8 Professional Academic Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your academic cover letter must immediately highlight your most significant achievements. Showcase the research or projects that align closely with the position's requirements. Demonstrate your potential contribution to the department and the institution. Ensure your passion for teaching and scholarship shines through every word.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Crafting an academic cover letter can be a stumbling block, especially when you're already deep into job applications and realize it's a required piece of the puzzle. This isn't just a repeat of your resume; it's your chance to spotlight a shining professional triumph and weave a compelling narrative around it. Forget the clichés—your cover letter must exude formality without being mundane, all while fitting neatly on a single page. Let's unlock the secrets to a cover letter that leaves a lasting impression.

Your academic cover letter has and will never look better - let us guide you on:

  • Making excellent use of job-winning real-life professional cover letters;
  • Writing the first paragraphs of your academic cover letter to get attention and connect with the recruiters - immediately;
  • Single out your most noteworthy achievement (even if it's outside your career);
  • Get a better understanding of what you must include in your academic cover letter to land the job.

Let the power of Enhancv's AI work for you: create your academic cover letter by uploading your resume.

Academic cover letter example

Carter Andrade

London

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I was intrigued to discover the Billing Manager opening at your esteemed organization, reflecting on its reputation for fostering innovative financial strategies and the effective harmonization of finance operation procedures. Your commitment to seamless transactional fluidity aligns with the acumen I have honed over my multifaceted career.

While at ABC Company in London, I championed a cross-departmental initiative that culminated in a 30% reduction in billing processing time, coupled with a noteworthy 20% decrease in billing errors. By meticulously analyzing each stage of the transactional process and leading a dedicated team, we successfully overhauled outdated procedures, which significantly improved financial control and enhanced team productivity. This accomplishment not only epitomizes my hands-on approach to process improvement but also underscores my capability to strategically lead and uplift team performance in highly charged environments.

I am eager to bring my expertise in enhancing financial workflows to your company, confident in the value I can add through rigorous financial analysis and leadership. It would be my pleasure to further discuss how my background, skills, and certifications align with the needs of your team. Please consider this letter and the accompanying resume as a formal expression of my interest in discussing the Billing Manager position with you.

Sincerely,

Carter Andrade

Billing Manager
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Highlighting Relevant Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases past accomplishments, such as reducing billing processing time by 30% and billing errors by 20%, which directly relate to the Billing Manager role and demonstrate the candidate's relevant experience and success in process optimization.
  • Focus on Process Improvement: By emphasizing a hands-on approach to revamping outdated procedures, the writer displays a commitment to enhancing financial workflows, an essential skill for a Billing Manager tasked with maintaining efficient billing operations.
  • Leadership Skills: The candidate mentions leading a team during a cross-departmental initiative, pointing to strong leadership and team management abilities, which are crucial for a managerial position responsible for overseeing the billing department.

Five tips on formatting your academic cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your academic cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

  • Header and Salutation;
  • Introductory paragraph;
  • Body paragraph;
  • Closing paragraph;
  • Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your academic cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your academic cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates.

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your academic cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your academic cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

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The top sections on a academic cover letter

  • Header: This section includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, ensuring that your cover letter appears professional and reaches the correct person.
  • Opening Greeting: A formal salutation addresses the hiring committee or specific individual by name, demonstrating that you have researched the institution and are personalizing your application.
  • Introduction: Briefly introduces who you are, your current academic status, and the position you are applying for, setting the stage for why you are a strong fit for the role.
  • Academic Achievements and Experience: Highlights your relevant educational background, research accomplishments, teaching experience, and any publications, tailored to the academic position to showcase your qualifications and alignment with the job.
  • Closing Paragraph: This is where you reiterate your interest in the position, mention your availability for an interview, and thank the recipient for considering your application, leaving a professional and respectful impression.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Research expertise in the specified field: Demonstrates the ability to contribute to the academic community through original research.
  • Teaching experience and pedagogical skills: Showcases the capability to educate and mentor students effectively.
  • Publications and scholarly work: Indicates a track record of contributing to the body of knowledge in the field.
  • Grants and funded research experience: Reflects success in obtaining financial support for research, which is crucial for many academic institutions.
  • Collaboration and interdisciplinary work: Highlights the ability to work across disciplines, which is increasingly valued in academia for its potential to foster innovative research.
  • Service to the academic community: Demonstrates a commitment to contributing to the functioning and governance of the institution through committee work, peer review, or other service roles.

How to personalize your academic cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your academic cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your academic cover letter salutation.

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Committee,
  • Dear [Department] Selection Committee,
  • Dear Professor [Last Name],
  • Dear Dr. [Last Name],
  • Dear Search Committee Chair,
  • Dear [University/College] Faculty,

What to include in those first two sentences, or your academic cover letter introduction

Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the academic cover letter introduction?

There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.

Some professionals start their academic cover letter by:

  • congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
  • aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.
Intro Paragraph
With a deep appreciation for the groundbreaking research conducted at your institution and a personal commitment to fostering inclusive education, I am applying for the role of Assistant Professor in your department of history.
RIGHT

That one achievement in your academic cover letter body

The lengthiest part of your academic cover letter is the body.

Within the next three to six middle paragraphs, present yourself as the best candidate for the role.

How can you do that without retelling your whole professional resume?

Select one key achievement that covers job-crucial skills and technologies (and is memorable).

Within the body of your academic cover letter, aim to tell the story of how you achieved your success. Also, write about how this would help out your potential team.

Body Paragraph
Leading a team of researchers, I spearheaded an interdisciplinary project that resulted in a groundbreaking publication on climate change, achieving a 50% increase in citation impact for our department. This work not only demonstrated my capability in interdisciplinary collaboration but also highlighted my skill in elevating the department's academic influence through strategic research initiatives.
RIGHT

Finishing off your academic cover letter with what matters most

So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your academic cover letter for the role and recruiter.

Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.

And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.

End your academic cover letter with the future in mind.

So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.

You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).

Closing Paragraph
Eager to discuss how my expertise aligns with the goals of your department, I welcome the opportunity for an interview at your earliest convenience.
RIGHT

The zero experience academic cover letter: shifting the focus to your unique value

Don't worry if you have no conventional professional experience. Within your whole experience, there's plenty more you can write about in your academic cover letter.

Take, for example, your biggest achievement or award - dedicate your cover letter body to describe it and the job-relevant skills you've learned.

Your professional ambitions could also take center stage. Describe what you plan on achieving in the next five to ten years and the efforts you're making towards your dreams.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your academic cover letter:

  • Always make sure your academic cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
  • In your academic cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
  • Focus your academic cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
  • Ensure your academic cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
  • If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Academic cover letter examples

Explore additional academic cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Lecturer

When applying for a Lecturer position, highlight your expertise in the subject area and any teaching or public speaking experience. Demonstrating a strong track record of curriculum development and a commitment to student success is essential. Mention relevant coursework, workshops, or degrees that have prepared you for an academic environment. Show examples of how you've engaged with students or adapted teaching styles to fit diverse learning needs, using a 'challenge-strategy-impact' approach to describe your teaching methods' effectiveness.
View Lecturer Cover Letter

Professor

When applying for a Professor role, showcase your extensive knowledge in your field of study, including relevant research and publications. Demonstrate teaching experience and ability to engage and inspire students. Mention any academic awards or grants received to illustrate recognition in your discipline. Clarify your teaching philosophy and how it shapes your interactions and curriculum development. Outline past successes in mentoring students or colleagues and your contribution to academic program improvements, using a 'challenge-action-impact' framework.
View Professor Cover Letter

Academic Advisor

When applying for an Academic Advisor role, highlight any educational counseling experience or mentorship roles you've had. Strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of educational pathways are essential. Showcase any workshops or seminars like 'Student Development Theory' or 'Academic Counseling Techniques' you've attended. Mention the duration of these courses to demonstrate commitment. Illustrate your ability to guide students successfully with a 'challenge-approach-outcome' method, focusing on how your advice improved their academic journey.
View Academic Advisor Cover Letter

High School Academic

When applying for a High School Teacher position, it's important to showcase your subject-matter expertise and your ability to engage and inspire teenagers. Highlight any teaching credentials or subject-specific degrees you hold. Emphasize your classroom management strategies and your experience with creating diverse lesson plans that cater to different learning styles. If you have a track record of improving student outcomes or advancing educational programs, use a 'challenge-method-impact' framework to demonstrate your effectiveness as an educator.
View High School Academic Cover Letter

PhD

When seeking a PhD position, it’s essential to showcase your academic expertise and research capabilities. Detail any publications, presentations, or research projects you’ve conducted, focusing on your contributions and findings. Illustrate your proficiency in research methodologies, technical skills, and your area of specialism. Express your passion for the subject and how it aligns with the institution’s research interests. If you've received relevant accolades or scholarships, include these to demonstrate recognition and dedication to your academic pursuits. Use specific examples of your research to underline problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity. For applying to a PhD program, stress your research experience and academic achievements. Highlight your thesis work or any research projects, particularly those published or presented in academic forums. Include relevant coursework and any advanced knowledge in your field of interest. Mention your proficiency with research tools and methodologies. If you've assisted professors or been part of research teams, detail your role and contributions. Show clear goals for your PhD and how it aligns with the program’s strengths. Demonstrate your commitment to contributing to the academic community.
View PhD Cover Letter

College Academic

When pursuing a College Academic position, underscore teaching or mentoring experience you possess. It’s key to showcase your subject area expertise, so mention any specialized degrees, pertinent research, or published works. Detailing any curriculum development experience or innovative teaching methods is advantageous. Utilize a 'challenge-method-outcome' structure to demonstrate how your teaching approach positively affected student learning outcomes or advanced the curriculum. Additionally, include any extracurricular mentoring or academic committees you've been involved in to demonstrate a broader commitment to academic life.

Grad School Academic

When seeking a Graduate School Academic role, showcase any research, teaching, or subject expertise you've developed. Emphasize your analytical and problem-solving capabilities. If you have presented at conferences or published papers, include these to demonstrate your active engagement in academia. Use a 'knowledge-application-outcome' structure to elucidate how your academic pursuits have directly contributed to the field of study or educational outcomes, indicating the tangible impact you've made through your scholarly endeavors. For a Software Developer position, it's important to detail your experience with coding languages and development frameworks. Point out any successful projects or applications you've built, especially those that are publicly available or have had notable user numbers. Employ a 'challenge-solution-impact' format to describe how your coding proficiency has led to innovative solutions and quantifiable improvements, whether in efficiency, user experience, or system performance. When applying for a Project Coordinator role, underline your organizational skills and experience with project management tools. If you have a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget, highlight these achievements. Use a 'task-strategy-success' narrative to illustrate how your coordination efforts have directly resulted in successful project completions and satisfied stakeholders. Mention any relevant certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 to further strengthen your qualifications. In a Marketing Assistant application, stress any direct marketing experience or campaign involvement. If you've contributed to social media strategies or email marketing efforts, detail your role and the campaign outcomes. Adopt a 'campaign-implementation-results' structure to demonstrate how your marketing initiatives have grown audience engagement or boosted sales. Include any relevant coursework or internships, focusing on the skills acquired and their practical application in marketing scenarios.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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