How to write a cover letter

What is a "Cover Letter" you say?

Well a cover letter is often the most important piece of your application for a job. While your resume may show that you have the necessary qualifications for a job, your cover letter argues why are you the perfect person to hire.

Step 1 Paragraph one

introduction. Mention the job your applying for and where you saw it advertised. Since your curriculum vitae will give information about your degree (where and when), dissertation director, fellowships, prizes and so on, you don't need to mention them in your letter. Doing so takes up valuable space in the letter and, more importantly, marks you as a graduate student. Try to sound like a professional, someone who has already put graduate school behind you. The selection committee will look at your vitae and see all these details in a more readable format. The same goes for areas of specialization.

Comments

[mchase-1]

We once received a resume with a 3 page cover letter :0

[RB]

was it rejected or accepted? LOL

[szhang1]

lol thanks to dkfa

[omnibot]

Sweet, very structured. I know I'll use it. Well done on a subject seldom spoken of.