How to Write an Academic Cover Letter

Writing an academic cover letter can seem nerve-wracking at first, especially considering most academic cover letters involve even more professional elements than standard cover letters. An academic cover letter looks to convey evidence of academic prowess and research ability.

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# Academic Cover Letter Sample
# Tips for Writing Academic Cover Letter
# How to Edit Academic Cover Letter Template

Academic Cover Letter Template

This is a free cover letter template for academic. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

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Academic Cover Letter Sample (Text)

Dr. Anastasia Willis
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Postcode
Phone Number
Email

Prof. Lucinda Steel
Brunn University
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Postcode
Phone Number
Email

Day/Month/Year

Re: Application for the position of Senior Lecturer

Dear Professor Steel,

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Lecturer position that is open within the English department at the University. I am hoping that this letter, along with my attached Curriculum Vitae will demonstrate what I could bring to the role if hired.

My past research and teaching experiences seem to be a good fit when compared with requirements of the job role posted on the University's website. I have extensive past teaching experience. Before I spent a year travelling to work on some personal research projects, I was a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, teaching on several modules, including "Approaches to Flexible Learning" for my postgraduate students, and "Shakespeare's Classics" which was taught for various levels of students, and adapted to fit their learning needs.

I was awarded my Ph.D. by the Humanities department at the University of Edinburgh several years ago, back in 2010. My thesis explored the representation of death in Shakespeare's classic works, and how the various forms of death linked together throughout the years of his writing. I've published several essays since achieving my Ph.D., and plan to continue publishing in the future.

When I decided to take a year to travel, it was to fulfil a desire to see more of the world and be inspired by it. I believe that this open position with Brunn University is the next step I should take to continue to thrive at doing what I love, and I am certain that the University can benefit from my experience and teaching methods.

I hope that we can converse sometime soon.

Kindest regards,
Anastasia Willis

Tips for Writing an Academic Cover Letter

Address your letter fully. Use your own name, address, and contact information to start (include your title), and then list the contact information for the job you're applying for.
Note the person you're trying to contact. Use their name in your salutation, start your letter with "Dear" and use their title: "Dear Dr. Julia Potts."
Note which position you're applying for in the subject line. This will help the reading of your academic cover letter know which of their open positions you're applying for. Universities, especially, rarely hire one academic at a time. "Re: The Mathematics Lecturer position at Amberson University."
Start strong. Be professional and accurate in the first paragraph of your academic cover letter. Tell the reader exactly which position you're applying for and note any attached documents. For example, from the example academic cover letter above: "I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Lecturer position that is open within the English department at the University." This looks and sounds professional, and very clearly states which position the candidate is interested in.
Outline your skills and experiences. Mention previous teaching experience in depth, including any modules you personally taught to your students. If you're not currently working in an academic position, tell the employer why, but keep it positive. "Before I spent a year travelling to work on some personal research projects, I was a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, teaching on several modules..."
Include details about your Ph.D. If you don't have a Ph.D., or it's not a requirement of the position, talk about your Master's degree, or other academic experience or qualifications. This section should include any major projects, such as your thesis, and a brief note about any publications you have.
Closing paragraph. Here you express your desire for the position you're applying for and can elaborate on any statements you've made that you feel didn't fully explain the situation. Remember, it's about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you: "I believe that this open position with Brunn University is exactly what I'm looking for, and I am certain that the University can benefit from my experience and teaching methods."
Sign-off professionally. Make a statement about hoping to hear from them soon or wanting to speak with them to discuss an interview. Finally, close the letter wishing them well and add your name to the bottom.

When applying for an academic position, multiple people will see your cover letter and CV. It may be reviewed by the whole faculty at the University. Your tone should remain professional at all times, and you should be able to easily expand on your experiences both inside and outside teaching.

Using the academic cover letter sample above should be enough to get you started. Follow the tips and recall as much of your experience in your academic cover letter as you deem appropriate.

How to Edit Academic Cover Letter Template

A successful academic cover letter should be sent in PDF format, as PDF is the most popular format in daily work and can be open in any devices easily. You can edit the PDF cover letter template in this page with PDFelement, a robust PDF editor, and turn the template into your own unique cover letter.