Cover Letters Template For Academic Job Applications (Page 2 of 6) in pdf

Cover Letters Template For Academic Job Applications Page 2

materials are being sent under separate cover. Offer to provide extra materials or additional

information if necessary, and thank the reader for his or her consideration.

Technical Aspects of Academic Cover Letters

Cover Letter Salutation

Use a formal title in the opening of your letter, such as “Dr.” or “Professor.” If possible, direct your

letter to a specific individual. This is not always possible, and if no individual is named in the job

posting or you are instructed to respond to the search committee, it is acceptable to address begin

your letter with “Dear Committee Members” or “Dear Members of the Search Committee.”

Length and Format

Letters in the sciences and social sciences should be approximately one page long; letters in the

humanities may be longer (up to two pages). It is customary to single space text and double space

between paragraphs. Use high-quality paper (at least 24-pound) that matches your CV. Some

individuals use a consistent heading on the cover letter and CV, and this can help unify the two

documents.

Writing Style

Write as concisely and effectively as possible, but don’t abandon complex sentence structures in

favor of bulleted phrases. Hiring committees consider cover letters to be a sample of a candidate’s

writing ability, so your letter must be well written. Have at least one other person proofread your

letter. Seek advice and feedback from your adviser or another faculty member from your

department, since they are familiar with your area of study.

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Academic Cover Letter Handout, updated 11/10/2006

Cover Letters Template For Academic Job Applications Page 2