Technical Aspects of Academic Cover Letters
Sample Cover Letters (PDF)
Cover Letter Salutation
Use a formal title in the opening of your letter, such as "Dr." or "Professor." If possible, direct your letter to a specific individual. This is not always possible, and if no individual is named in the job posting or you are instructed to respond to the search committee, it is acceptable to address begin your letter with "Dear Committee Members" or "Dear Members of the Search Committee."
Length and Format
Letters in the sciences and social sciences should be approximately one page long; letters in the humanities may be longer (up to two pages). It is customary to single space text and double space between paragraphs. Use high-quality paper (at least 24-pound) that matches your CV. Some individuals use a consistent heading on the cover letter and CV, and this can help unify the two documents.
Writing Style
Write as concisely and effectively as possible, but don't abandon complex sentence structures in favor of bulleted phrases. Hiring committees consider cover letters to be a sample of a candidate's writing ability, so your letter must be well-written. Have at least one other person proofread your letter. Seek advice and feedback from your adviser or another faculty member from your department, since they are familiar with your area of study.
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