• Your Job Search
  • Developing Application Materials

Cover Letter Best Practices

A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer and should accompany your résumé, unless the employer requests otherwise. If there is an option to include a cover letter, we always recommend doing so. While a résumé provides a summary of your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, a cover letter allows you to develop a narrative for your career, demonstrating the skills you have honed, and articulating your enthusiasm for the role.

If you think of your résumé as a map to a new city that the hiring manager has not visited before, the cover letter would be the guidebook. It will not cover everything on the map, but it will highlight the most relevant stops along the way and provide additional context. Cover letters and résumés work together and should be in conversation with the job posting.

  • Strong Cover Letters
  • Anatomy of a Cover Letter
  • Give a clear indication of the skills and experiences that make the applicant a good fit. Your cover letter should translate how your experiences have developed both technical and non-technical skills necessary for the role.
  • Provide evidence of the skills in action. Show, do not tell—provide concrete examples that craft a compelling narrative.
  • Make an explicit connection between applicant and job. A cover letter should articulate your understanding of the organization you are applying to and how you fit in.

Use a business-letter format and stick to one page of 3-5 paragraphs. Like a résumé, each cover letter you write should be tailored to the specific position and employer to align with the organization’s culture and the requirements of the role.

  • Use the same header on both your cover letter and résumé for a cohesive and polished look.
  • When available, include the name, title, company, and address of the person you are writing.
  • If you do not know the recruiter or hiring manager’s name, address your letter to “Recruiting Team” or “Hiring Manager.” Avoid using “To whom it may concern.”
  • Use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself. State why you are writing and how you learned about the position. If someone referred you or you have established a contact through networking, include the person’s name and affiliation with the employer.
  • The first paragraph should also articulate what you know about the organization and what draws you to a role. Be sure to review the job posting and carefully research the company to identify the most important skills to highlight as well as why you want to join the team. Conveying genuine enthusiasm is essential! It is often helpful to conclude the opening paragraph with a clear assertion of your skills, much like a thesis statement for your cover letter. This last sentence also helps structure your body paragraphs.
  • The body paragraphs should emphasize and elaborate on your strongest qualifications and key relevant experiences. Address qualifications specified in the job description and give concrete examples of when you have demonstrated the skills the employer is seeking. Do not repeat all the content from your résumé; instead, select 2-3 experiences that showcase the positive impact of your relevant skills.
  • The final paragraph reiterates what draws you to the organization and the skillsets and experiences you bring to the table. You should also use the closing paragraph to express thanks for consideration and to request an opportunity to discuss the position.
  • If you are using the header from your résumé, do not repeat your contact information in the signature.

Once you have a draft, get feedback! Graduate students can make career advising appointments at NCA through Handshake to receive individualized feedback from our dedicated PhD advisers on application materials. They can also pop into our virtual drop-in hours for quick questions. Postdoctoral fellows can contact the  Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for feedback on their materials. The Graduate Writing Place is another wonderful resource for both grad students and postdocs, and their fellows provide feedback on academic and non-academic application materials.

How to write a killer cover letter for a postdoctoral application

Bill Sullivan

Many graduate students applying for their first postdoctoral positions underestimate the importance of the cover letter. While it may be true that your awesomeness is beautifully outlined on your curriculum vitae, your cover letter often will dictate whether the busy principal investigator puts your application at the top of the heaping pile or into triage.

First impressions are everything for some people, so leave nothing to chance. If you provide only your CV, you aren’t being very personable, and you lose a precious opportunity to highlight some things that make you stand out. On the other hand, a cover letter is also an opportunity to shoot yourself in the foot, so here are a few do’s and don’ts.

A few do's

Start off right. Address your potential future PI properly, as “Dr. (insert surname here).” If you begin your letter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern,” your application could be dismissed as generic and untailored for the position. A letter that appears to come off an assembly line is likely to ride directly into the trash bin. If you do not invest the time to learn about the PI and his or her research, then the PI is not likely to invest the time to read your application.

After the salutation, the first statement should be a formality that states why you are writing to the PI. It is important to respect how hectic a day in the life of a PI can be, so get right to the point — something like, “I am applying for the postdoctoral position available in your laboratory that was recently advertised (where).”

The second sentence should specify your current position, place of work and mentor. If you are not immediately available for hire, it is useful to mention when you will be able to start. End the first paragraph with just one or two concise sentences that hint at why you are the ideal candidate for the position — you will expand on these points next.

In the second paragraph, elaborate on why you should be considered for the postdoc — not just any postdoc, mind you, but this particular postdoc in this particular lab. Yes, it is infinitely easier to use the same cover letter for the dozens of postdoctoral positions for which you are applying, but that is not going to cut it. These uniform letters are easy to detect and usually dismissed as lazy and insincere. If you fail to convince the PI that you are taking the postdoc search seriously, then the PI is not likely to take you seriously. It is essential that you customize your letter, emphasizing how your background is aligned to the PI’s studies and the specifics called for in the advertisement. Consider this the first demonstration to your future PI that you are resourceful and thoughtful — if you fail to do your homework, it does not build confidence that you will be diligent with your project. Equally important to convincing the PI that you have the right stuff is conveying your excitement for learning something special that is studied by his or her lab. Strive to balance what you would give to the lab and what you would gain from it.

In paragraph three, it is time to brag about a few key achievements, such as your most important paper or two, a grant or fellowship, or other notable honors (an award-winning presentation at a conference, for example). You also can briefly mention that you have experience training more junior people if that is the case. But don’t give a laundry list of every minor award — that is why you submit a CV. The cover letter is the trailer, and your CV is the movie.

End your cover letter with the same professionalism you used at the opening. Thank the PI for his or her time and consideration. Be sure to provide your contact information and state that you look forward to hearing from him or her. Everything discussed above should fit onto a single page — 1 ½ pages at most.  

A few don'ts

There are a number of important don’ts that apply to cover letters. Things that might seem trivial to you actually can be turnoffs. Use plain email stationary free of distracting backgrounds or pictures. Choose a font that is not too big, not too small, not in color, definitely not comic sans and NOT IN CAPS. A plain, boring font like 12-point Arial or Helvetica is easy on the sore eyes of a PI struggling to read the 87th postdoc application. At midnight. After struggling with an online manuscript submission. I can hear the chorus of nonconformists arguing that unconventional fonts and graphics make their applications stand out. Of course it does, but I contend that it is a gamble to present yourself in this manner. If you have the goods, you don’t need the glam.

Some applicants waste valuable sentences describing how they “deeply admire” the “esteemed” laboratory or how they always dreamed about working with the PI. When the cover letter is heavy on flattery, the applicant usually is light on talent or productivity. If your cover letter contains significant blocks of text copied straight from the advertisement, you may be construed as someone with poor language skills or unable to paraphrase. It should go without saying that spelling and grammatical mistakes are inexcusable and often taken as a sign of laziness and carelessness — two of the worst attributes a scientist could possess. Finally, avoid slang and attempts at humor, and do not end your sentences with an exclamation point!

I hope these tips help you land that perfect postdoctoral position.

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Bill Sullivan is a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and the author of several books.

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Postdoc Cover Letter: 4 Templates and Emails

Letter Template: 1

Table of Contents

Postdoc Cover Letter

[Mention the name of the sender]

[Mention the address of the sender]

[Mention the contact details]

[Mention the email address]

[Mention the date]

Subject- cover letter for Postdoc

[Mention the name of the recipient]

[Mention the address of the recipient]

[Mention the contact information]

Dear[Mention the name of the recipient]

I’m interested in the postdoctoral position in your lab. I completed my PhD under the supervision of [Mention the name of the doctor], Director, [mention the name], and am currently employed as a senior research fellow in her [mention the name] laboratory.

My thesis has been submitted to the University, and I am looking forward to the Viva-Voice, that will be held soon. I would be available to join your lab right now.

I’m quite interested in working on T cell activation and maturation. During my graduate studies, I became interested in inflammation and the processes that control T cell function. T cell signalling fascinates me, especially how diverse signals like TCR, cytokine signalling, and co-receptors like xxx and TLR interact to trigger T cell proliferation and differentiation. 

How Notch affects E3-mediated xxx signal strength T cell differentiation is influenced by E3-ubiquitin ligases. Other areas that interest me are the NF-B signaling kinetics in T cells and the involvement of Notch signaling in the development of lipid rafts and the immunological synapse.

My master’s thesis looked at inflammatory diseases in [Mention the disease] and the impact of immunosuppressive substances and cells in the tumor microenvironment. During my Ph.D., I researched both lymphoid and myeloid cells. I looked at the different regulators of T cell signaling (both positive and negative) and how they affect T cell function in cancer. 

The fundamental motivation for this research is to learn more about the molecular pathways of T cell functions and how they interact with tumors.

A copy of my CV and thesis is enclosed.

I eagerly await your response.

[Mention the phone number]

[Signature]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

I’m writing to express my genuine interest in the open postdoctoral laboratory position at [Mention the name]. As a member of your team, I would love to continue my postdoctoral studies. I recently graduated from[Mention the University], where I gave a presentation on the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cells. [mention the name] may recall my curiosity in his laboratory at the close of the previous academic year.

My research concentrated on creating [Mention the name of the thesis], with a particular emphasis on portable military applications. I worked on developing charging and backup methods for portable electronic gadgets during my doctoral studies (PEDs). Because urgent and regular charging solutions are still lacking, current military activities cannot efficiently utilize alternative fuels. 

The majority of my work has been focused on alternate energy harvesting devices and long-term energy storage batteries that last a long time. In my research, I developed fuel cells that are more resistant to environmental degradation and severe temperatures. As a member of your research team, I am excited to continue my research and work towards miniaturizing fuel cells to increase their PED compatibility.

I’d be grateful for the chance to continue my study in your lab and build a long-term relationship with [Mention the name]. Because your lab is the premier institution in fuel cell research, I believe the topic of my research is pertinent to your efforts. I believe my knowledge and experience with PEDs and battery life could help you with your research.

I’m an [mention the number]-old self-motivated and autonomous researcher. My fuel-cell study, grant proposal writing, and tutoring expertise, as a detail-oriented, qualified, and innovative candidate, might be of great value to your laboratory. I’ve included my CV and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my abilities and qualifications further. Please contact me if you have any questions, and I eagerly await your response.

Letter Template: 3

I was thrilled to read about your opportunity for a postdoc research associate in American literature since I have long supported Rush University’s dedication to the preservation and education of the English language and its literature. I am convinced that my expertise will be an advantage to the University, having just defended my doctoral thesis on the impact of globalization on American English semantics & having taught for several years.

I know that [mention the place] University wants to go beyond teaching students and become an open source of information for anybody who is interested. While at [Mention the name of the college], I collaborated with a group of Ph.D. students to develop a free, open educational platform that explained scholarly articles in English philology in a way that anyone outside academia could understand. 

This resulted in a [mention the amount] % increase. An increase in media attention led to an increase in student applications the next semester. I also taught three distinct electives that enhanced students’ knowledge of the history of English grammar and the usage of English in immigrant literature in order to provide students with a broader knowledge base and context for understanding current linguistic developments.

[Mention the name of place] University is regarded as having one of the greatest English programs in the country, which further adds to my enthusiasm for this potential opportunity. I’d like to expand and enhance my understanding of how particular linguistic notions have evolved in modern English usage.

Can we talk about establishing [Mention the name of place] University’s open learning platform on the phone next week?

Letter Template: 4

I’m writing to apply for a postdoctoral researcher position at [Mention the name]. I’m working on my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Criminology at [Mention the University], where I’ll graduate in [Mention the year] under the supervision of Professor [mention the name].

My research has taken an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the nature of self-harm and how social ties influence the likelihood of self-harm becoming lethal. The thesis ‘[Mention the name] includes 128 participants, 50 percent male and 50 percent female, ranging in age from 15 to 39.

The comparison of characteristics such as time of contact with a therapist, standardized family knowledge of difficulties, number of social support network points, and self-reported severity of suicidal thoughts with quantitative statistical data on the angle and depth of NSSH found the following.

It was discovered that the intensity of suicidality did not predict exactly the severity of [Mention the name], i.e. the risk to one’s life. Gender, on the other hand, was found to be a reliable predictor of NSSH location, with females more likely to damage their arms and legs and males more likely to injure their chest and private parts.

The combined strength of welfare protection was also found to be a significant marker of the degree of NSSH, i.e. profundity and angle. The severity of NSSH was not affected by early interaction with a therapist, but it did have a strong link with the frequency of injury.

I’ve attached my curriculum vitae, teaching and research statements, and transcript copies. I’ve also included letters of recommendation from [Mention the name], as well as [mention the name]. If you require any further information or materials to assist you in evaluating my application, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am available for an interview during [Mention the name]’s upcoming Criminology conference or via phone or email at any time.

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Cover letter for a postdoc (5 samples)

cover letter postdoc pdf

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

This blog post will show samples of “cover letters for a postdoc.”

Samples of postdoc cover letters

To get a postdoc position, you need a well-written cover letter that showcases your passion for and dedication to the industry. When writing a postdoc cover letter, these are some of the essential things to include in your letter:

  • Address the employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient or hiring manager).”
  • The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening. 
  • Write a short sentence about why you’re interested in the position.
  • State your skills and work experience; ensure they are similar to the job position. When stating your skills, provide the accomplishment you have achieved. 
  • Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “I look forward to discussing the position further.”

“01/06/2021

Dr. Harold Bergman

Enteny University

113 Sunnyside Circle

Enteny, Illinois, 60002

Dear Dr. Bergman,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in Enteny University’s open postdoc laboratory position. I would love to pursue my postdoctoral studies as a member of your team. I am a recent graduate of Bertrum University where I gave my presentation on hydrogen fuel cell viability. You may remember Juan Sosa mentioning my interest in your laboratory at the end of the last school year.

In my research, I focused on developing hydrogen fuel cell delivery and storage solutions focusing specifically on portable applications for military use. In my doctoral studies, I worked to develop charging and backup systems for portable electronic devices (PEDs). Current military operations cannot effectively use fuel alternatives because emergency and frequent charging solutions remain unavailable. Most of my work has revolved around alternative energy-harnessing systems and long-lasting batteries. In my work, I produced fuel cells less susceptible to environmental degradation factors and extreme temperatures. I look forward to continuing my research and working toward miniaturizing fuel cells to improve their PED compatibility as a member of your research team.

I would appreciate the opportunity to continue my research in your laboratory and pursue a long-term future with Enteny University. I believe the nature of my research relates to your lab because, as the leading institution in fuel cell research, my chosen field of study is extremely relevant to your efforts. I think my knowledge and experience surrounding PEDs and battery longevity could aid in your research.

I am a self-motivated, independent researcher with eight years of experience. As a detail-oriented, qualified and creative candidate, I feel my fuel-cell research, grant proposal writing and tutoring experience could be a major asset to your laboratory. I’ve attached my CV and would be very interested in setting up a time to further discuss my skills and qualifications with you. Please let me know if you have questions and I look forward to hearing from you.

Harriet Browne”

“[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[123 Company Address]

[Company City, State xxxxx]

[(xxx)-xxx-xxxx]

[[email protected]]

Dear [Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my interest in a postdoctoral position in your lab. I am a PhD Candidate in the Andrew Dwyer lab at James Hill University expecting to graduate in June 2022. My graduate work, published in Science this year, investigated the RNA virome in various aquatic environments using metagenomic analysis. My future research goals are to apply my computational skills and develop my skills working with non-human primate models to better understand and design therapeutics against pathogenic viruses. I believe my strong background in virus biology, library preparation, and next-generation sequencing analysis make me an ideal candidate to study respiratory disease viruses in your lab.

In my thesis lab, we use viral evolution to find trends that unite eukaryotic disease viruses. However, our current picture of RNA virus taxonomy is still incomplete, with the five-clade organization largely informed by human and agricultural animal and plant studies.

Therefore, to refine and complete our understanding of the global RNA virome, I sampled multiple complex aquatic environments and performed metagenome analysis. Confirming that the five-phyla classification based on RdRP sequence comparisons holds true, my analysis nearly tripled the number of currently known RNA viruses.

Host assignments proved to be tricky during my thesis. But I tackled this problem through various methods, including developing machine learning algorithms and comparing RNA viruses to size-separated microbial preparations subjected to DNA and RNA sequencing. I am continuing to characterize the novel and more highly divergent RdRPs discovered by our sampling. Also I mentor one graduate and one undergraduate student with their independent projects drawn from my work.

While I have focused primarily on RNA virus ecology and evolution during my graduate work, I am comfortable extending my research to studying RNA viruses in human disease. I collaborated with Dr. Henry Fields on a publication, currently under review at Frontiers in Immunology, studying rhesus macaque responses to MERS-CoV. The skills I learned through our collaboration, as well as from electives and literature search in immunology and human virology, have prepared me well to transition from studying viruses to studying virus-host interactions. Additionally, I look forward to applying my computational skills toward single-cell sequencing analysis examining the effects of age, diet fat content, and viral strain on primate responses to SARS-CoV-2 challenges, building on the methods and results in your recent Cell Reports Medicine paper. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to talk with you more about my fit in your lab. Thank you for your time and consideration.

“Anshu Mahajan

Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

+91 84 90184020

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan

Pondicherry, 10.01.2022

Kajol Samra

Head of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pondicherry University

Chinna Kalapet

Kalapet, Puducherry

Dear Ms. Samra,

As an alumnus of Pondicherry University, I was thrilled to learn about the Post-Doctoral Fellow position available at the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. During my PhD studies at Pondicherry University, I researched the relationship between circadian regulation and neurodegenerative diseases and wrote my doctoral thesis “Circadian activity and memory performance in Alzheimer’s patients” under the supervision of professor Qadim Ray. Seeing that Pondicherry University hopes to move to the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research with a new team led by professor Abbas Sengupta, I believe that my analytical skills and academic experience could be a great asset to this programme.

The fellowship offer mentions you’re looking for candidates skilled in the areas of lab management, cytometry for apoptosis detection, and data collection. I am happy to say that I possess all of those qualities:

  • Lab management: During my PhD research, I collaborated with fellow doctoral students to create a lab maintenance plan, which included up-to-date information on equipment booking, planned activities, instrument inventory, scheduling details, and a list of consumables and chemical supplies for restocking. By implementing this system, we were able to reduce the instances of conflicting activities by 67% within two months, and we maintained a stock of consumables and chemical supplies 88% of the time.
  • Cytometry for apoptosis detection: I am familiar with various methods of apoptosis detection, having conducted flow cytometry to detect changes appearing in organelles, monitor activation of caspase 3, oversee changes to the plasma membrane, and changes in the nuclear DNA, using cells at a concentration of 1×106 cells/ml.
  • Data collection: For my doctoral thesis, I have conducted 74 detailed interviews with Alzheimer’s patients, covering their current memory-related symptoms, overall health, family history, and sleeping habits. I have compared this information with data gathered using sleep trackers that collected information about sleep cycles. Instead of paper copies, I have used Excel spreadsheets and Cloud solutions for storing information, which helped to speed up the process of pulling up specific data by 89%.

What makes me particularly interested in your post-doctorate fellowship program is the chance to continue my research. Having worked with Alzheimer’s patients, I have seen first-hand how this disease influences the quality of life of not just the patients themselves, but also their loved ones. I believe that working together with other researchers under the guidance of professor Abbas Sengupta can lead to significant discoveries in the nature of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, I have observed how another team of researchers at Pondicherry University achieved a major breakthrough in the study of endosome function and dysfunction. I believe that professor Sengupta’s team can replicate this success and lead to a better understanding of diseases that afflict over 50 million people worldwide.

I can’t wait to discuss my ideas for managing data gathered by professor Sengupta’s team and for introducing changes to laboratory procedures to create a smooth workflow. Could we schedule a meeting next week to discuss how my research experience can contribute to this project?

Anshu Mahajan

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan”

“Dear Professor Knightly,

Having completed my doctorate in Slavonic Studies last semester, I am applying to continue my Postdoc research in the area of the Old Church Slavonic language.

Researching the homeland and language of the Slavs has always been a passion and I have undertaken many translation projects that have contributed to the modern understanding of how language influenced the early Slavonic church in the Moravian Empire.

I will be spending much of my Postdoc period in libraries across Eastern Europe, presenting at local symposia and writing my second book on the development of early Proto Slavic and Common Slavonic languages in conjunction with a number of leaders in the field. My travel has mostly been funded by the publishers, but given the considerable expense in my work I am continuing to request the bursary from the university.

I teach classes for local students and will continue to lead seminars six times a year on my return trips to Chicago. I enclose my latest research paper for your interest. It has received critical acclaim in over 15 industry publications. After analyzing over 2,000 church manuscripts, it is fascinating to see the evolution.

I was proud to receive my doctorate, but the work is just beginning. Understanding the origins of language is helping to unlock the secrets of the early Slav Church – exploring many of the rituals that still hold firm to this day.

Simon Bartley”

“New Haven, June 26, 2020

Professor B. Hawthorne

Faculty Search Committee

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305

Dear Professor Hawthorne,

I am writing to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford. I am completing my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Criminology at Yale University under the direction of Professor Mark Fisher with an expected graduation date of May 2021.

Within my research, I have focused on a multidisciplinary approach to examining the nature of self harm and how social support networks affect the likelihood of self-harm being fatal. The thesis ‘Cry for Help: Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Characteristics’ takes 128 participants aged 15-39, 50% male and 50% female. Analyzing quantitative statistical data on the angle and depth of NSSH, the comparison versus factors such as time of contact with therapist, standardized family awareness of issues, number of social support network points as well as self-reported severity of suicidal ideation found the following.

It was found that severity of suicidal ideation didn’t reliably predict the severity of NSSH, i.e. its actual objective risk to life. However, it was found that gender was a reliable predictor of location of NSSH, with females mostly harming their arms and legs, while males were more likely to harm their chest and private areas. It was also found that the combined strength of social support was a significant predictor in the severity of NSSH, i.e. depth and angle. Early time of contact with a therapist was not affecting severity of NSSH, but had a significant correlation with frequency of harm.

With the NCHS reporting a 30% increase in death by suicide in the United States between 2000 and 2016, it is a highly pressing issue to reverse engineer the factors that lead to heightened risk, and many scholars consider NSSH a stage in the development of fatal suicidal ideation. The next part of my study intends to look at the relationship between strength of social support for young males and risk of online political and religious radicalization, another great risk to our civilization in these uncertain times, and there aren’t many better places to conduct this study than Stanford. My approach is highly informed by the modern machine learning cross-factor analysis that has been innovated by Professor Musk, and upon which I based my own analysis.

I am well-prepared to do my part teaching as well as researching, having taught a range of courses in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology and Statistics, such as ‘Radicalization: Social and Scientific Factors’ which has been wildly successful with the undergraduates at Yale, and grew from 7 students signed up in 2018 to over 55 in 2020. All in all, I have taught 400+ undergraduates and mentored 20+ master’s students, and achieved increasing participation in courses designed by me year and year, and higher than average results on all previously-established courses.

I am enclosing my curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, as well as copies of transcripts. I also attach letters of reference from Dr Smith, Dr Jones, and Robert Martinson. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I could provide additional information or materials that will aid you in the evaluation of my application. I am available for interview during the next Criminology conference at Stanford, or by phone or email at any other time.

Best Regards,

Sam Marks PhD

211-978-1043

[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i write a cover letter for healthcare.

“I am writing to express my interest in applying for the [specific position name] listed on your website. Between my educational background and relevant experience, I am confident that I can help support your hospital’s mission of [reference to facility’s specific values and mission].”

How do you grab attention in a cover letter?

How to Create an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter: 

  • Write a compelling introduction.
  • Use tasteful humor in your cover letter. 
  • Research about the company. 
  • Demonstrate your confidence. 

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  6. How To Approach PI & Write Cover Letter & Carefully Selecting POSTDOC Mentor I Santosh Bharti

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  1. PDF Writing your CV and Cover Letter

    Heading font size 0-1 size larger than text. Highlight: Indent, bold, capitalize, bullet to highlight. Numbering: Put your name and page number on 2nd & 3rd pages in corner. Exclude: Do not include birth date, birth city, personal status, photos. Be the career counselor: 3 steps to write your CV.

  2. PDF CVs & COVER LETTERS FOR PhDs & POSTDOCS

    cover letters, whether you are applying for an academic position or a non-academic position - or both. It is designed primarily for Cambridge PhD students and postdoctoral staff. Undergraduates and Masters students should ask for the edition of CVs and Cover Letters written especially for them, available free from the Careers Service. Each ...

  3. Postdoc Cover Letter Templates & Examples [2024 ready]

    This postdoc cover letter sample comes from Sam, who is due to complete his PhD in 2023, and is applying for a research position. Let's see how he presents his arguments. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

  4. Postdoc Cover Letter Sample & Writing Tips

    In this order, the three sections of a standard postdoc cover letter include an introduction, a research summary, and a section discussing your fit in the target position. 1. Write a direct and information-rich introduction. Include identifying information, such as your:

  5. How To Write a Postdoc Cover Letter (With Example)

    3. Write your introduction. Use your beginning paragraph to explain why you are writing the cover letter. Refer to the position you're applying to and explain where you heard about the opportunity. If you have a personal connection who works with the PI, job poster or hiring manager, you can mention them here.

  6. PDF SAMPLE UNSOLICITED COVER LETTER FOR POSTDOC

    SAMPLE UNSOLICITED COVER LETTER FOR POSTDOC GSAS Career Services note: The introductory paragraph of this letter is direct and draws attention to the adviser's referral. The second paragraph is especially good at succinctly presenting the topic of the author's dissertation, its significance in the context of the field, and its results.

  7. (PDF) Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template

    Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template Dear Dr. XXX, I am writing this mail to express my interest in conducting my post-doctoral research under your supervision. I am interested in working on ...

  8. Postdoc Cover Letter Sample [+Postdoctoral Template]

    Here's how to write a postdoc cover letter: 1. Use the proper postdoc cover letter format. Use 1" cover letter margins on all sides. Choose single or 1.15 line spacing. Use a professional cover letter font in 12pt size. Read more: The Best Covering Letter Layout. 2. Create a professional postdoc cover letter header.

  9. Postdoc Cover Letter Examples & Expert Tips · Resume.io

    With 125+ cover letter examples and occupation-specific writing guides, Resume.io is here to make an impressive postdoc cover letter easier than you think. This guide, along with our postdoc cover letter examples, will cover these topics: The best format for structuring a postdoc cover letter. How each cover letter section speaks to your ...

  10. Academic Cover Letters: PhD and Postdoc Success

    Academic Cover Letters. The cover letter is a single spaced, two-page introductory document that creates a narrative for your application package. It introduces the search committee to your: Enthusiasm for the position and your expected availability (e.g., expected defense date) Research. Teaching and teaching assistantships.

  11. How to Write a Great Postdoc Cover Letter

    A cover letter starts like a formal letter with the date at the top followed by the name and work address of the job poster. This is followed by the salutation. For a postdoc position, you will often be addressing your letter to the PI. However, if it is not clear from the advertisement who the job poster is, you can always address the letter ...

  12. Cover Letter Best Practices: PhD and Postdoc Success

    Use a business-letter format and stick to one page of 3-5 paragraphs. Like a résumé, each cover letter you write should be tailored to the specific position and employer to align with the organization's culture and the requirements of the role. Use the same header on both your cover letter and résumé for a cohesive and polished look.

  13. PDF Stanford's Career Planning Handbook, Section 6

    TYPES OF COVER LETTERS. SAMPLE #1 - Letter of Application in Response to a Job Listing (This letter accompanies a completed application form or may be used to respond to a specific job listing that requests a letter and resume, and possibly other documentation.) P.O. Box 000033 Stanford, CA 94000 October 19, 20XX.

  14. Postdoc Cover Letter: Samples & Templates to Fill

    This postdoc cover letter sample comes from Sam, who was due to complete his PhD in 2023, and is applying for a research position. Let's see how he presents his arguments. Sam Marks PhD. 37 Sunset Boulevard. New Haven, CT 06520. 211-978-1043. [email protected]. New Haven, June 26, 2020.

  15. How to Write a Postdoc Cover Letter (With Example)

    How to write a postdoc cover letter. You can follow these step-by-step instructions to create an engaging postdoc cover letter that increases your chances of securing the position: 1. Include a header with your contact information. It's a good practice to begin the cover letter with your name and contact information to make it easy for the ...

  16. PDF CVs and Cover Letters

    Getting Started with CVs and Cover Letters Achievement Administrative Communication Creative Financial . accelerated arranged addressed authored allocated . accomplished channeled arbitrated changed analyzed achieved charted articulated conceived appraised activated collated briefed constructed audited ...

  17. Cover Letter for Postdoc Position: Sample Application Letter

    Here are some guidelines to create the first paragraph of your postdoc cover letter: Greet the recruiter with Dear Mr./Ms. XYZ. State your interest in the advertised postdoc position. Spark the interest of the recruiter with your most relevant experience and accomplishments.

  18. PDF How to write a cover letter

    1. Reading several examples of cover-letters for positions at the same level / field as you. 2. Considering what points, you want to bring across in YOUR cover letter. 3. Working on a narrative that will bring across these points, using the examples as inspiration. Do NOT copy large sections from templates.

  19. How to write a killer cover letter for a postdoctoral application

    End your cover letter with the same professionalism you used at the opening. Thank the PI for his or her time and consideration. Be sure to provide your contact information and state that you look forward to hearing from him or her. Everything discussed above should fit onto a single page — 1 ½ pages at most.

  20. Postdoc Cover Letter: 4 Templates and Emails

    Subject- cover letter for Postdoc. [Mention the name of the recipient] [Mention the address of the recipient] [Mention the contact information] Dear [Mention the name of the recipient] I'm writing to express my genuine interest in the open postdoctoral laboratory position at [Mention the name]. As a member of your team, I would love to ...

  21. Cover Letter For A Postdoc (5 Samples)

    When writing a postdoc cover letter, these are some of the essential things to include in your letter: Address the employer with a formal salutation. For example, "Dear/Hello (name of the recipient or hiring manager).". The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening.

  22. PDF RESUMES/COVER LETTERS

    RESUMES/COVER LETTERS RESUMES/COVER LETTERS RESUMES A resume is a brief summary of your qualifications, education, and experiences relevant to your job search objective . ... PDF version will allow the employer the opportunity to see your resume in an attractive format, utilizing bold and underlines . When emailing resume files, name them so ...

  23. PDF COVER LETTER Dear Sir,

    COVER LETTER Dear Sir, I am writing for the postdoctoral position and would like to continue my research career in your reputed laboratory. Presently, I am working as an Assistant Professor pursuing both academic and research work in Department of Biotechnology, Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, India.