Academic Cover Letter Template

                                                                                  <Write your address

                                                                                  and phone number

                                                                                  and email address

                                                                                  in this area>

<date>

Application for position of

Dear ,

<In the first paragraph introduce yourself generally and list the reasons why you should be considered for the job., For example:>

I would like to be considered for the above position and hope to demonstrate how much I could bring to it. My research and teaching interests fit extremely well with the requirements of this post and with existing members of staff. I have extensive teaching experience in the department of x at university y, most of it focused on <name a field relevant to this job>. My work provides a useful link between <name two related fields> in the department, encouraging research and teaching collaborations.

<Move on to discuss your PhD in the second paragraph>

I was awarded my Ph.D. by the x department at y university in<give date>. My thesis was entitled <give title>. In it, I explore <give 150 words or so of explanation about your project. What did you look at, what was your methodology, what were your findings and what makes your PhD unique and original>. My publication plans for the thesis are as follows: <list any interest from publishers that you have had and/or a timetable for publication>

<In the next paragraph discuss your future research plans>

<Now move on to teaching experience>

I have x number of years’ teaching experience on <list module names>. As required I would be happy to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate modules of both a research-led and a methodological nature. <Suggest possible new modules that you could offer. Give titles and a one-sentence description of what they are about and which level of student they are aimed at>.

I am also aware of the importance of the pastoral care of students and take the role of tutor very seriously. I am experienced in liaising with colleagues to help students with a variety of problems <give details of particular pastoral care you have offered or student-focussed work you have done>.

<Now you should make a list with full details of any other factors you believe will make you attractive and show how you lead a full and active academic life. E.g. conferences, editing journals etc.>

To summarise, I fill the criteria of the person specification thus: <here is your chance to end on a snappy note, directly comparing yourself to the requirements listed in the job advertisement>

<Make a statement about qualifications and their relevance; your teaching experience; your research record and publications; your participation in academic culture on an international basis>

<Finally, ask explicitly to be interviewed>

I would be grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities further at interview. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

<Your name>