HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER
STUDENT SERVICES
Phone: 902.893.7895 | Fax: 902.893.6545
E-mail: careerac@dal.ca
Web: www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture.html and facebook.com/agstudentservices
A cover letter is a simple, four paragraph document that highlights your skills and how you will fit an organization. It
can be summed up in four paragraphs.
1) Introduction
What position you are applying for (and any relevant competition numbers)
Where you learned about it
Hook the reader in
2) Main Body
One or two paragraphs
Where you prove your fit
Use examples from your “Prove Your Fit” Checklist
3) Conclusion
Thank the reader
Show enthusiasm for the position
Provide current contact details
Ask for an interview
Academic Cover Letter Example
Dear Committee Members or INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME,
I wish to apply for the faculty position in the Department of INSERT DEPARTMENT at INSERT UNIVERSITY advertised
on the INSERT WEBSITE. Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow at the INSERT UNIVERSITY in the Department of
INSERT DEPARTMENT in the laboratory of INSERT NAME.
My primary research goals are directed toward INSERT RESEARCH GOALS. As a postdoctoral fellow at INSERT
UNIVERSITY and as a graduate student at INSERT UNIVERSITY with INSERT NAME, I INSERT SPECIFIC SKILLS OR
ACHIEVEMENTS. My future research plans are aimed INSERT NEAR TERM RESEARCH GOALS. My ultimate aim is
INSERT LONG TERM RESEARCH GOALS.
Beyond my research successes INSERT SUCCESSES, I have been fortunate to obtain a wide-range of teaching
experiences. As my resume indicates, my teaching roles have included INSERT TITLES THAT APPLY. INSERT ANY
AWARDS OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS THAT APPLY TO YOU. My experience with outstanding mentors has made me
realize just how important one good teacher can be to a student. I will work hard to be the best teacher I can.
Enclosed are my INSERT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS YOU ARE INCLUDING. To arrange an interview time, I can be
reached most readily at INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION. Please do not hesitate to contact me if further
information is needed.
Sincerely,
Example for a New Grad
Dear INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME,
Regarding the INSERT JOB TITLE position currently advertised on INSERT WEBSITE, please find attached a copy of my
resume for your consideration. I have recently graduated with a INSERT GRADE in INSERT SUBJECT from INSERT
UNIVERSITY and hope to put this to use in the field of INSERT INDUSTRY SECTOR.
The degree covered many topics, and I was particularly drawn to INSERT SPECIFIC TOPIC. I am looking to develop
specialist skills in this area and build a successful career.
INCLUDE IF YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN WORK EXPERIENCE
I have put my course theory into practice in a variety of ways, most effectively as a INSERT JOB TITLE at INSERT
COMPANY NAME where I INSERT KEY ACHIEVEMENT. Having extensively researched your company’s values and
products, I was especially interested in INSERT COMPANY ASPECT THAT ATTRACTED YOU. I feel it would be the ideal
place for me to begin my career and I believe I can be an excellent addition to your team.
If you would like to get in touch to discuss my application and to arrange an interview, you can contact me via
INSERT PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
PROVE YOUR FIT
STUDENT SERVICES
Phone: 902.893.7895 | Fax: 902.893.6545
E-mail: careerac@dal.ca
Web: www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture.html and facebook.com/agstudentservices
Position Title: _______________________________________
Skills They WANT
Skills, Qualifications and Assets
ie. Bachelor of Science with some coursework
in Business
Skills I HAVE
HOW do I Have the Skills
Evidence
B.Sc. (Agr.) major in Business at Dalhousie
Agricultural Campus
COVER LETTER CHECKLIST
STUDENT SERVICES
Phone: 902.893.7895 | Fax: 902.893.6545
E-mail: careerac@dal.ca
Web: www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture.html and facebook.com/agstudentservices
After you have completed your cover letter, go through the following list and assess yourself. You may be surprised at
what you find! (Consider asking a friend or colleague to go through it as well.)
Presentation/Readability Checklist
Satisfied
Needs
Work
Satisfied
Needs
Work
Satisfied
Needs
Work
Is the cover letter in standard business letter format with 3-4 paragraphs and a clear
introduction, body and closing?
Is the contact information of both the applicant and hiring organization included in a clear
and easy to find/read manner?
Is there enough white space without it looking too sparse?
Are there any spelling or grammatical errors? (Circle any you see.)
Is the letter limited to one page and the actual content to half a page?
Would the use of bolding, italics or bullets make the letter more readable?
Personalizing/Targeting Checklist
Does the letter include a salutation addressed to a specific person?
Does the letter include the name of the position being applied for and where you heard of
it?
Is it clear in the letter why you are interested in the company or position?
Is it clear in the letter what key skills, qualifications and assets you have for the type of
work sought?
Interesting Checklist
Have you gone beyond just listing skills, qualifications and assets by elaborating on two to
four of the most important points?
Are specific details qualified or quantified?
Are results included that provide evidence of skills and accomplishments?
Would it be more effective to use a STAR story to back up key skills, qualifications and
assets? (Situation, Task, Actions, Result)
Overall Reader’s Impression (Put Yourself in Their Shoes)
Satisfied
Does anything positive or unique stand out in your mind about the applicant’s letter?
Are you convinced that the applicant has the skills, qualifications and /or assets he/she
claims in the letter?
Would you be interested in learning more about the applicant after reading this letter?
Comments/Thoughts:
Adapted from York University Career Centre, www.york.ca/careers
Needs
Work