lancaster university cover letter

Academic Cover Letters

What is this handout about.

The long list of application materials required for many academic teaching jobs can be daunting. This handout will help you tackle one of the most important components: the cover letter or letter of interest. Here you will learn about writing and revising cover letters for academic teaching jobs in the United States of America.

What is an academic cover letter?

An academic cover letter describes your experiences and interest as a candidate for a specific position. It introduces you to the hiring committee and demonstrates how your academic background fits with the description of the position.

What do cover letters for academic teaching jobs typically contain?

At their most basic level, academic cover letters accomplish three things: one, they express your interest in the job; two, they provide a brief synopsis of your research and teaching; and three, they summarize your past experiences and achievements to illustrate your competence for the job. For early-career scholars, cover letters are typically no more than two pages (up to four pages for senior scholars). Occasionally, a third page may make sense for an early-career scholar if the application does not require a separate teaching statement and/or research statement. Digital versions of cover letters often contain hyperlinks to your CV or portfolio page. For some fields, cover letters may also include examples of your work, including music, popular articles, and other multimedia related to your research, service, or teaching available online. Typically, letters appear on departmental or university letterhead and include your signature. Above all, a strong cover letter presents your accomplishments and your familiarity with the institution and with the position.

How should I prepare to write my academic cover letter?

Like all writing, composing a cover letter is a process. The process may be as short as a few hours or as long as several weeks, but at the end the letter should present you as a strong candidate for the job. The following section has tips and questions for thinking through each stage of this writing process. You don’t need to answer all of these questions to write the letter; they are meant to help you brainstorm ideas.

Before you begin writing your cover letter, consider researching the institution, the department, and the student population. Incorporating all three aspects in your letter will help convey your interest in the position.

Get to know the institution. When crafting your cover letter, be aware of the type of institution to which you are applying. Knowing how the institution presents itself can help you tailor your letter and make it more specific.

• Where is the institution located?
• Is it on a quarter-system or semester-system?
• What type of institution is it? Is it an R1? Is it an R2? Is it a liberal arts college? Is it an HBCU? Is it a community college? A private high school?
• What is the institution’s culture? Is it teaching-focused or research-focused? Does it privilege experiential learning? Does it value faculty involvement outside the classroom? Is it affiliated with a specific religious tradition?
• Does it have any specific institutional commitments?
• How does the institution advocate for involvement in its local community?
• What are the professional development opportunities for new and junior faculty?

Learn about the department. Knowing the specific culture and needs of the department can help you reach your audience: the department members who will be reading your documents and vetting you as a candidate.

• Who is on the search committee? Who is the search committee chair?
• What is the official name of the department?
• Which different subfields make up the department?
• Is it a dual appointment or a position in a dual department?
• How does the department participate in specific types of student outreach?
• Does the department have graduate students? Does it offer a terminal Master’s degree, Ph.D., or both? How large are the cohorts? How are they funded?
• Does the department encourage or engage in interdisciplinary work?
• Does the majority of the department favor certain theoretical or methodological approaches?
• Does the department have partnerships with local institutions? If so, which ones?
• Is the department attempting to fill a specific vacancy, or is it an entirely new position?
• What are the typical course offerings in the department? Which courses might you be expected to teach? What courses might you be able to provide that are not currently available?

Consider the students. The search committee will often consider how you approach instructing and mentoring the student body. Sometimes committees will even reserve a position for a student or solicit student feedback on a candidate:

• What populations constitute the majority of the undergraduate population?
• Have there been any shifts in the student population recently?
• Do students largely come from in-state or out-of-state?
• Is there an international student population? If so, from which countries?
• Is the university recruiting students from traditionally underrepresented populations?
• Are students particularly active on campus? If so, how?

Many answers to these questions can be found both in the job description and on the institution’s website. If possible, consider contacting someone you know at the institution to ask about the culture directly. You can also use the institution’s course catalog, recruitment materials, alumni magazine, and other materials to get answers to these questions. The key is to understand the sort of institution to which you are applying, its immediate needs, and its future trajectory.

Remember, there is a resource that can help you with all three aspects—people. Reach out to your advisor, committee members, faculty mentors, and other contacts for insight into the prospective department’s culture and faculty. They might even help you revise your letter based on their expertise. Think of your job search as an opportunity to cultivate these relationships.

After you have done some initial research, think about how your experiences have prepared you for the job and identify the ones that seem the most relevant. Consider your previous research, internships, graduate teaching, and summer experiences. Here are some topics and questions to get you started thinking about what you might include.

Research Experiences. Consider how your research has prepared you for an academic career. Since the letter is a relatively short document, select examples of your research that really highlight who you are as a scholar, the direction you see your work going, and how your scholarship will contribute to the institution’s research community.

• What are your current research interests?
• What topics would you like to examine in the future?
• How have you pursued those research interests?
• Have you traveled for your research?
• Have you published any of your research? Have you presented it at a conference, symposium, or elsewhere?
• Have you worked or collaborated with scholars at different institutions on projects? If so, what did these collaborations produce?
• Have you made your research accessible to your local community?
• Have you received funding or merit-based fellowships for your research?
• What other research contributions have you made? This may include opinion articles, book chapters, or participating as a journal reviewer.
• How do your research interests relate to those of other faculty in the department or fill a gap?

Teaching Experience. Think about any teaching experience you may have. Perhaps you led recitations as a teaching assistant, taught your own course, or guest lectured. Pick a few experiences to discuss in your letter that demonstrate something about your teaching style or your interest in teaching.

• What courses are you interested in teaching for the department? What courses have you taught that discussed similar topics or themes?
• What new courses can you imagine offering the department that align with their aim and mission?
• Have you used specific strategies that were helpful in your instruction?
• What sort of resources do you typically use in the classroom?
• Do you have anecdotes that demonstrate your teaching style?
• What is your teaching philosophy?
• When have you successfully navigated a difficult concept or topic in the classroom, and what did you learn?
• What other opportunities could you provide to students?

Internships/Summer/Other Experiences. Brainstorm a list of any conferences, colloquiums, and workshops you have attended, as well as any ways you have served your department, university, or local community. This section will highlight how you participate in your university and scholarly community. Here are some examples of things you might discuss:

• Professional development opportunities you may have pursued over the summer or during your studies
• International travel for research or presentations
• Any research you’ve done in a non-academic setting
• Presentations at conferences
• Participation in symposia, reading groups, working groups, etc.
• Internships in which you may have implemented your research or practical skills related to your discipline
• Participation in community engagement projects
• Participation in or leadership of any scholarly and/or university organizations

In answering these questions, create a list of the experiences that you think best reflect you as a scholar and teacher. In choosing which experiences to highlight, consider your audience and what they would find valuable or relevant. Taking the time to really think about your reader will help you present yourself as an applicant well-qualified for the position.

Writing a draft

Remember that the job letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your accomplishments and to communicate why you would be a good fit for the position. Typically, search committees will want to know whether you are a capable job candidate, familiar with the institution, and a great future addition to the department’s faculty. As such, be aware of how the letter’s structure and content reflect your preparedness for the position.

The structure of your cover letter should reflect the typical standards for letter writing in the country in which the position is located (the list below reflects the standards for US letter writing). This usually includes a salutation, body, and closing, as well as proper contact information. If you are affiliated with a department, institution, or organization, the letter should be on letterhead.

• Use a simple, readable font in a standard size, such as 10-12pt. Some examples of fonts that may be conventional in your field include Arial, Garamond, Times New Roman, and Verdana, among other similar fonts.
• Do not indent paragraphs.
• Separate all paragraphs by a line and justify them to the left.
• Make sure that any included hyperlinks work.
• Include your signature in the closing.

Before you send in your letter, make sure you proofread and look for formatting mistakes. You’ll read more about proofreading and revising later in this handout!

The second most important aspect of your letter is its content. Since the letter is the first chance to provide an in-depth introduction, it should expand on who you are as a scholar and possible faculty member. Below are some elements to consider including when composing your letter.

Identify the position you are applying to and introduce yourself. Traditionally, the first sentence of a job letter includes the full name of the position and where you discovered the job posting. This is also the place to introduce yourself and describe why you are applying for this position. Since the goal of a job letter is to persuade the search committee to include you on the list of candidates for further review, you may want to include an initial claim as to why you are a strong candidate for the position. Some questions you might consider:

• What is your current status (ABD, assistant professor, post-doc, etc.)?
• If you are ABD, have you defended your dissertation? If not, when will you defend?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why are you a strong candidate for this position?

Describe your research experience and interests. For research-centered positions, such as positions at R1 or other types of research-centered universities, include information about your research experience and current work early in the letter. For many applicants, current work will be the dissertation project. If this is the case, some suggest calling your “dissertation research” your “current project” or “work,” as this may help you present yourself as an emerging scholar rather than a graduate student. Some questions about your research that you might consider:

• What research experiences have you had?
• What does your current project investigate?
• What are some of the important methods you applied?
• Have you collaborated with others in your research?
• Have you acquired specific skills that will be useful for the future?
• Have you received special funding? If so, what kind?
• Has your research received any accolades or rewards?
• What does your current project contribute to the field?
• Where have you presented your research?
• Have you published your research? If so, where? Or are you working on publishing your work?
• How does your current project fit the job description?

Present your plans for future research. This section presents your research agenda and usually includes a description of your plans for future projects and research publications. Detailing your future research demonstrates to the search committee that you’ve thought about a research trajectory and can work independently. If you are applying to a teaching-intensive position, you may want to minimize this section and/or consider including a sentence or two on how this research connects to undergraduate and/or graduate research opportunities. Some questions to get you started:

• What is your next research project/s?
• How does this connect to your current and past work?
• What major theories/methods will you use?
• How will this project contribute to the field?
• Where do you see your specialty area or subfield going in the next ten years and how does your research contribute to or reflect this?
• Will you be collaborating with anyone? If so, with whom?
• How will this future project encourage academic discourse?
• Do you already have funding? If so, from whom? If not, what plans do you have for obtaining funding?
• How does your future research expand upon the department’s strengths while simultaneously diversifying the university’s research portfolio? (For example, does your future research involve emerging research fields, state-of-the-art technologies, or novel applications?)

Describe your teaching experience and highlight teaching strategies. This section allows you to describe your teaching philosophy and how you apply this philosophy in your classroom. Start by briefly addressing your teaching goals and values. Here, you can provide specific examples of your teaching methods by describing activities and projects you assign students. Try to link your teaching and research together. For example, if you research the rise of feminism in the 19th century, consider how you bring either the methodology or the content of your research into the classroom. For a teaching-centered institution, such as a small liberal arts college or community college, you may want to emphasize your teaching more than your research. If you do not have any teaching experience, you could describe a training, mentoring, or coaching situation that was similar to teaching and how you would apply what you learned in a classroom.

• What is your teaching philosophy? How is your philosophy a good fit for the department in which you are applying to work?
• What sort of teaching strategies do you use in the classroom?
• What is your teaching style? Do you lecture? Do you emphasize discussion? Do you use specific forms of interactive learning?
• What courses have you taught?
• What departmental courses are you prepared to teach?
• Will you be able to fill in any gaps in the departmental course offerings?
• What important teaching and/or mentoring experiences have you had?
• How would you describe yourself in the classroom?
• What type of feedback have you gotten from students?
• Have you received any awards or recognition for your teaching?

Talk about your service work. Service is often an important component of an academic job description. This can include things like serving on committees or funding panels, providing reviews, and doing community outreach. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain how you have involved yourself in university life outside the classroom. For instance, you could include descriptions of volunteer work, participation in initiatives, or your role in professional organizations. This section should demonstrate ways in which you have served your department, university, and/or scholarly community. Here are some additional examples you could discuss:

• Participating in graduate student or junior faculty governance
• Sitting on committees, departmental or university-wide
• Partnerships with other university offices or departments
• Participating in community-partnerships
• Participating in public scholarship initiatives
• Founding or participating in any university initiatives or programs
• Creating extra-curricular resources or presentations

Present yourself as a future faculty member. This section demonstrates who you will be as a colleague. It gives you the opportunity to explain how you will collaborate with faculty members with similar interests; take part in departmental and/or institution wide initiatives or centers; and participate in departmental service. This shows your familiarity with the role of faculty outside the classroom and your ability to add to the departmental and/or institutional strengths or fill in any gaps.

• What excites you about this job?
• What faculty would you like to collaborate with and why? (This answer may be slightly tricky. See the section on name dropping below.)
• Are there any partnerships in the university or outside of it that you wish to participate in?
• Are there any centers associated with the university or in the community that you want to be involved in?
• Are there faculty initiatives that you are passionate about?
• Do you have experience collaborating across various departments or within your own department?
• In what areas will you be able to contribute?
• Why would you make an excellent addition to the faculty at this institution?

Compose a strong closing. This short section should acknowledge that you have sent in all other application documents and include a brief thank you for the reader’s time and/or consideration. It should also state your willingness to forward additional materials and indicate what you would like to see as next steps (e.g., a statement that you look forward to speaking with the search committee). End with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Kind Regards” followed by your full name.

If you are finding it difficult to write the different sections of your cover letter, consider composing the other academic job application documents (the research statement, teaching philosophy, and diversity statement) first and then summarizing them in your job letter.

Different kinds of letters may be required for different types of jobs. For example, some jobs may focus on research. In this case, emphasize your research experiences and current project/s. Other jobs may be more focused on teaching. In this case, highlight your teaching background and skills. Below are two models for how you could change your letter’s organization based on the job description and the institution. The models offer a guide for you to consider how changing the order of information and the amount of space dedicated to a particular topic changes the emphasis of the letter.

Research-Based Position Job Letter Example:

Teaching-based position job letter example:.

Remember your first draft does not have to be your last. Try to get feedback from different readers, especially if it is one of your first applications. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of revisions. Check out the Writing Center’s handout on editing and proofreading and video on proofreading to help with this last stage of writing.

Potential pitfalls

Using the word dissertation. Some search committee members may see the word “dissertation” as a red flag that an applicant is too focused on their role as a graduate student rather than as a prospective faculty member. It may be advantageous, then, to describe your dissertation as current research, a current research project, current work, or some other phrase that demonstrates you are aware that your dissertation is the beginning of a larger scholarly career.

Too much jargon. While you may be writing to a specific department, people on the search committee might be unfamiliar with the details of your subfield. In fact, many committees have at least one member from outside their department. Use terminology that can easily be understood by non-experts. If you want to use a specific term that is crucial to your research, then you should define it. Aim for clarity for your reader, which may mean simplification in lieu of complete precision.

Overselling yourself. While your job letter should sell you as a great candidate, saying so (e.g., “I’m the ideal candidate”) in your letter may come off to some search committee members as presumptuous. Remember that although you have an idea about the type of colleague a department is searching for, ultimately you do not know exactly what they want. Try to avoid phrases or sentences where you state you are the ideal or the only candidate right for the position.

Paying too much attention to the job description. Job descriptions are the result of a lot of debate and compromise. If you have skills or research interests outside the job description, consider including them in your letter. It may be that your extra research interests; your outside skills; and/or your extracurricular involvements make you an attractive candidate. For example, if you are a Latin Americanist who also happens to be well-versed in the Spanish Revolution, it could be worth mentioning the expanse of your research interests because a department might find you could fill in other gaps in the curriculum or add an additional or complementary perspective to the department.

Improper sendoff. The closing of your letter is just as important as the beginning. The end of the letter should reflect the professionalism of the document. There should be a thank-you and the word sincerely or a formal equivalent. Remember, it is the very last place in your letter where you present yourself as a capable future colleague.

Small oversights. Make sure to proofread your letter not just for grammar but also for content. For example, if you use material from another letter, make sure you do not include the names of another school, department, or unassociated faculty! Or, if the school is in Chicago, make sure you do not accidentally reference it as located in the Twin Cities.

Name dropping. You rarely know the internal politics of the department or institution to which you are applying. So be cautious about the names you insert in your cover letters. You do not want to unintentionally insert yourself into a departmental squabble or add fire to an interdepartmental conflict. Instead, focus on the actions you will undertake and the initiatives you are passionate about.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Ball, Cheryl E. 2013. “Understanding Cover Letters.” Inside Higher Ed , November 3, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/11/04/essay-cover-letter-academic-jobs .

Borchardt, John. 2014. “Writing a Winning Cover Letter.” Science Magazine , August 6, 2014. https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2014/08/writing-winning-cover-letter# .

Helmreich, William. 2013. “Your First Academic Job.” Inside Higher Ed , June 17, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/06/17/essay-how-land-first-academic-job .

Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “How To Write a Journal Article Submission Cover Letter.” The Professor Is In (blog), April 26, 2013. https://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/26/how-to-write-a-journal-article-submission-cover-letter/ .

Tomaska, Lubomir, and Josef Nosek. 2008. “Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Cover Letter to Accompany a Job Application for an Academic Position.” PLoS Computational Biology 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006132 .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

• Student Portal
• Library Guide

Careers and Employability

A growing network of partners and tailored career support for your career success.

Lancaster University chose Leipzig to set up a campus not only because of its high quality of life, affordable living space and great infrastructure. It also holds exciting career and employment prospects for well-qualified people.

In the past 20 years Leipzig has evolved to the fastest growing city in Germany. The five main industry clusters are Automotive, Biotech, IT & Media, Logistics and Energy that have generated 48% more employment since 2005.

With continuous investment from companies like Porsche, BMW, Beiersdorf, Amazon and DHL Leipzig will continue to grow and attract talent from all over the world.

Read the full Leipzig Means Business Report HERE . 

Since its inception in 2019 Lancaster University Leipzig has grown an extensive partner network that benefits both; the university and industry.

“There is a huge demand for international talent in Leipzig and Germany. Studying at Lancaster University Leipzig not only brings you specialised knowledge but also a set of values and skills unique to our students.”

Josefine Fitchett, Career & Engagement Manager

What we offer:

A growing professional network.

Lancaster University Leipzig partner network includes: 

Individual Career Support

Knowing what you can do with your study course and where to research jobs is important. At Lancaster University Leipzig we offer you bespoke career support to land a job during your study programme and after graduation.

Our Career and Engagement Manager offers one-to-one consultations for CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation and supports you in shaping your future career.

What our students can expect?

• One-to-one guidance
• Employability and professional skills building workshops
• Career events and networking opportunities on and off campus
• An extensive network with companies and institutions
• Engagement with the local ‘start-up’ and entrepreneurship community through Hackathon’s, Start-Up Safaris, and Meet-Up’s
• 2nd and 3rd year student projects & internships

Your professional career in Leipzig

Josefine Fitchett, Career and Engagement Manager at Lancaster University Leipzig, talks about career opportunities for students in Leipzig and explains how the university prepares our students for this next step. 

Career Fairs on campus

We regularly organise career fairs where we invite top employers on campus to engage with our students. These fairs enable our students to meet companies like Deloitte, EY, EEX, Spread Group and Prisma and find out if they are the right fit for their future career.

In March 2023, we organised the first career meetup on campus, attended by exciting companies and international talent from the fields of business and computing. Participants had a chance to attend interesting talks, presentations, CV consultations, and other activities. 

Workshops and Projects

We offer regular workshops that will boost your career skills. Companies visit us on campus for projects and team-work challenges.

To boost your career skills we offer regular workshops, including on: CV and cover letter writing, how to build professional relationships, how to LinkedIn, time management, etc. We work closely with hiring companies that visit us on campus to share insights and give exclusive tips to our students.

Beyond that, we organise visits to local companies like DHL, Spread Group or Amazon to give students an impression of how these businesses operate and a first-hand experience.

Digital Career Centre: JobTeaser

Lancaster University Leipzig has entered a cooperation with provider  JobTeaser  that works with hundreds of universities and companies across Europe.

Job Teaser FAQs

What can i find on job teaser, is job teaser free to use.

Yes, Job Teaser is free to use.

Is there a Job Teaser App?

Yes, you can download Job Teaser in the Google Play store or Apple App Store.

How can I register with Job Teaser?

You can register with Job Teaser using your lancaster.ac.uk-email address as Job Teaser is only accessible for students from Lancaster University Leipzig and Lancaster partner universities.

Post-study work permit

After completing your UK education in Germany, you can apply for an 18-month post-study residence permit upon graduation. 

You can apply for the residence permit to look for a job that corresponds to your qulifications. You can apply for this permit as soon as you have passed your final exam.

During these 18 months, you make take up any kind of employment to support yourself and fund your job search.

• www.make-it-in-germany.com 
• www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/study-training/studies-in-germany/prospects-after

Are you a potential employer?

The Lancaster University Leipzig Careers Manager is committed to supporting businesses big and small to engage with our students and graduates. We are passionate about partnering with employers to help support your recruitment goals. 

We recognise every company is different and therefore we have a range of ways you can engage with us. From internships, student projects, working students and graduates - we offer something for every employer.

Lancaster University Leipzig benefits businesses in Leipzig and the region by helping to minimise the employability gap, supporting the city’s internationalisation strategy, enhancing the city’s global reputation as a lucrative location for investment.

Contact:  josefine.fitchett@lancasterleipzig.de

Cover Letters

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume. You have written your resume as a document that represents you, and the recruiting manager has written a position description that reflects the organization’s needs. A cover letter ties them together. It’s more specific than a resume and highlights projects or efforts that align with the requirements of the position or program.

You should plan to submit a cover letter along with your resume (or CV) for every position or program you apply for. The only exception is if the internship/job posting specifically notes not to include one.

• Alignment: Left aligned, after the header
• Length: 1 page and 3-4 paragraphs at maximum

Date, Recipient, Salutation

• Date: This is first after your header. Spell out the month and include the year.
• Recipient: This comes after the date and is usually 3-5 lines. Include the organization’s name, the name and title of the person you are addressing (if you have this information), and the organization’s address or other contact information (if you’re able to find this).
• Salutation or Greeting: If you are addressing a specific person, use their name in the salutation (“Dear Firstname Lastname” or “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”). If not, use something generic such as “hiring manager,” “hiring committee,” or “selection committee.”

Letter Body

The body of your cover letter should be a maximum of 3-4 paragraphs and address 3 main points: what you know about the organization, what you are applying for, and what you can do for them.

• Introduction and Interest (paragraph 1): Include what you are applying for, what you know about the organization, and why you are interested
• The Evidence (paragraph 2): Outline what you can do for them, make a case for why you are the candidate to hire
• The Connection (paragraph 2-3): Make the connections between the desired qualifications listed in the posting to your experience and skills.
• The Closing (paragraph 3-4): Reiterate your interest, express gratitude, and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Also, provide contact information if it is not in the header.

Use “Sincerely” followed by your full name on the next line. This is your electronic signature. You can use a script font if you prefer or keep it the same as the rest of the letter.

• Cover letter sample 1 (pdf) , showing paragraph style
• Cover letter sample 2 (pdf) , showing bullet style
• Cover letter sample 3 (pdf) , showing preferred name and bullet style
• Attend a cover letter presentation to get started. Check the calendar for upcoming sessions
• Read more tips and advice on the blog
• Bring a draft in for a cover letter review

Page Not Found

Sorry, the page you are looking for doesn't exist.

What to do next...

If you think this is a mistake, then please get in touch . Alternatively you can search for what you are looking for.

Useful links

Cover letter tips 

A cover letter should accompany every resume unless otherwise stated. It’s an opportunity to explain to the hiring manager why they should consider you and why the attached resume will interest them. The cover letter is where you highlight and expand on your resume’s most relevant points.

A good cover letter should…  

• Give the reader a sense of the person behind the words and demonstrate interest and enthusiasm. 
• Connect your experience to the position by providing examples of your relevant experiences, skills or qualities.
• Have a professional tone and appearance. Be within 1 page. 
• Contain no spelling or grammar errors. 

Cover letter writing takes practice. Here are some tips to make it easier. 

• Research the organization or department so you can talk about how your values and interests match the organization’s goals and values. 
• Know what you can and want to contribute — skills, qualities and experiences.  
• Note: you can disclose information about yourself if you feel it will support your application or fill a diversity hiring need (disability, Indigenous self-identification, etc.). Many inclusive employers encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Using language like “lived experience” is recommended. 

Common mistakes 

• Lack of distinction from your resume; using short sentences or bullet points that do not provide any additional information.
• Not tailoring the letter to the organization or forgetting to update the company name.
• Not articulating how previous experience relates or adds value to the role.

Your contact information (use the same format as the styled header on your resume) 

Cover letter formatting

Date you will submit the application  

Full name of the hiring individual (make sure spelling is correct) Position of the individual Company name Address Postal code  

Re: Application for Job ID #/ Job Title, if applicable.  

Dear full name, (if the name is not available, use “hiring manager”)  

The first paragraph usually addresses what position you’re applying for, how you found out about it (mention your referrer if possible), and why you’re interested in the position or organization. Make sure to integrate some of your key qualifications as an opener to capture the reader’s attention.  

The middle two or three paragraphs usually address how your experience (work, academic, volunteer), skills and interests relate to the position and how your values and goals are in alignment with the organization. Use your understanding of the job requirements to decide which skills and experiences to highlight. Provide some specific examples to capture the reader’s attention. Use situation, action, result (SAR) stories to explain these experiences.  

Address the following points in the body of the letter to make it easy for the reader to recognize how you will be a valuable team member.  

• Include specific experiences that relate to the job.   
• Customize each letter and address specific qualifications that the posting highlights.  
• Include characteristics that make you a good employee and provide evidence (i.e., awards, feedback from supervisors or clients).  

In the closing paragraph, briefly summarize some professional qualities (work ethic, strengths, etc.) that will contribute to the organization or team. Explain how and when they can contact you. Finish the letter with some pleasantries such as, “I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how I may contribute to your team” or “thank you for considering my application.”   

Sincerely,  

Full name  

• Careers Service
• Which career
• Jobs / experience
• Applications / interviews
• International
• CareerConnect
• CareerSet Cover Letter Checker
• Cover letter template
• Example cover letter
• Speculative cover letter

Writing a cover letter

Your covering letter acts as the introduction to your application and is your personal sales pitch. Your CV contains the facts, the cover letter is about your motivation and fit for the organisation and role. You have no idea which the employer will look at first so make sure they are both strong.

Use a cover letter with your CV to apply for advertised vacancies (unless the instructions state not to).In brief it should cover:

• Why you are applying to this company? - What makes them stand out from other similar companies?
• Why you are applying for this role? - Your motivation for applying, show your understanding of the role.
• The skills and experience you have that match the job description.

Get Cover Letter Ready

• Use our Applications and Cover Letter Pathway Simply choose the module on cover letters, learn at your own pace, or complete the whole pathway, the choice is yours.

Use these to help you get started:

• CareerSet Cover Letter checker
• Our cover letter template to help you get started
• Active language Use our list of active words to help clarify your involvement in activities.
• Speculative cover letter advice
• Include a date to provide some proof of when it was submitted
• Keep to a single page. Slight changes to margins and fonts are ok but keep it readable, professional and concise.
• Provide your contact details. Traditionally your and the company address are at the top of the letter. Digital applications can be more flexible.
• Go the extra mile. Mention how you research their company . LinkedIn conversations, panel sessions at Careers Fairs, networking with UoM graduates at the company etc
• Start well. A named contact to start your letter is ideal, but can be hard to source. "Dear Madam or Sir" will work if you need to.
• Skip the evidence. Just stating you’ve got the required skills will not be convincing. Provide context for where you developed your skills, and your letter gains more credibility.
• Be too gushing. Be careful of using over-enthusiastic terms such as “overjoyed”, “ecstatic”, “passionate”when describing your emotions, try to keep to terms you would be happy using in a professional conversation.
• Forget to mention the company. Do not write the generic application letter. Find reasons why you are applying to that firm, and tell them so.
• Forget the reference number. Include it as part of your subject line, to make it clear which opportunity you're interested in.
• End poorly. If you started your letter writing to a named person, you should finish "Yours sincerely". Otherwise is should end "Yours faithfully".

Further resources

• More tips and example cover letters on Prospects website
• Advice on how and when to disclose a disability
• Is your cover letter tailored for a specific job?
• Have you demonstrated your motivation for applying?
• Have you used the Cover Letter checker?
• Get further advice or feedback
• Getting in touch

Careers Service, The University of Manchester

Connect with us

• Copyright notice
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Charitable status
• Royal charter number: RC000797

The browser you are using is no longer supported and for that reason you will not get the best experience when using our website.

You currently have JavaScript disabled in your web browser, please enable JavaScript to view our website as intended.

• Careers and Employability Service
• Application forms

Cover letters

Personal statements.

A cover letter will often accompany your CV when you are applying for a work or study opportunity. So even if you spend lots of time perfecting your CV, your application can still be affected by the quality of your cover letter. It is therefore important that you take time to create a well-structured cover letter targeted to each and every opportunity you apply for. View some examples of cover letters on the Target Jobs website .

The purpose

• To encourage an employer to read the accompanying CV or application form
• To draw together relevant facts from your CV or application form and shape them to the needs of the employer; demonstrating your ability to do the job/course
• If speculative: to explain why you are sending your CV

If you are asked to send a ‘letter of application’, you might treat this as an extended cover letter. The tips provided in these pages will also help you to construct this type of letter.

Preparation

• Research the company or organisation using resources such as the company or organisation's website, recent news articles or their social media.
• Thoroughly research the role/course you are applying for including the main duties and responsibilities of the opportunity are or what modules and projects are available throughout the course
• Identify aspects of the role or course that are most important to you
• The length of a cover letter should be about one side of A4, using a font of no smaller than 11. Using a matching font and style to your CV gives your application a coherent and professional look. If the employer is asking for a lot of information and you can’t fit it onto one side, don’t reduce the font size any smaller – it’s better to go over two sides in a readable font than squeeze your information onto one side
• Occasionally you may be asked for a handwritten cover letter. As handwriting generally is larger than typed text, it is usually OK to go onto two pages

A top tip we can offer is to tailor your cover letter for each application. You can adapt information you cut and paste from previous applications, however be very careful that it is appropriate to the job you are applying for.

When planning, consider the following points:

• What are your key strengths in relation to the opportunity?
• What has motivated you to pursue this opportunity?
• You may need to illustrate how your skills satisfy the requirements (e.g. Leadership, Team work, Communication) so think of some examples of where you will have demonstrated these (such as work experience, university experiences, volunteering, Leicester Award, Internships, interests, hobbies)
• What differentiates this job and company to you from their competitors?

Writing your first draft

Make sure that your cover letter/statement has a clear structure, so that the employer can easily recognise what you are addressing. We suggest using a structure similar to this:

I.C.M.E Structure

I – Introduction: A brief opening to introduce yourself and outlining the position or opportunity you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.

C – Capability: One to two paragraphs that explains why you are suitable for the role. You should refer to the job/course description and demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the opportunity.

M – Motivation: One to two paragraphs that detail why you are interested in the company/institution and the position/study. Make sure you are specific and demonstrate that you have done your research.

E – Ending: A couple of lines that thank the reader for his/her time and state that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Refer back to the specific course or job requirements.

Use subheadings and bullet points to highlight key information and help your cover letter stand out by using direct, positive and appropriate language.

TOP TIP: Expressing things more positively can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful application. Below are a few examples:

• “I am a good communicator” rather than “I feel that I am a good communicator”
• “I have excellent communication skills” rather than “Some people have told me I am good at communicating”
• “During this experience I successfully managed seven people” rather than “During this experience I had to manage seven people”

Proof-reading and amending

After all the time and effort you have spent developing your cover letter, it would be a shame to send it before you have proof-read and thoroughly checked it through. To make absolutely sure, get someone else to read it – the best of writers miss mistakes in their own work due to familiarity with the text.

Using MyCareers

How to access MyCareers as a graduate.

Learn more about Linkedin and how you can write a great profile.

Covering letters

Submit a covering letter with your job application as a way of introducing yourself whilst highlighting your strengths and motivation for applying for the role and company. 

For most roles, aim for one A4 page with three or four paragraphs. 

Academic positions may require around two A4 pages, while senior roles can extend to up to five pages. 

Make a professional impression by using a proper greeting and closing in your covering letter. For example, Dear Hiring Manager, Yours sincerely (further information on formal letter writing can be found in the Resources section below). 

Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person by checking the job advert or contacting the company. 

Opening: Introduce yourself, mention where you found the job, and explain your reasons for applying. 

First paragraph: Express your interest in the company and the role. Show your knowledge about the organisation and sector. Align your career aspirations with the company's values. 

Second paragraph: Match your skills and experiences to the job description. Highlight relevant examples and achievements. Emphasise transferable skills if you lack direct experience. 

Closing: Stay positive and showcase your suitability for the role. Convey enthusiasm and end with a closing statement like "I look forward to hearing from you soon." 

• Address a named person whenever possible. 
• Proofread for spelling and grammar - get feedback from friends, family, or your careers adviser. 
• Include a cover letter unless instructed otherwise. 
• Customise your letter for each role and company to avoid generic content. 
• Support your statements with examples using the STAR Technique .
• Let your enthusiasm shine through!

Further support

Get cover letter writing tips at the Writing a Winning CV and Cover Letter  workshop or explore our Cover Letter LinkedIn Learning Pathway for ideas and inspiration.

Recommended by our careers advisers

• Writing a Covering Letter  (includes four examples)
• Prospects Cover Letters
• Target Jobs Cover Letters
• Balance Careers: Sample letter format
• Balance Careers: Closing a formal letter
• Jobs.ac.uk: Academic Cover Letters

Speak to a careers adviser

Get guidance from our friendly team of advisers. Book an appointment  or call 0161 295 0023 (option 5, option 3). 

Open to current students and Salford Alumni only.

You can download documents such as a Registration Certificate (which can be used for your bank, council tax exemption for other purposes) or Confirmation of Results. Eligible students can also download a Schengen Visa letter, Cypriot Fee letter or Greek Army letter in the same way.

You can order and download documents online.

Frequently asked questions

Your registration certificate is an official document, issued by the university, which proves your student status. It is often used as a bank letter or council tax exemption letter, as well as evidence of your your student status more generally. 

To download a copy of your registration certificate, please follow the instructions at the top of the  Document Ordering  page.

Some British banks may ask for proof of your student status and residency (a 'bank letter') in order to successfully apply for a bank account. Your registration certificate may act as a bank letter in this context. 

To download a copy of your registration certificate, please follow the instructions at the top of the  Document ordering  page.

In the UK, many residents pay a council tax to their local council. However, some students may be exempt from paying this council tax. Your local council may contact you and ask for proof that you are a current student at the university. Your registration certificate may act as proof for council tax exemption applications in this context. 

New students will only be able to access their registration certificate - which may act as proof of student status, a bank letter or council tax exemption letter - once they have fully completed registration and are officially attending their course. 

Continuing students may access their registration certificate throughout their course (after the registration time mentioned above). 

You can find this in three formats:

• Your  interactive transcript  - an unofficial, live version of your results
• Your confirmation of results document - an official university document that lists your results for the completed years of study; the current academic year's results will not necessarily be displayed. To download a copy of your confirmation of results document, please follow the instructions at the top of the  Document Ordering  page
• Your final academic transcript - an official university document that is given to you once you have completed your programme. It is created by the Student and Programme Administration team and is not available to be downloaded online

I'm about to graduate. Where and when can I get copies of my degree certificate and final academic transcript, etc.?

The original version of your degree certificate and final academic transcript will be printed by the Student and Programme Administration team. It will be available to collect from campus during graduation week. Any uncollected documents after that will be posted to your home address. Collection-on-campus options will be advertised if available, please see the News section of the Student Portal for further details . 

To order copies of your certificate, transcript and other related documents, please place an order online via the Alumni Document Ordering website . 

Final-year students/new graduates are not able to download a copy of their confirmation of results document during the results publication period. For further details, please see the information box at the top of this page . 

To download a Schengen visa letter, Greek army letter or Cypriot fee letter, please follow the instructions at the top of the  Document ordering  page.