Cover Letters

While the CV is the presentation of your desire for a particular job, the cover letter is a more specific detailing of how you feel you fit the particular requirements of a job announcement. While the cover letter will obviously repeat information that is in the CV, it can further illuminate and explain experience.

Occasionally, you may feel that you do not have “exact” experience or skills. The cover letter allows you an opportunity to point out transferable skills or experience. For instance, a job announcement may ask for experience in managing a laboratory. If you have been a teaching or research assistant, you have often had unofficial responsibility for managing your principle investigator’s lab. A cover letter allows you to point out activities and responsibilities that amount to laboratory management. As a teaching assistant, you can use a cover letter to explain the degree to which you were responsible for course and lecture development, grading, advising, and so on.

Cover letters should be specific about your flexibility and willingness to grow with a new department. Most of all, cover letters allow you to show that you have done some research about the institution. Pointing out that you are aware of the departmental or institutional mission should be a part of the letter. Express enthusiasm, but do it with restraint.

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