6 Professional Professor Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Home > 
6 Professional Professor Cover...

In your professor cover letter, it is imperative to display your academic expertise. Highlight your publications and research to showcase your contributions to your field. Connect your teaching philosophy to your professional experiences. Illustrate how you engage with students to foster an effective learning environment.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Embarking on the job hunt, you've realized a well-crafted professor cover letter is expected alongside your resume. But here's the challenge: You must capture attention without echoing your CV, opting instead to spotlight that crowning professional achievement that defines you. Writing in a formal yet fresh tone can feel like a tightrope walk, all while keeping your story compelling and concise within a one-page limit. Let's unlock the secrets to creating that impactful, cliché-free cover letter.

Keep your professor cover letter concise and impressive by sticking to our guide on how to:

  • Personalize the greeting to address the recruiter and your introduction that fits the role;
  • Follow good examples for individual roles and industries from job-winning cover letters;
  • Decide on your most noteworthy achievement to stand out;
  • Format, download, and submit your professor cover letter, following the best HR practices.

Use the power of Enhancv's AI: drag and drop your professor resume, which will swiftly be converted into your job-winning cover letter.

Professor cover letter example

Hazel Clark

San Antonio, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I've had the privilege of following your organization's groundbreaking work in neuroscience and I am impressed by the commitment to innovation that parallels my professional journey. The opportunity to contribute to such transformative research is what motivates my pursuit of excellence in the field.

At NeuroTech Solutions, my dedication to advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases led me to pioneer the development of novel enterochromaffin cell culture techniques. This achievement not only enhanced cell viability by an impressive 20% but also contributed to our team securing substantial increments in grant funding, a testament to my ability to synergize research excellence with financial growth for the institution. This experience, among others, underscores my expertise in confocal microscopy, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis, and exemplifies my commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific research.

The prospect of bringing my decade-long experience and specialized skills to your esteemed team excites me. I am eager to discuss how I can contribute to ongoing and future projects, fostering an environment of collaboration and discovery. Please consider this letter an enthusiastic request to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, Hazel Clark Research Scientist | Neuroscience | Data Analysis
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Demonstrated expertise in relevant techniques: Mentioning experience with "enterochromaffin cell culture techniques," "confocal microscopy," and "molecular biology" aligns with the specialized skills typically required for a role in neuroscience research.
  • Quantifiable achievements: The applicant boosts their credibility by citing a specific improvement metric ("enhanced cell viability by an impressive 20%") and linking their research to securing additional grant funding, which provides concrete evidence of their impact and capability.
  • Relevance to the hiring organization: By acknowledging the organization's commitment to innovation and expressing a parallel in their professional journey, the applicant builds a connection and suggests that their goals align with those of the potential employer.
  • Call to action: The applicant concludes by expressing enthusiasm for the role and requesting an interview, which is a proactive step in the job application process and demonstrates their keen interest in the position.
  • The visual appeal of your professor cover letter: format, font, and structure

    When using our cover letter builder, make sure to include these vital sections:

    • Header (with your name, contact details, the role, and date);
    • Greeting (that's personalized to the recruiter);
    • Introductory paragraph (to capture attention);
    • Body paragraph (to tell a story of how you've obtained your job-crucial skills);
    • Closing paragraph (ending with a nod to the future ahead);
    • Signature (that is not a must).

    Our cover letter templates are already set up for you with the best professor cover letter design with single-spaced paragraphs and a one-inch margin.

    As for the font of your professor cover letter, use the same one as you did in your resume (where modern and simple fonts, like Rubik and Bitter, take precedence over Arial and Times New Roman).

    Your professor cover letter is created with the recruiters in mind - as no Applicant Tracker System looks over this part of your profile.

    When sending over your professor cover letter, download it in PDF. This format allows your information and design to stay intact and to keep the same visual quality.

    top sections icon

    The top sections on a professor cover letter

    • Header: Includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, essential for establishing professionalism and for ease of reference.
    • Opening Greeting: Addresses the recipient by name or with a respectful title such as "Dear Search Committee," setting the tone for a personalized and respectful communication.
    • Introduction: Introduces yourself, states the position you're applying for, and provides a hook—the unique aspect of your application that demands further reading, such as your passion or an impressive accomplishment in academia.
    • Academic Experience and Achievements: Highlights your teaching philosophy, research interests, and scholarly contributions relevant to the position, demonstrating your qualifications and alignment with the department's focus.
    • Conclusion and Call to Action: Wraps up the cover letter by summarizing your interest and suitability for the role, and expresses your eagerness to discuss your potential contribution in an interview, establishing a proactive stance.
    top sections icon

    Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

    • Academic achievements: Recruiters look for a strong track record of relevant educational qualifications including advanced degrees and prestigious fellowships, as this indicates a commitment to academic excellence.
    • Teaching experience: Demonstrated ability in teaching and mentoring students is critical, as this is a core component of most professorial roles.
    • Research excellence: A history of published research, grant acquisition, and contributions to the field signal that the candidate can advance the institution’s research agenda.
    • Subject matter expertise: Deep knowledge in a specific area of study shows that the candidate can add value to the department's academic offerings and reputation.
    • Collaboration and collegiality: The ability to work well with others, both within the department and across interdisciplinary teams, is important for fostering a productive academic environment.
    • Service and leadership: Evidence of involvement in academic service roles (e.g., committee membership, program coordination) and leadership potential indicate readiness to contribute to the institution's mission and governance.

    How to greet recruiters in your professor cover letter salutation

    As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

    Write your professor cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:

    • greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
    • using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
    • writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.

    Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.

    In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".

    top sections icon

    List of salutations you can use

    • Dear Dr. [Last Name],
    • Dear Professor [Last Name],
    • Dear Search Committee Chair,
    • Dear Hiring Committee,
    • Dear [University or College Department] Search Committee,
    • Dear Dean [Last Name],

    How to start your professor cover letter introduction

    The opening paragraph of your professor cover letter can seem like a real enigma.

    Where do you start writing?

    In your professor cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:

    • gets you motivated and excited about the role;
    • you like best about the company, from culture to awards.

    Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

    Intro Paragraph
    Immersing myself in the vibrant academic community at [University Name], which is renowned for its innovation in teaching and dedication to fostering intellectual growth, aligns naturally with my commitment to cultivating a dynamic learning environment. My dedication to [specific research area or teaching methodology that aligns with the university ethos] has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to your esteemed faculty.
    RIGHT

    How to write an achievement-focused professor cover letter body

    We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your professor cover letter - the body.

    In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

    What better way to do this than by storytelling?

    And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

    Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

    Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

    Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

    The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

    Body Paragraph
    Leading a multi-disciplinary team, I spearheaded an innovative research project that resulted in a 20% improvement in energy efficiency for solar panels. This breakthrough was highlighted in a high-impact journal and led to a successful grant application for $500,000 in funding, further advancing our department's research capabilities and industry partnerships.
    RIGHT

    Final words: writing your professor cover letter closing paragraph

    The final paragraph of your professor 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 professor 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
    I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss how my expertise aligns with the goals of your department. Please feel free to arrange an interview at your earliest convenience.
    RIGHT

    Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience professor cover letter

    Even though you may not have any professional experience, your professor cover letter should focus on your value.

    As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

    Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

    If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

    Key takeaways

    Creating your professor cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:

    • Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
    • Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
    • Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
    • Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
    • End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.

    Professor cover letter examples

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

    By Role

    College Professor

    When applying for a College Professor position, emphasize your advanced degree in the relevant field of study and any teaching or research experience. It’s important to showcase your ability to present complex information clearly. If you've published research, mention this to establish your expertise. Detail any curriculum development or academic program involvement to illustrate your commitment to education. Use specific examples where your teaching methods have positively influenced student outcomes or contributed to academic discourse, structured as 'strategy-implementation-impact'.

    University Professor

    When applying for a University Professor role, it's essential to emphasize your academic credentials, including your PhD or equivalent degree. Highlight your teaching experience and areas of research, showcasing your publications and any grants you've secured. Demonstrate your teaching philosophy through specific teaching methods that led to measurable student success. Include any notable contributions to the academic community, like conference presentations or committee work. Your cover letter should reflect a balance between teaching prowess and research achievements to illustrate your well-rounded contribution to the university.

    Associate Professor

    When seeking an Associate Professor role, it's essential to detail your teaching experience and research achievements. Highlight publications, grants secured, and any advanced teaching credentials you've acquired. Showcase your commitment to education by mentioning curriculum development initiatives or mentoring programs you've led. Use a 'challenge-strategy-outcome' framework to describe your academic contributions, demonstrating how your innovative research or pedagogical techniques have led to improved student engagement or scholarly advancements within your field.

    Adjunct Professor

    When applying for an Adjunct Professor position, showcase your subject matter expertise and any teaching experience you have. Detail your educational background and any academic achievements. Emphasize your ability to create engaging lesson plans and how you've adapted teaching methods to different learning styles, utilizing a 'situation-action-outcome' approach. Mention any curriculum development experience and your commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment. It's beneficial to include specific examples of positive student outcomes or feedback to demonstrate your impact on learning. For an Entry-Level Software Developer role, it's essential to focus on your programming skills and any relevant projects or internships. Highlight familiarity with languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and point out your problem-solving prowess. Include any successful coding challenges or hackathons you've participated in, and outline your ability to work collaboratively within a development team. Draw attention to any software or app you've contributed to, outlining the 'challenge-solution-impact' framework to show practical applications of your skills.

    Assistant Professor

    When applying for an Assistant Professor position, underline any teaching experience or curriculum development roles you've previously held. Highlighting your educational background, especially your advanced degree relevant to the subject area, is essential. If you have published research, emphasize the title and scope of your work to demonstrate expertise. Utilize a 'contribution-impact-engagement' approach to show how your teaching philosophy and research have positively influenced student learning and advanced the field. Including any awards or recognitions for teaching excellence will further strengthen your application.
    Rate my article:
    6 Professional Professor Cover Letter Examples for 2024
    Average: 4.80 / 5.00
    (564 people already rated it)
    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.
    AI Section BackgroundAI Section Lines

    AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

    Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

    • Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
    • ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
    • Lightning-fast responses
    Create a Cover Letter
    Cover Letter Background
    Cover Letter Example
    AI Panel Box
    Continue Reading
    Check more recommended readings to get the job of your dreams.