Professional Biology Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Professional Biology Cover Letter...

Your biology cover letter needs to immediately grab the attention of the hiring manager. Highlight your most relevant research experiences or projects prominently. In your second paragraph, succinctly outline your key contributions to the field of biology. Ensure to quantify your successes with data or publication citations when possible.

Embarking on your biology career journey, you've hit a common snag: writing a cover letter that stands out. It's not just a repeat of your resume; it's your chance to showcase a shining moment that you're incredibly proud of. This letter needs to be polished and professional, steering clear of overused phrases. Remember, brevity is key – keep it to one page that holds nothing back but the clichés. Let's dive in and get that cover letter to reflect the best of your achievements.

In the next few paragraphs, our biology cover letter writing guide will show you how to:

  • Personalize your biology cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
  • Format and design your biology cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
  • Introduce your best achievement in your biology cover letter to recruiters;
  • How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your biology cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.

What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your biology resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.

Biology cover letter example

Emily Johnson

Pasadena, TX

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

It is with a deep respect for the commitment to innovation and excellence at your esteemed organization that I submit my application for the Biologist position. My experience as a college-level educator and published molecular biology researcher aligns closely with the responsibilities and opportunities presented in your opening.

One milestone at the University of Texas stands clear: the redesign of our biology curriculum, which catalyzed a 15% uptick in student engagement. I was able to innovate pedagogic techniques by weaving research-based approaches with interactive technologies. The result was not just enhanced classroom participation, but also a rich nurturing ground where three high-caliber research studies, led by my graduate students, saw successful publication. This not only underscored my knack for mentorship but also my commitment to contribute substantively to the field of biology.

I am eager to bring this dedication to your team, fostering a collaborative environment where scientific inquiry and discovery take center stage. I welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms will be a perfect fit for your program.

Sincerely,

Emily Johnson

Biologist Position
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Highlighting relevant accomplishments such as the redesign of the biology curriculum and its positive outcomes (e.g., 15% increase in student engagement) effectively demonstrates the candidate’s impact on education and innovation.
  • Presenting evidence of mentorship and successful publication of research underscores the candidate’s expertise and ability to guide and participate in high-level scientific inquiry, an essential skill for a Biologist position.
  • Expressing a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment aligns with the teamwork often necessary in scientific research roles and indicates an awareness of the importance of team dynamics in driving discovery.

The format of your biology cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more

Your biology cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.

Remember that you're writing your biology cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your biology cover letter:

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The top sections on a biology cover letter

  • Header with Contact Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, email, and the date, ensuring the recruiter can easily contact you and knows when you’ve submitted your application.
  • Greeting: Personalize the cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name, demonstrating that you’ve researched the company and are serious about your application.
  • Introduction: State the specific biology position you are applying for and highlight your most relevant qualification or experience to grab the recruiter’s attention immediately.
  • Body Paragraphs: Detail your previous research experiences, laboratory skills, and academic background in biology, showing how these qualifications align with the job description and the company’s needs.
  • Conclusion and Call-to-Action: Close by summarizing your value proposition, expressing your enthusiasm for the role, and indicating your desire for a personal interview, leaving the recruiter with a clear next step.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Research experience in relevant fields: Demonstrates the necessary technical skills and understanding of scientific methods for conducting experiments and data analysis.
  • Publication record: Shows the ability to communicate scientific findings effectively and contributes to the body of knowledge in the field.
  • Laboratory skills and techniques specific to the sub-discipline: Highlights proficiency with tools and methodologies unique to that area of biology (e.g., genetic sequencing, microscopy, or environmental sampling).
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Indicates the ability to work with professionals from various fields, which is often essential for complex biological research projects.
  • Understanding of statistical methods and data analysis software: Essential for interpreting results and ensuring that conclusions are supported by the data.
  • Knowledge of bioethics and regulatory compliance: Ensures that the candidate is aware of ethical considerations and compliance with guidelines that govern biological research.

How to personalize your biology cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your biology 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 biology 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 Manager,
  • Dear Dr. [Last Name],
  • Dear Professor [Last Name],
  • Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
  • Dear Search Committee,
  • Dear [Department] Selection Committee,

Your biology cover letter introduction and the value you bring

Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction.

Use those first two sentences of your biology cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.

Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.

That is - what is your value as a professional?

Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?

Intro Paragraph
The innovative approaches to microbial genomics at GenTech Solutions resonate with my own passion for pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery through data-driven research. My background in computational biology and commitment to advancing our understanding of microbial ecosystems complement the mission embraced by your team to tackle global health challenges.
RIGHT

Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your biology cover letter

You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your biology cover letter?

For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).

After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.

Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.

Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:

  • you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
  • you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
  • your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.

Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.

Body Paragraph
Leading a team at GenoTech Labs, I spearheaded the optimization of a high-throughput sequencing protocol that boosted sample processing by 50% while maintaining 99% accuracy. This key innovation allowed us to accelerate genomic data analysis for cancer research, contributing to two publications and enhancing collaboration efficiency with external research partners.
RIGHT

Final words: writing your biology cover letter closing paragraph

The final paragraph of your biology cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression.

Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:

  • how you see yourself growing into the role;
  • the unique skills you'd bring to the organization.

Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).

If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your biology cover letter with a follow-up request.

You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.

Closing Paragraph
Eager to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team, I look forward to the possibility of scheduling an interview at your convenience.
RIGHT

Biology cover letter advice for candidates with no experience

If you're worried about writing your Biology cover letter and have no professional experience, we sure have some advice for you.

Turn recruiters' attention to your transferable or relevant skills gained thanks to your life and work experience.

Instead of writing about past jobs, focus on one achievement (whether from your volunteering experience, education, etc.) and the skills it has helped you build.

Alternatively, you could focus your Biology cover letter on your career objectives and goals. Always remember to make those relevant to the job you're applying for by detailing how you see yourself growing as part of the company.

Recruiters would be way more impressed with candidates who fit the job profile and can bring about plenty of skills and vision to the table.

Key takeaways

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

  • Always make sure your biology cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
  • In your biology 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 biology 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 biology 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.
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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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