a formality but your chance to make a memorable first impression on a potential employer.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/64859/1706754314-what-is-the-cover-letter-format-table.jpeg)
![Aspiring to join the innovative team at IIENSTITU, I am writing to express my deep interest in the Content Creator position. Understanding that IIENSTITU values comprehensive and educational content, I am eager to bring my unique blend of writing expertise and keen research abilities to your esteemed organization.Having honed my skills in content creation and digital communication, I believe that my experience aligns with the attributes you seek for this role. My background includes crafting articles on a diverse range of topics, ensuring that information is not only accurate but also engaging and valuable to readers. This has involved delving into emerging trends, perpetually updating my knowledge base, and presenting information in a way that is both accessible and intriguing to the audience.Notably, I was responsible for a groundbreaking series of articles at my previous position that explored the intersections of technology and education, which resonated strongly with our readers and increased our monthly web traffic by over 30%. Such projects have deepened my understanding of the importance of producing content that stands out in today's information-saturated world.At IIENSTITU, I recognize the potential to contribute to content that has a meaningful impact on lifelong learners. I am particularly inspired by your commitment to delivering quality online education and professional development resources. Aligning with this mission, I am ready to leverage my skills in SEO optimization, user engagement strategies, and content analytics to enhance IIENSTITU's digital presence and to further promote its educational services.I am eager to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can align with the dynamic team at IIENSTITU. Thank you for considering my application. I anticipate the opportunity to elaborate on how I can contribute to your team and am planning to reach out next week to ensure you have received all necessary documents.Warm regards,[Your Name]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/64859/1706754322-can-you-provide-an-example-of-a-well-structured-cover-letter-that-effectively-communicates-the-applicant-s-suitability-for-a-position-table.jpeg)
