Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
That said, there are definite strategies that can be adopted to create flexible template(s), which would require
minimum modification before being sent out.
You must remember that the academic cover letter is not merely an introduction to the other documents in your
dossier. It is often the first (and in some cases only) document that the hiring committee will base its next decision
upon. The cover letter besides laying out your scholarly agenda and teaching qualifications, shows the committee
how you are able to convey large tracts of information within a limited space. Thus a cover letter in fact also your
first writing sample.
✓✓ Show how your background is a particularly good fit for the job
✓✓ Highlight promising traits in your scholarly and teaching persona
✓✓ Convey your potential as a future colleague with a dynamic research plan
✓✓ Demonstrate the qualities that distinguish you from other candidates.
Basic Format:
Cover letters have a distinctive format, even though the execution differs significantly in each case.
Paragraph 1: Mention the position you are applying for and where you saw the job posted.
"I would like to be considered for your assistant professorship in....
Paragraphs 2 and 3: Briefly describe your dissertation – and focus on the significance.
My dissertation, a study of...,
✓✓ Explain why your dissertation is special: How it addresses a previously neglected topic; how it contributes to
a significant scholarly debate; how it employs untapped evidence.
✓✓ Describe the support your dissertation has received: “With support from _____, I _____.”
✓✓ Mention any publications or conference presentations that have emerged from your dissertation research.
✓✓ Highlight courses that you have offered and are prepared to offer.
✓✓ Concisely present your pedagogical approach (e.g., facilitating learning through hands-on activities).
✓✓ Explicate on honors you have received or skills and experiences that set you apart from other candidates.
Paragraph 8: Closure
✓✓ Mention the items you have enclosed.
✓✓ Offer to provide any additional materials the department might wish.
*Heiberger, Mary Morris, and Julia Miller Vick. The Academic Job Search Handbook. 2nd e. Philadelphia: U of
Pennsylvania, 1996. Print.
Yate, Martin John. Cover Letters That Knock 'em Dead. Holbrook, MA: Bob Adams, 1992. Print.