cover letter for postgraduate application

• Graduate School

Graduate School Cover Letter Examples

With writing tips and a step-by-step guide.

Looking at graduate school cover letter examples is a good idea if you plan on applying to a graduate school program, as you may be required to include a cover letter with your  CV for graduate school  and other application components. Even though it is not a required document for all grad school programs, a well-written graduate school cover letter can help you stand out to the admissions committee and improve your chances of being accepted into your chosen program. This is especially true if you are applying to a highly selective institution or trying to  get into graduate school with a low GPA.

This blog will discuss everything you need to know about writing a cover letter for graduate school. You will learn why cover letters are important, learn tips to make your graduate school cover letter stand out, and you will get to review cover letter samples that will inspire you to write your own. 

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Article Contents 10 min read

What is a graduate school cover letter.

A graduate school cover letter is a brief letter that applicants attach to their graduate school application. Much like a work cover letter, such as a  research assistant cover letter , for example, graduate school cover letters are meant to introduce you and your application to the reader. They give you an opportunity to make an excellent first impression, tell the admission committee that you are interested in their graduate school program and why you believe it is a good fit for you. 

Graduate school cover letters have become less popular as graduate schools typically ask students to fill out their personal information and submit materials online. If you are sending specific application materials or your entire application by mail, then you will need to include a graduate school cover letter. Additionally, a few institutions, like the University of Illinois graduate college, for example, require students to submit a graduate school cover letter with their application, even when it is online. 

Furthermore, even when a graduate program does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, including a well-written and informative letter can help differentiate you from the other students by leaving a lasting impression on the admission committee, thus increasing your chances of admission. That said, before you start writing a cover letter for such a program, you should verify the school's admissions website to ensure that the school accepts additional documents. 

It should also be noted that many graduate students look for work and research opportunities at the school that they will be attending. If that is the case for you, then you will need a graduate school cover letter with your application for that school-related internship, job, or research opportunity. For example, if you’re interested in conducting research with a specific professor while you complete your master’s, then it would be a good idea to send them your application with a cover letter attached so that you can communicate your suitability for their research project.

Graduate school cover letters are academic letters, meaning that they need to be formatted in a way that is professional, clear, and concise. Your graduate school cover letter should be no longer than a page, written in a classic font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Calibri, sized 11 or 12.

The text of your letter should be organized and separated into paragraphs. Keep in mind that your letter may go through several readers, and not all of them may be experts in the field you intend to study, so do not use overly technical language or industry-specific jargon. Keep your language succinct, clear, and consistent throughout the letter.

Lastly, your letter needs to provide a quick introduction to you as a candidate and pique the reader's interest so that they want to read the rest of your application. This means that you should not use your cover letter to list all of the experiences and skills that make you perfect for this graduate program. Simply express your interest in the program, select one or two experiences, skills, or values to focus on, and relate those to your suitability for the program you're applying for.

Wondering how to get into grad school with a lower GPA?

Step 1: Brainstorm & plan 

The first thing you want to do before you start working on your cover letter, or any graduate school admission essay, is make a plan. Think about what you want to say in your cover letter and write it down. Remember that you only have a few paragraphs to work with, and you do not want to repeat information from your personal statement or other application components. 

Once you know what you want your cover letter to say, organize it so that it flows nicely, and it is easy to follow. Your graduate school cover letter should follow the structure of a typical letter. It should have an introductory paragraph, the main body, and a closing paragraph. 

Step 2: Address your letter 

As mentioned earlier, your graduate school cover letter is, in fact, a letter! Therefore, you should begin by addressing it the way you would in a formal letter. Write your full name and mailing address at the very top. We also recommend including your email address and phone number, but this is optional. On the following line, write out the date, and then write the recipient's name (typically, this is the name of the head of the department or just the name of the school you are applying to) and their address. You should verify the school's admissions webpage for this information. If it is unclear and you are unsure whom to address in the letter, contact the school and ask for this information to ensure that your documents get to the right person. 

This first section of your letter should follow this template:

1234 Imaginary Lane

NameofCity, TN 34421

December 12, 20XX

Dr. John Smith

Department of Psychology

BeMo Academic University

66 University Circle

NameofCity, TN 34457

Once again, because this is a formal letter, you want to open your letter with the appropriate greeting or a personal salutation. If you have the name of a specific recipient, you can use the most common salutation for graduate school cover letters, which is "Dear [recipient's name]." Do not forget to include the recipient's title if you have it. If you do not have the name of a specific recipient, then you can simply address the letter "To Whom It May Concern". 

Step 4: Introduce yourself and express your interest in the graduate program

The reader will already have your name at the top of the page, but your introductory paragraph should tell them why you're writing this graduate school cover letter. You should use it to state your interest in your chosen graduate program and briefly mention your academic background and accomplishments thus far. 

Take a look at this example for context: 

I am pleased to submit my application for the Master of Applied Psychology program at X university. As a recent psychology graduate of YZ university, this graduate program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. 

Step 5: Talk about your suitability for this program

This is the main body of your graduate school cover letter. You should try to limit this to one paragraph, but you can use up to two of them if necessary. You should briefly touch on why you chose this particular school and program, what skills you have that have prepared you for this program, and what makes you an ideal applicant. 

You can talk about what you intend to do after this degree or specific professors and faculty members you wish to work with. The information you share here will be personal, so there is no golden template. Just ensure that it is written in an organized fashion that is easy to read and understand. 

Step 6: Conclude and close your letter 

In your last paragraph, make sure you thank the recipient for their time and consideration. You should also encourage them to reach out to you if they need additional information, or if they have any questions. Then finally, You can close your cover letter with a warm, professional closing salutation. "Sincerely" or "Warm Regards" followed by your name are some acceptable closing salutations you can use.

Step 7: List enclosed documents

This section of your graduate school cover letter will look different depending on the school you are applying to, and the application format used. If you are applying by mail, you should list the enclosed documents in the same envelope as your cover letter. If you are applying online or by email, verify that all of the documents listed on your cover letter are attached and ready to send. 

This section should be at the very bottom of the page. It should list the documents in a bullet point format, in the order in which they are enclosed. The list should look something like this: 

Sincerely, 

Jane Doe 

• Program application form 
• Statement of purpose
• Academic transcripts

Letters of recommendation

Graduate school cover letter examples 

Graduate school cover letter example #1.

Candice Williams

1234 Dream St. 

Winnipeg, MB R3J 8T6

[email protected]

204-990-887

August 12, 20xx

Dr. Trevor Thorne

Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media

Toronto, ON M4C 2Y9

Dear Dr. Thorne,

I am excited to submit my application for consideration for the English literature master's program at BeMo Academic University. I have spent the past four years learning the basics of literature analysis through my bachelor's degree in the field, and I am eager to take this next step in my educational journey in order to further my training.

My undergraduate studies allowed me to explore and learn about different forms of literature from around the world. Still, I often found myself drawn to the impressive works of Shakespeare, Milton, Bronte, and many other great English writers. I had the opportunity to study in London for a year, where I attended a seminar on the impact of Charlotte Bronte's work on modern feminism led by none other than Prof. Jane Smith. She is one of the many brilliant professors in the English, Theatre, Film & Media department at BeMo that I hope to learn from. 

You will find enclosed the required application documents, including my academic CV, which provides more information on the research I have been able to do and publish so far in my short academic career. I am especially interested in the role that authors such as William Shakespeare played in the development of modern English, and I wish to explore that further through research. I feel that the rigorous curriculum this program offers will inform my future writing and research efforts, and allow me to achieve my goals. 

Thank you for your time, attention, and consideration. It is truly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information. 

Program application form

Statement of purpose 

Graduate CV

Official undergraduate transcripts

Angela Wong

102-9876 Mainland Rd.

New Haven, CT 44567

[email protected]  

April 8, 20XX

University of BeMo

175 Academy lane

New York, NY 34567

To whom it may concern,

It is my pleasure to submit my application for the Master's degree in Early Childhood Development in the Psychology department at The University of BeMo. I am currently completing my bachelor's degree in psychology and plan to graduate in the fall. Since my goal is to pursue a career as an educational psychologist, this particular program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal. 

My undergraduate degree includes coursework in childhood psychology, special needs education, school and family crisis intervention, and many other courses that have given me the basics required to keep up with the thorough coursework that awaits me in your rigorous program. 

I have also gained valuable knowledge in the field through shadowing and internships in different schools in my community. Observing other child educators at work confirmed that this is the right career path for me, and it motivated me anew to learn how I can best help children develop a love of learning from the early stages of their educational careers. I know that there is only so much I can learn from observing, and the fact that this program provides six months of hands-on training is one of the many reasons why I am hoping to be a student at BeMo next year. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or documents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Research Interest Statement

Cover letters are supposed to be a brief introduction to your application, so unless otherwise specified by the school, they should not be longer than one page. We recommend sticking to three to four paragraphs, as this is long enough to share substantial information without losing your audience. Keep in mind that your reader will also be reviewing your other application components, so you do not need to address everything in this one letter. The information in your other application components, such as your  statement of purpose , will complement your cover letter. So, treat your cover letter like a summary of your candidacy; keep it short but impactful.

Be genuine & professional

The individual or committee that will review your application will probably be people that help run the program you're applying to. It is, therefore, best that they get a sense of who you genuinely are. Communicate honestly and let your personality shine through. This will help make your cover letter more memorable. That said, keep in mind that this is a professional document and that genuine does not mean informal or unprofessional. Your tone should still be courteous and consistent throughout the letter.

Proofread & edit carefully

We cannot stress how important this is. Remember that your graduate school cover letter will be one of, if not the first, document that the admissions committee will see from your application. You do not want their first impression of you to be negative. Your letter should be easy to read and follow, and it should be error-free.

Take the time to review your letter multiple times and edit for flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typos. Better yet, reach out to a  grad school essay tutor  for assistance. They can review your cover letter and help you edit it to make sure it is up to par.

Grad school essay tutors can also help you with other tricky written application components, such as  grad school career goals statements . So, do not hesitate to contact one if you need  grad school application help. ","label":"Bonus tip","title":"Bonus tip"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

It is a brief letter that you attach to your graduate school application. This letter should state your interest in the program, and briefly explain why you chose it, as well as why you are a good fit for it.

Many programs do not request graduate school cover letters, but they are more common than most people think. Additionally, several programs accept grad school cover letters even when not required, so you can still submit a cover letter to help your application stand out.

That depends on the program that you are applying to. Some schools may request a cover letter for online applications, and others may not require one, but they allow students to submit them as an optional component.

Graduate school cover letters are not replacements for admission essays like a personal statement or  statement of intent . So if your school requires a graduate school cover letter, do not assume that this means you will not have to write any grad school admission essays.

Unless you are given the name of a specific member of the admission committee, you should address your graduate school cover letter to the "Admissions team," "[subject] Head of Department," or "To Whom It May Concern."

You can make your graduate school cover letter stand out by making sure your personality shines through in your writing, telling a short anecdote or interesting fact about you in the body of the letter, and detailing your relevant skills and experience.

Graduate school can be pretty competitive, but the level of competition depends on the specific program you will be applying to. Some programs have acceptance rates as high as 60%, while others admit less than 10% of applicants.

Graduate school advisors are admission experts who help students plan and prepare for graduate school applications.

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Graduate Cover Letter

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One vital part of the job application process, especially online job applications is the graduate cover letter. This is your real first impression – something beyond a standard form CV – that will let you show off what you can bring to the company and what you’re hoping they can give to you.

But how exactly should you go about writing a cover letter? After all, surely everything important has been said in your CV ? Not true! Think of your CV as a list of all the necessary points, and the graduate cover letter as someone taking a highlighting, picking pertinent points, and then writing more about them. You can also highlight things that might not have made it to the CV, but that are still relevant – maybe a particular hobby , or general skill gained outside of work.

Remember, your cover letter shouldn’t be too long, and should be quick and interesting to read. It’s not an essay, it’s a brief introduction to the most important and relevant parts of you. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the basics...

Graduate cover letter examples

Generally, there’s a set way you want to write a cover letter, just as there is with CV s. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be original or unique in the content, just that there are certain things you should aim to get in. Generally the follow pattern is good to follow:

Dear [Name],

Paragraph detailing your skills – those mentioned on the CV, but giving more detail and talking about specific achievements.

Paragraph explaining why the company appeals to you – try to be specific ‘because this particular area...’, rather than a general ‘because it’s a world-leader’.

Conclusion, pointing out again your commitment to the role, and a suggestion for them to get in touch.

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Method of communication - email/phone/etc]

However, don’t be afraid to change some aspects of this if the job requires it. For instance, a speculative application requires a very different style of opening paragraph, and a graduate cover letter for a more creative job may have a bit more room to break the format. In general though, this is a good template to follow.

An example of this template filled in:

Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing with regards to [job role] advertised on [website]. Please find attached my CV, which shows I have the necessary qualifications and experience in the workplace.

Second paragraph, no work experience

My degree course  has prepared me well for this position. During my dissertation, I was required to do a lot of independent research, which required self-motivation, and the ability to organise and work on a long term project. In particular, [module] has helped prepare me by [talk about skills gained].

Second paragraph, add on if have work experience

In addition, I have worked at [company], as [role]. This role required [discuss skills]. In particular, [highlight one example of a specific event/project/incident that required certain skills and what you did].

I’m attracted to this role, because [reasons specific to that company, not general ones] and I hope that I can demonstrate to you that I would be a good fit for this company, with my proven skills, commitment to the role, and enthusiasm to learn.

I am available to start [when?]. Please do get in touch if you have any questions,

Yours sincerely,

[email protected]

How to write a graduate cover letter

So now we’ve looked at some templates, let’s look at some brief tips on how to write a graduate cover letter:

#1 Point out where your degree is relevant Don’t just assume having a degree will sell you, instead you need to point out just why it makes you useful. This is slightly easier for say, a marketing job with a marketing degree, but you can work it with any. For instance, applying for a journalist role with a philosophy degree? Point out how you’ve learned to condense lots of information into clear, understandable forms, and how you also touched on things such as politics and scientific ethics.

#2 Don’t be general about skills, give examples Never just say ‘I am good at communicating’. Everyone says this. Show us how! Did you have a fundraising job and participate in the university’s highest raising campaign? Mention it. Or maybe you worked in customer service and got given more responsibilities due to your skills. Definitely worth saying! Concrete examples of your skills will look much more impressive than a generic ‘I can do [x]’.

#3 Highlight relevant non-paid activities If you have a non-paid role that taught you relevant skills, throw it in there. Things such as being the treasurer of a society, or volunteering at children’s events can teach you things, and show that you didn’t just do your degree – you made the effort to do additional things too.

#4 Show commitment to the role Remember – you’re not applying to jobs you’re applying to this particular job. So talk about what you’d like to do with this company, and where you’d like to be in this company – not in general.

#5 Do your research! Make sure you know about the company, and can point out specifically why you want to work there. No ‘because it’s well-known’. For example, if you’re applying for a role at Lush, it goes without saying that Lush is well known for its ethical campaigning, so rather than saying ‘because Lush is ethical’, you would say ‘because [x] campaign really stood out to me, because [reasons]’. This shows you’re interested in working for them, not just a general company.

Bearing these points in mind, and following the general method shown above, you’ll have a great graduate cover letter in no time.

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Masters cover letter example

Cover letter header: How to reach you

Cover letter greeting: make it personal, cover letter introduction: hook your reader, cover letter middle part (body): details, please, conclusion and sign-off: a call to action.

Counting kindergarten, you’ve probably spent at least 19 years getting your master’s degree. Now it’s worth spending 15 minutes to learn how to write an outstanding master’s cover letter. 

This writing guide and its adaptable master’s cover letter examples will cover most of what you need to know to showcase your postgraduate degree, including:

• Is it master’s, masters, Master’s, Masters or Master?
• The best format for a master’s cover letter
• The six elements of a winning master’s cover letter

Common mistakes to avoid

Resume.io is a leading global provider of occupation-specific job-search advice. For more writing and formatting tips, take some time to review our 125+ cover letter examples and writing guides.

Mastering how to write ‘master’s’

Despite their advanced education, many people with master’s degrees are unsure how to say so in writing. Styles are all over the map on this, but most expert sources (including the Associated Press stylebook ) offer the following rules:

• As a general rule, “master’s degree” and “bachelor’s degree” should be written with lowercase letters and an apostrophe. So “masters degree” (with no apostrophe) is always wrong, and most experts would say “Master’s Degree” (capitalized) is also always wrong.
• However, when spelling out the full degree (like “Master of Science in Mathematics”), all the larger words should be capitalized. But note that the word “Master” is not a possessive, so don’t write “Master’s of Science in Mathematics.”
• In general, capitalize the field of study only when using the full, formal name of the degree, as in “Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering.” But if you use the word “degree,” the words should be lowercase, as in “master’s degree in public administration.”

Best format for a master’s cover letter

Proper formatting for a cover letter involves issues of structure, design and layout. First, be aware that in almost all cases, your cover letter should be one page only. In rare cases, a two-page cover letter may be considered acceptable, but it’s risky. In most cases, you’ll need to trim the fat from your letter so that it fits onto that first page.

Every cover letter should contain six essential components:

• Introduction
• Sign-off and signature

Also, the final product needs to be visually appealing, so you need to pay attention to formatting issues like appropriate cover letter fonts, font sizes, margins and use of white space. Your letter should also strive for visual balance, meaning the elements are evenly distributed on the page. For more formatting tips, take a look at our comprehensive guide to cover letter writing.

Here is a master’s cover letter example you can use as a guide to create your own. 

Dear Professor Morrison, As my bachelor’s degree in sports science comes to an end, I am excited to pursue the possibility of completing my master’s degree at Jamesville. My educational and sports experience thus far has been fantastic, but I feel that I have much more to learn. I have been an active member of both local football and basketball programs, winning two State championships with the football team and seeing a number of my basketball players go on to play division I sports. One of proudest academic moments was when my paper on cruciate ligament rehabilitation techniques received national acclaim after three of our players recovered in record time using my techniques. I am a sports scientist, but also a sports fan. My hunger to know more is deeper than ever. I am currently in the top 5% of my class at Jamesville and my professors have put me forward to continue my education in the sports science master’s program here. I enclose a selection of my coursework and some references from the players and coaches that I have worked with. I feel that my work in industry has reflected well on Jamesville, and hope that my master’s studies will give me the knowledge to do even better work with local sports teams. Sincerely, Simon Kroll

The cover letter header, which used to be called a letterhead, should include your name, occupation, address, phone number and email. It may also include a link to a website that highlights your professional achievements, such as a LinkedIn page.

The header should be attractively designed, making your letter look great at a glance. The header gives you an opportunity for stylish design and creative use of typography, layout and color. 

If you’re not an expert designer, you may want to eliminate the risk for formatting mistakes by using a professionally-designed cover letter template . You’ll be able to customize certain features of the layout while saving more time to focus on the writing.

“To Whom It May Concern” is never an acceptable cover letter greeting. Always try to find out the name of the hiring manager who is processing applications for the job you’re seeking. Address this person by last name, preceded by a “Mr.,” “Ms.” or “Dr.” 

Job listings often don’t tell you the person you should be writing to, but it’s worth doing some legwork to find out. If online sleuthing can’t answer this question, consider calling the company and just asking. If this information is simply unavailable, then you’ll need to use a more generic greeting like “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager.” 

Here is the greeting from our master’s cover letter sample:

Dear Professor Morrison,

The cover letter introduction should use original, compelling language to make a strong opening statement about your qualifications for the job you’re seeking. Avoid cliches, bland language and “fluff” that sounds fancy but says nothing.

The introduction should generally lead with your greatest strength, which may be your years of job experience. But if you’ve spent all your time lately in school obtaining your master’s degree, that may be your best hook. See the introduction of our cover letter sample here:

As my bachelor’s degree in sports science comes to an end, I am excited to pursue the possibility of completing my master’s degree at Jamesville. My educational and sports experience thus far has been fantastic, but I feel that I have much more to learn.

The middle part of your cover letter, known as the body, must cover the bases of your primary job qualifications. Again, this may be about your job-related experience, it may be about your educational credentials, or it may focus on your special skills.

Be specific, telling the reader about your main achievements on the job, your exceptional GPA or any certifications you hold in your field. See the cover letter example below.

I have been an active member of both local football and basketball programs, winning two State championships with the football team and seeing a number of my basketball players go on to play division I sports. One of proudest academic moments was when my paper on cruciate ligament rehabilitation techniques received national acclaim after three of our players recovered in record time using my techniques. I am a sports scientist, but also a sports fan. My hunger to know more is deeper than ever. I am currently in the top 5% of my class at Jamesville and my professors have put me forward to continue my education in the sports science master’s program here.

The cover letter conclusion, your final paragraph, may serve as a wrap-up and a thank you, but it should also include a call to action. You want the reader to do something as a result of your letter and not just lay it aside. 

Tell the recruiter that you look forward to a reply, and you’re always reachable at the contact info provided. You might want to say you’d be delighted to schedule an interview, in person or remotely, or you would welcome even an informal phone call. 

You want to project confidence and competence, without sounding arrogant or presumptuous. Find the right tone, one that makes you sound eager but not desperate. And remember that you want to come across as likeable. Nobody wants to hire someone they don’t like.

End with a sign-off like “Sincerely,” “All my best” or another appropriate close. Then add a space below that and type your full name. See our master’s cover letter sample below.

I enclose a selection of my coursework and some references from the players and coaches that I have worked with. I feel that my work in industry has reflected well on Jamesville, and hope that my master’s studies will give me the knowledge to do even better work with local sports teams. Sincerely, Simon Kroll

• Typos, misspelled words, bad grammar and other writing mistakes are often cited as the No. 1 reason that cover letters and resumes are rejected.
• Do not mass-mail the same cover letter to multiple employers. Customize each letter for each job you’re seeking.
• An ugly, poorly designed cover letter will turn off hiring managers at a glance.

Key takeaways

• In case you’ve been wondering, the correct spelling is “master’s degree.”
• Make sure to create an attractive header to house your contact details.
• Focus on creating an energetic and effective introduction since many hiring managers make a decision about whether to continue reading after just the first sentence.
• Check out our master’s cover letter example for more ideas on creating a great page layout.

For more tips to craft a great application, review some of our related education cover letter examples:

• Graduate cover letter example
• Student cover letter example
• University cover letter sample
• Teacher cover letter sample
• Scholarship cover letter sample

Best of luck in putting your master’s degree to good use!

Free professionally designed templates

How to write a flawless Cover Letter for Master’s applications!

5 Professional Grad School Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your grad school cover letter must instantly captivate the admissions committee. It should highlight your academic achievements and research interests clearly. Bear in mind, your letter is a formal introduction to your intellectual passions. Craft it carefully to reflect both your dedication and potential for advanced study.

All cover letter examples in this guide

SLP Grad School

Nursing Grad School

Biology Grad School

Psychology Grad School

Cover letter guide.

Grad School Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Grad School Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Writing a grad school cover letter can often feel like a puzzle where the pieces don't quite fit. You've started applying for jobs and suddenly realize you need more than a resume—you need a personal touch that tells your story. It's not just about listing achievements; it’s about showcasing your proudest professional moment in a compelling and formal way, without falling into the trap of overused phrases. And all within the confines of one concise page. Let's navigate this together and make your cover letter stand out.

• Introduce your profile to catch recruiters' attention;
• Use professional templates and examples to make sure your grad school cover letter follows the best industry standards;
• Settle on your most story-worthy achievement to shine a light on what makes your application unique;
• Write a grad school cover letter, even when you lack professional experience.

Ready to start with the basics: upload your resume to Enhancv's AI, below, to see the grad school cover letter it would write for you.

If the grad school isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Grad School cover letter example

Isabelle Todd

San Francisco, CA

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasis on past achievements with quantifiable results — such as increasing productivity and customer engagement — proves the ability to add value and solve real-world problems.
• Highlighting experience in relevant projects, like the A/B testing strategy, shows a track record of applying specific skills that are likely transferable to the new role.
• Mentioning technical proficiency in data analytics, predictive models, and specific tools or methodologies (e.g., machine learning) matches the specialized needs of the role.
• Demonstrating leadership by outlining experiences of leading teams aligns with roles that may require supervision or team collaboration.

The visual appeal of your grad school cover letter: format, font, and structure

When using our cover letter builder , make sure to include these vital sections:

• Header (with your name, contact details, the role, and date);
• Greeting (that's personalized to the recruiter);
• Introductory paragraph (to capture attention);
• Body paragraph (to tell a story of how you've obtained your job-crucial skills);
• Closing paragraph (ending with a nod to the future ahead);
• Signature (that is not a must).

Our cover letter templates are already set up for you with the best grad school cover letter design with single-spaced paragraphs and a one-inch margin.

As for the font of your grad school cover letter, use the same one as you did in your resume (where modern and simple fonts, like Rubik and Bitter, take precedence over Arial and Times New Roman).

Your grad school cover letter is created with the recruiters in mind - as no Applicant Tracker System looks over this part of your profile.

When sending over your grad school cover letter, download it in PDF. This format allows your information and design to stay intact and to keep the same visual quality.

The top sections on a grad school cover letter

• Header: Includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, providing a professional look to your cover letter and making it easy for the admissions committee to contact you.
• Opening Greeting: A respectful salutation that addresses the specific individual or admissions committee, demonstrating that you’ve researched who will be reviewing your application.
• Introduction: Briefly mentions your background and the program you are applying for, while expressing your enthusiasm and alignment with the school's values, which helps to hook the reader’s interest.
• Body: Elaborates on your relevant academic and research experiences, specific interests in the program, and how your goals align with the faculty's expertise, showing the recruiter your potential fit and contribution to the program.
• Closing Paragraph: Summarizes your qualifications, reiterates your interest in the program, and includes a courteous thank you, leaving a final positive impression and signaling the end of your cover letter.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

As there is no specified role provided in your request, I will list 6 key qualities, experiences, and traits for a general graduate school applicant. If you want a list tailored to a specific grad school program or job title, please provide the details. Here is the list for a general grad role:

Strong academic record: Evidence of intellectual horsepower and discipline to handle rigorous coursework.

Relevant research experience: Demonstrates the ability to conduct scholarly inquiry and contributes to the field of study.

Clear career goals: Shows purpose and intentionality, aligning with the program's strengths.

Excellence in communication: Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing and speaking.

Professional or academic recommendations: Strong endorsements from credible sources who can vouch for the applicant's abilities and potential.

Personal qualities such as resilience, initiative, and creativity: Attributes that suggest the applicant can thrive in challenging environments and contribute to the academic community.

The grad school cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers

After covering the format of your grad school cover letter, let's look at the salutation.

Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.

But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.

So, what to do about your cover letter salutation ?

If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").

Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.

If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Admissions Committee,
• Dear [Program Director's Name],
• Dear [Department Name] Selection Committee,
• Dear Professor [Last Name],
• Dear Dr. [Last Name],
• Dear Graduate Admissions,

The grad school cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture

You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your grad school cover letter.

Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.

Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning grad school cover letter introduction:

• get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
• focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.

What to write in the middle or body of your grad school cover letter

Here's where it gets tricky.

Your grad school cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.

Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.

Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.

Your grad school cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.

Ending your grad school cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise

If you're thinking of finishing your grad school cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.

End the final paragraph of your grad school cover letter with a twist:

• a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
• a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.

A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.

Addressing limited to no experience in the grad school cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your grad school cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Writing your grad school cover letter doesn't need to turn into an endless quest, but instead:

• Create an individual grad school cover letter for each role you apply to, based on job criteria (use our builder to transform your resume into a cover letter, which you could edit to match the job);
• Stick with the same font you've used in your resume (e.g. Raleway) and ensure your grad school cover letter is single-spaced and has a one-inch margin all around;
• Introduce your enthusiasm for the role or the company at the beginning of your grad school cover letter to make a good first impression;
• Align what matters most to the company by selecting just one achievement from your experience, that has taught you valuable skills and knowledge for the job;
• End your grad school cover letter like any good story - with a promise for greatness or follow-up for an interview.

Grad School cover letter examples

Explore additional grad school cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• How to Write a Cover Letter for PhD Applications

Written by Chris Banyard

An PhD cover letter is one of the documents you may be required to submit as part of a PhD application . It should complement your academic CV and explain why you are applying. PhD cover letters offer you the chance to write with greater flexibility and personality than in other parts of the PhD application. This page will take you through what a PhD cover letter actually is and how to write one, along with some top tips on what to include (and what not to!).

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What is a cover letter for a phd application.

A PhD cover letter is a counterpart to a CV submitted as part of an application for a PhD programme. It is a short essay addressed to a specific individual and written in prose. It should explain your PhD application in your own words, demonstrating what you can offer and why you should be selected.

What is an academic cover letter for?

There are several reasons why the PhD cover letter is important for university admission. It is an opportunity to:

• Clarify any gaps in the CV and explain certain aspects in further detail. This doesn't mean you should repeat information on your CV (the letter will probably be read in parallel). Rather, it’s a chance to expand on the story that the CV tells and demonstrate your knowledge.
• Further tailor your PhD application to the project specification. Here, you can address and match your skills and experiences to those asked for by the university or supervisor.
• Show professional communication skills and enthusiasm . These are important qualities for a postgraduate applicant, but they can be quite hard to show in a CV or application form. Here, you can write in your own words and present your research interests and passion.

Do I need a cover letter for a PhD application?

Many universities require an academic cover letter as part of the PhD application. It is therefore highly likely that you'll have to write at least one. If you're applying for multiple PhD projects then you will need to make sure you tailor your cover letter for each application.

Cover letters vs personal statements for a PhD application

Although there are similarities between a motivation or cover letter and a personal statement , they are different. A cover letter is more functional - it unites and presents your application. A personal statement is more useful for providing detail on your experience, interests and ambitions. If you are submitting both, you may need to keep this in mind and adjust the detail in each.

What if I don’t have research experience?

Although a PhD cover letter is a good place to expand on any research experience and publications you may have, as Bachelors or Masters students you will not be expected to have lots of this.

It’s more important to write with enthusiasm and show your commitment for research. Fortunately, the academic covering letter is an ideal place to show this!

What to include in a cover letter for a PhD application

The first thing you should include in your cover or motivation letter is a few introductory sentences . Outline who you are, what you are currently doing, whether it be a Masters or a job, and what PhD position you’re applying for. Make sure to include the PhD project reference number if one is provided in the description.

Next, you’re going to want to explain why you are applying for the PhD position. It’s a good idea to put your best, most compelling, or most relevant argument first. The earlier that you can make an impact, the more likely the addressee will read further.

Make sure you’re to the point and concise. An academic cover letter may be there to help illustrate your personality and passion but academics do not have the time to read elongated essays.

After detailing why you want to apply for the project, you need to explain why you’re eligible . Present you relevant skills and achievements in a brief and precise manner. Additionally, make sure to back up your claims with evidence.

An important tip is to demonstrate that you have done your research about the PhD project, supervisor and department. Be specific about why you would be a good fit for the this project in particular .

You should also detail clear understanding of the potential research impact the PhD project could have, and your enthusiasm for it. But, make sure your passion is routed in some research. Just discovering the unknown or novel may not be a compelling reason to research your subject.

Overall, the academic cover letter should show a clear identity and personality, while remaining professional. You need to demonstrate why you are a better and more interesting candidate than other applicants for a PhD.

What to avoid in a cover letter for a PhD application

The academic cover letter will accompany the CV , and therefore should not repeat anything on it. You should refer to information but not reiterate it.

You should also avoid listing all of your achievements, experience etc. It is better to focus on the best aspects of your PhD application.

There should be no statements presented without evidence. A PhD supervisor will see through this straight away.

Also, an ideal motivation letter should avoid offering too much information. This includes technical information, jargon and abbreviations. Focus on being clear and concise instead.

Lastly, you should avoid any vagueness, arrogance, or negativity. And make sure there are no typos or grammatical mistakes.

Formatting a cover letter for a PhD application

The formatting rules for an academic covering letter are very similar to those for a CV. Ensure there is correct spelling and grammar throughout, use consistent and clear font, and get the tone right – this should be enthusiastic and assertive without arrogance.

How long should a cover letter be?

The cover/motivation letter for a PhD application should be approximately one A4 page in length, or around 500 words. If necessary, it can be a little longer but should not be longer than two pages.

Organisation

An academic cover letter should have a beginning, middle and end.

The introduction should explain who you are, what you are applying for and how you started this application (i.e. where you heard about the PhD project, or if you have previously met the supervisor). You can also give a brief background about yourself and your research interests.

The main body should cover your skills and achievements as a counterpart to the CV. This should present your convincing argument as to why you should be accepted for a PhD position. You can also present your ideas for your future research.

Finally, the conclusion should explain why you want to study the PhD project and why you are a perfect fit. It should summarise your application as a whole. It can end with a respectful request to take the application further, such as an interview.

Who should a PhD cover letter be addressed to?

A cover letter should be addressed to a named person i.e. “Dear Professor Smith”. For a PhD application, this will usually be the PhD supervisor, but may be a specific person in charge of recruitment.

If you are still unsure who to address the cover letter to, it should be directed to the Head of Department.

Check that you have the correct title for the addressee.

How to end an academic cover letter?

Because the cover letter should be addressed to a named individual, it should be signed off with either “Yours sincerely” or “Kind regards”. Prior to this, it may be worth adding a polite prompt to reply, such as “I look forward to hearing from you”.

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Writing a Cover Letter for Master’s Degree Applications

Cover letters are an important part of any Master’s Program application. In this blog, we explore how to craft a cover letter for a Master's programs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover letters are an important part of any Master’s Program application. They help ensure that the recipient really knows who you are and what makes you qualified for the position. That's why it's important to write a cover letter when applying for anything related to work or school.

How do I write a cover letter for a Master’s Degree Application?

Cover letters are typically used to introduce yourself and highlight your skills, particularly those relevant to the position you are applying for. When applying for a Master’s program, it is important to include some basic information in your letter.

The first part of the cover letter should include:

• Your contact details (name, address and telephone number)
• The name of the department you are applying to
• The name of the course or program that you would like to complete your studies in

The second part of this section should discuss basic information about your academic record and past accomplishments as well as any experience that might be relevant to the topic.

State your interest in the study program

The cover letter should also provide information about your thesis ideas and a description of your interest in studying in the program. This description should be short but informative enough to convince the reader that you understand what is required of you and that you are capable of doing a good job.

Furthermore, if you have gaps in your academic record, including an explanation for these can help demonstrate that you have taken steps to improve yourself since those points in time.

Make the cover letter about them

In order to do that, you'll need to know who they are and how they like to be addressed. This is where research comes in handy.

Using their name and title is always a good move—and it's an easy way to make your cover letter more personal and memorable. If you're still not sure what their name or title actually is, try searching through the website of the institution (or even just Google) to find out more information on them. You'll likely find that information included in bios or other publications online where the institution has mentioned its staff members in writing before.

If it is possible, reference the organization or some project associated with it – especially if there is something distinct about what your research will add that is not already mentioned in your CV/resume (ie: if it is something particularly noteworthy).

Include a strong greeting and identifiers

Include a strong greeting and identifiers. The first paragraph of your letter should be written in a friendly tone, and it's crucial that you include an introduction that is personal but brief. 

In your introductory paragraph, state how you learned of the programme—whether it was through an alumni network or through word-of-mouth. Be specific and highlight what drew your interest toward this opportunity over others that might have also been advertised at around the same time period. You can also bring up any other details regarding why this particular programme appeals to you; perhaps there are qualities within this study that align with several interests on your resume (such as education) or perhaps there are certain aspects which differ from previous positions held throughout schooling (such as responsibilities).

Tips to writing a better cover letter for Master’s Applications

Now, we move onto certain tips that will make your cover letter stand out from the crowd. Follow these steps to add some flair into your cover letter.

Highlight Your Skills, Past Experiences and How They Can Bring Value

This is one of the most important parts of your letter, as it will tell the reader what you can bring to their institution and how you plan to excel in your studies. 

Be specific about your skills and mention how they will help you excel in this particular Master’s degree by citing examples from past academic experience that demonstrate those skills. Make sure you are talking about the company and its goals, not just yourself. Show that you have done research on them by mentioning something unique or interesting about them in your cover letter.

Do your research about the institution

Investigating the school, its alumni, teachers, and their work can give you insight into how to utilize them in an advantageous way in your cover letter. To make your cover letter stand out from the multitude of others, you must include important specifics that are associated with your statement.

If they also happen to have some interview process after the applications, these details and your research will be helpful at those stages.

Include details that shows you have done your research

If you are hoping to be admitted to the Master’s program, then making sure your cover letter is detailed with the information on your prior research is important. This is because the admissions committee will be looking for qualities that match their institution, and the more detail you can provide, the easier it will be for them to see that you put actual effort into your cover letter.

Additionally, providing specific examples of your accomplishments or experiences will make your application more memorable and help you stand out from the rest. So be sure to include as many relevant details as possible in your cover letter!

How you should conclude your cover letter

You should close your cover letter with a call to action and express appreciation for their time. Thank them again for taking the time to read your application, and let them know that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Cover Letter Examples for Master’s Degree Applications

Here are some of our selections of cover letter templates for master's program applications. Feel free to use them and make edits on them according to your needs.

[Your first name] [your last name]

[Your street address]

[City], [state] [zip code]

[First and last name of the head of admissions]

[University Name]

[College address]

Dear [Mr. or Ms.] [last name of the head of admissions],

I am writing to apply to [University Name & Master’s program name]. I have been a student at [Your previous degree] for the past [X] years and I am very excited to continue my education at the postgraduate level.

[University name] has always been my top choice for several reasons. First and foremost, the school has an excellent academic reputation. I have always been a very good student and I know that I will be able to thrive in the challenging environment of your institution.

My education has allowed me to have first-hand experience with the field I am interested in and the challenges that come with it: [examples].

I am currently looking to begin my studies in [field] in order to complete a program that will allow me to pursue my goal of becoming a [job title]. I believe that [University Name] can provide me with the best education and opportunity to reach my objectives.

I am an ambitious individual who is always looking to learn and grow in my field of interest. I am very passionate about my work, and I believe that by continuing to expand my knowledge and skills, I can make a significant impact on [field] in a positive way.

I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to be a part of your student body and I will work diligently to uphold the standards of your school. If admitted, I pledge to be a respectful and contributing member of the community and I promise to take advantage of all that your school has to offer and make the most of my time here. I have included all of the required documentation and my application form. If you have any further questions, I would be happy to provide additional information.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your first name] [your last name]

This letter is a formal request for admission to [name of the university & master’s degree]. 

I am a recent [Your previous University name & degree name] graduate and I am interested in studying [subject area] in [postgraduate degree program] with the hope of obtaining a [job title] after graduation. 

I have always enjoyed [activity] and am confident that I would excel in [Master’s program] at [University Name]. I am passionate about [topic] and believe that I would be a valuable asset to your [University Name] community.

I am enclosing my transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about my qualifications.

[College name]

I am applying to the [season] semester of the [university name] Master's program. I am very proud of the [program name] and believe that I would be a great fit for it. Thank you for considering me!

Over the past few years, I've researched many universities that offer a Master’s degree in [program name], but have ultimately chosen [institution] because of [reasons]. The opportunity to join your top-level institution and become part of its alumni is one of my greatest goals. I am confident that my education in [subject area] and [work/volunteer experience] make me a valuable asset and an ideal candidate for admission into the program. My educational experience has given me the opportunity to [insert your previous experiences] and face the challenges that come with [field name]. 

I am currently looking to begin my Master’s degree, with a goal of completing the [program] at [institution]. Upon graduation, I wish to become [job title] to [career goals]. I believe the [college name] can provide me with the best education and opportunity to pursue my objectives.

I have enclosed all of the necessary documentation and application form for your consideration. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to provide you with more information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

We trust that this article has given you some thoughts concerning composing a cover letter for your master's program application. Bear in mind, the most significant thing is to stay positive and sure of what you have accomplished so far, as well as what will drive you enough to keep on working on this project.

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How To Write A Postgraduate Application Letter

• by Free Opportunities

To write a postgraduate application letter to universities, you should know what credentials you are looking for, how many copies of the letter you need, and how much time it will take. This article gives a detailed rundown of all the necessary steps for writing your application letter to apply to universities in your field and compete with other applicants. When you are applying to graduate school, it is important to create a strong application letter. This letter will capture the attention of the admissions committee and help you stand out from the competition.

You must get  yourself acquainted with the guidelines of the program you are applying to and also know what information is required in the application letter. Not only that, you should also address all of the program’s requirements in your letter, but you must ensure your letter is well-written and error-free. When all these are done, include a personal statement in your letter. This will give your admission committee a better idea of who you are as a person and what you hope to gain from enrolling for the program. When you are applying to postgraduate programs, the first step is to create a compelling application letter. This letter should explain why you are the best candidate for the program and why you will be a valuable addition to the school.There are a few steps that you need to take when writing your letter.

First, you need to research the program that you are applying to. You should know what its requirements are and what type of student the program is looking for. Next, you need to write a thesis statement. This statement should explain why you want to pursue the program and what it will add to your resume. You should also include examples of how this program would benefit your career.Finally, you must make sure that your letter is personalised. You should address each section of the letter directly and explain why you are the best candidate for the program. Writing a good application letter takes time and effort, but it is worth it in order to get accepted into a top postgraduate program.

This guide will teach you how to write a postgraduate application letter, and provide several sample letters for you to use as inspiration.First, you will need to familiarise yourself with the admissions process for the program you wish to apply to. Next, you will need to know what type of letter you want to write. There are many different types of letters, so it is important that you choose the one that best suits your application. Finally, prepare your content by writing down the main points of your application story. Once all these are done, it is time to start writing! By following these simple steps, we have written for you on these blog, writing a powerful and persuasive postgraduate application letter will be an easy peasy.

7 Steps To Writing A Postgraduate Application Letter: Guidelines

Define the purpose of your letter.

Your letter should have a specific purpose. You should identify what the letter is trying to accomplish and why it is important. This will help you to stay focused while you are writing. Your letter should be personal and reflect your interests and goals. Describe why studying at the postgraduate level is right for you, and why the university you have chosen is the best place for you to achieve your goals. make sure that your application letter is tailored to the specific program you are applying to. Don’t just copy and paste an application letter that you wrote for another program. Make sure that your letter is unique and reflects your personality and interests.

Address the Reader

Start with a strong introduction. Make sure your letter starts with a strong introduction that introduces yourself and your reasons for wanting to study at the postgraduate level. This will help to convince the admissions committee that you are worthy of their attention.Your letter should be written in a personal and friendly tone. Use persuasive language when writing your letter. It will guarantee your successful application. You should address the reader by name and let them know how you know them or what their role is in your life. Know the program requirements. Make sure to take the time to read through the program requirements carefully before writing your application letter. This will help you to make sure that you meet all of the requirements necessary for admission into the program of your choice.

Explain Your Goals and Plans

Your letter should explain why you want to study at the postgraduate level and what your goals are. You should focus on why you want to attend the university.

Make sure to emphasise why you are the best candidate for the program and what you can offer the school.Secondly, make sure your letter is personalised. You should include information about your experiences and why you think the university would be a good fit for you.

It is important to include all of the relevant information in your application letter. Make sure to highlight your skills and qualifications, and explain why you are the best candidate for the programme. You should also outline your plans for after graduation. However, don’t lie, there is no need to exaggerate about skills and accomplishments. The truth always comes out sooner or later. Don’t send the same cover letter every time. Always use a well-crafted cover letter that is uniquely tailored to every program.

Offer Proof of Qualifications or Achievements

Be clear about your academic credentials. List all of your academic achievements and explain why they make you the perfect candidate for this particular postgraduate program. Make sure to include any relevant certificates or degrees that you may have obtained.You should include proof of your qualifications or achievements if they are relevant to your application. This could be certificates, letters of recommendation, or other evidence that supports your claims.

State Your Reasons for Wanting to Study at the Postgraduate Level

Your letter should explain why postgraduate studies are right for you and why you want to attend this particular university or program. You should also state any reasons why you believe you will benefit from studying there.  However, Do not fill your application letter with excessive, unnecessary details: keep it simple, brief, and relevant. Remember, cover letters should never extend beyond one page.

Make Sure That Your Grammar Is Impeccable.

This isn’t the time to let your grammar skills go to waste! Use proper grammar guidelines when writing your application letter so that your professors know that you are taking the time to make an excellent impression. Next, make sure that your Letter is well If you are applying to a postgraduate programme, there are a number of things that you need to do in order to be successful.

Thank the Reader 

Show enthusiasm for the program and don’t forget to thank the school for their consideration and send your letter before the deadline, this will give the admissions committee enough time to review your application.

How To Structure Your Cover Letter

Writing a  Master’s application can be quite stressful, as gaining a spot at your ideal postgraduate program can be very competitive. Thousands of people apply every year. So, if you are wondering how to make your application stand out, then the answer is one: a killer master’s application cover letter!

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A cover letter can either increase your  chances of success or be a cog in the wheel of your progress. It allows you to make your chosen university have a taste of your personality and convince them that you are the perfect candidate for the program. 

So, how can you write the perfect cover letter that will leave the doors open for you?

Layout and Form

First of all,  just like any other formal letter, your master’s application cover letter should include your name, professional title, and contact details at the top of the page. When it comes to the main body, it should be organised in short, but compelling paragraphs. Cover letters should be between half a page to one full page in length. An average of 400 words is perfect.

Attractive Content

Your master’s application should contain your cover letter, CV, transcripts, a couple of references, and a research proposal (if required). In respect of the cover letter, its most essential part is content. For most applicants, writing a compelling  cover letter to present themselves and their accomplishments could be a real battle, but if composed well, it  could as well be the first step to their success!

Think of the cover letter as an invitation to the admission committee to get to know who you are. Instead of just listing your achievements, write about what skills and personality traits make you an ideal candidate for your chosen degree. Present concrete examples and evidence about your experience and motivation that reflect what kind of student you are. You can also share some of your future career goals.

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Structure a Cover Letter

• The first paragraph of your master’s application cover letter is your opportunity to grab your reader’s attention from the very beginning. Take your reader spellbound. Use that opportunity to briefly introduce yourself and state what program you’re applying for. Also, clearly outline why you’re interested in this program.
• The second paragraph is perfect a brief summary of  your educational background and qualifications for this master’s program. Present relevant skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit.. You can also state relevant professional experience in the field, as well as any knowledge of foreign languages if you are proficient in any.
• You could use the third paragraph to outline the reasons that make you a good fit for this postgraduate program and describe what attracted you to the institution you are applying to. Show that you are enthusiastic your about the program and explain how this degree could help you achieve your long-term career objectives moving forward. Additionally, you can gain some extra bonus points by explaining how your research interests can contribute immensely to the future of the program. In a nutshell, paragraphs 2 and 3 are all about presenting why you are a perfect fit for this postgraduate program, as well as why it is perfect for you!
• The final paragraph of your master’s application cover letter is a short concluding paragraph in which you thank your reader and provide additional information, if necessary. It’s always preferable if you could also give a list of your application’s enclosed materials.

For Example:

• Letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts

Conclusion:

The admission committee look forward to selecting candidates that could really make a contribution to their department or their institution as a whole. For that reason, your personality, skills, and goals can, sometimes, be more significant than your grades.  Don’t make grammar/typographic errors, proofread and spell check many times to make sure paragraphs flow well together or give it to a friend or family to proofread for you. You can also try to read it aloud to yourself, this will make it easier for you to spot any glaring grammar, spelling, or formatting errors you made while writing. Lastly, don’t forget to personalise each cover letter according to each program’s philosophy and mission to make sure you are relevant.

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• Graduate Cover Letter
• Career Advice

Graduate Cover Letter Template

If an employer requests a CV to apply for a vacancy you should always include a graduate cover letter. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain your suitability for the role. You must take time over your cover letter and make sure they are immaculate. Spell checkers are not enough. Be sure to use the cover letter examples provided to give you the best chance of grabbing your dream job!

Writing a graduate cover letter

What is a cover letter? It's an accompanying document to your graduate CV and often they are an important method of communication. They can provide an informal and friendly view of personal events to people, or they can be formal documents offering factual information to people you have not met. This is your chance to tell them what skills you have and why you want to work specifically for that company. Unlike email, letters are tangible and layout is as important as content.

Graduate cover letters have a standard format and this is shown in the cover letter examples attached. If you are writing to a named person then it is 'Yours sincerely', if you write 'Dear Sir/Madam' the correct ending is 'Yours faithfully'.

A graduate cover letter should:

• Introduce them to your personality and your commitment to them
• Give compelling examples of your suitability to the company as well as the role
• Make references to key requirements they look for
• Suggest there is even more to learn about you over a call or in person
• Make the employer want to talk to you
• Demonstrate your written communication skills

Some golden rules

Never put anything in your cover letter that cannot be backed by your graduate CV or application form. The human resources staff will look for discrepancies and for any mistakes that show a lack of attention to detail. Also anything you write can be brought up during graduate interviews , so make sure you can back up what you write with good examples. Don’t forget it is actually a criminal offence to lie on your cover letter for a CV, so always be honest but convincing about what you know or the skills you have.

There are some conventions about letters of application. Generally letters sent with CVs or graduate job applications should:

• be addressed to a named person;
• state why you are writing, what you are applying for and what you are currently doing;
• flag up the most important/relevant thing you want the employer to know about you;
• use eye catching key words that the employer is likely to be looking for. You can work it out by thinking about the job spec and by doing your research;
• refer the reader to your CV or job application form;
• show that you know something about the company;
• make a connection between your skills and abilities, and company needs or wants;
• identify the career you are seeking;
• be reasonably brief.

Remember if the covering letter for a job application is poor, the employer may not bother to read your CV.  This also applies to application forms as well so remember this keeps you in the race for the job, it is essential to not stumble at the first hurdle.

Attached are two examples of cover letters of a job application. Both are acceptable. Use these examples only as a guideline; your covering letter should show your originality and if you are serious about working for a particular company it should not be difficult to adapt these examples. Our cover letter guide is to help you start writing your own letter, so yours should be bespoke to the company. You're telling them you want to work for them specifically and anything generic will only decrease your chances. Remember, you will have to justify what you say and why you said it at a job interview.

Format of a graduate cover letter:

Personal statement.

The personal statement can be used as a heading to a CV or as an additional statement on an application form.

The personal statement is not solely for telling the employer what a great person you are, it is about telling the employer what you hope to achieve in the future, that you will fit into their structure and you have transferable skills which will be useful for them. This is your chance to show what you have found out about the company and why you want to work for them. Even more important is to show why you would be a good asset for the team.  For example:

"My career objective is to enter research in the ... industry. I have demonstrated strong research skills during university project work and much of my experience has been within a team environment. I am able to take responsibility for my own work as well as being able to demonstrate leadership when required. Meeting deadlines has been a consistent part of my academic and working life and I have learned how to communicate with people in situations which require tact. My academic skills have given me the ability to communicate effectively on paper as well as through presentations."  

Personal profile

The personal profile reflects the type of person you are. It offers the employer a taste of your character and your goals, and many CVs use a skills profile. Show why you think this role is perfect for you. For example:

"I am an outgoing person who can talk to people at all levels and have been complimented on my ability to listen to other people. I can take responsibility for my own work and my own goals, but I also enjoy working with other people to reach a common goal. Reflection is an important part of my personality and this has led me to develop a strong feeling for detail without losing sight of the whole picture. ... holds strong fascination for me and my objective is to work in research within this field."

"My academic and work experience has taught me to work well with other people and to take responsibility for my own work. I have an outgoing personality and am keenly interested in good health through exercise and diet. One of my most important assets is my ability to listen to people."

Skills profile

Skills profile identifies your competence in a variety of skills and these can be shown through bullet points or by a short sentence linked to specific skills. Keep this concise, but include everything relating to the job spec. They will want to see as many directly relatable skills to the job as possible. For example:

"During my academic study and work experience I have developed skills such as:

• problem solving
• time management (etc)"

Or you might support them with a short sentence, for example:

"Problem solving

My university project work has demanded that I undertake investigation into a specific topic and analyse the information before putting recommendations forward in a presentation."

"Time management

During my time at university I have undertaken full-time study, part-time paid work and enjoyed my sport with the basketball team. I have prioritised each of these activities successfully."

The best skills to write about are the ones that have achieved something positive. Any examples you have that a skill you applied to hit a target or anything positive will stand out on a cover letter. The main thing is that it must be concise. Let them see why they should want meet you, so make it personal and tailored towards their business. Whatever style you adopt remember what you say in your profile is open for questioning at an interview.

Email cover letters

When submitting a cover letter for a job applications there are a few things that you must remember to check. Firstly check that your cover letter and CV, for that matter, is attached. Be careful and check the formatting of the email and cover letter. Ensuring the font is the same all the way through. Try to keep the font consistent throughout your CV, cover letter and email. This will just look more professional. Make sure your read the job specification when applying; they may want something specific in the email subject.

The final advice

• make your graduate cover letter tailored to the company.
• make it concise.
• make it persuasive and eye catching.
• proof read. Read it once, then read it again and then read it again. If possible get someone else to read it for you to catch every little typo or grammatical error.
• use an appropriate format; it must look professional i.e. for business purposes.
• make it generic.
• waffle! Think about what is relevant to the company and particularly the actual position/role.
• make it more than one side of A4.
• leave errors that will make it easy for the company to reject your application.
• forget to put the address of the company at the top of the cover letter and to sign it with you name. It is a formal letter so it must be in the correct format.

Opt for a creative approach

It is diffiuclt to make your application stand out from the crowd. However, in some instances you could opt for a creative approach! Take this example bellow of an applicant using a spotify playlist to apply! This may not be appropiate to use in some applications however it is some food for thought.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, do you need a cover letter for graduate school applications.

Applying to graduate school means getting together a lot of materials. Most likely, you’ll need transcripts, letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a statement of purpose—but do you also need a cover letter for graduate school?

Read on to learn whether you need to submit a graduate school cover letter and how to make one. We’ll also give you six essential tips for making your cover letter for graduate school shine.

Do You Need a Cover Letter for Graduate School?

Generally, you don’t need to submit a cover letter with your graduate school application. Since most programs require you to input your personal information using an online application system, you usually won’t have to submit a separate cover letter as well.

In fact, your statement of purpose already accomplishes most of what a cover letter does: it introduces who you are as well as your academic interests, accomplishments, and goals. Therefore, you most likely won’t need to write a cover letter for your application.

Rarely, a program may ask you to submit a cover letter with your application (or allow you to submit one, even if it’s not required). If you are applying to graduate school by mail, you may want (or need) to include a cover letter in order to highlight your interest in the program and ensure it reaches the correct department.

However, most programs require you to apply online, so you can’t send in an application by mail unless your program allows it.  Aside from these relatively isolated cases, you shouldn’t need to submit a cover letter for graduate school.

That said, if you’re applying for a school-related job or internship, it’s common (and often necessary) to submit a cover letter with your application.  For example, if you were a current grad student looking to conduct research under a specific professor, you could submit a cover letter to that professor explaining who you are and why you’re interested in conducting research with him or her.

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Or, let’s say you’re applying for a part-time job or internship at your school. In this case, you’ll most likely need to submit a cover letter to introduce yourself, your skills, and your employment history.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School: Step by Step

If you plan to submit a graduate school cover letter, it’s important to know what to include on it so that you can make a positive impression on the admission committee (or employer).

In this section, we go over the six essential steps for writing a great cover letter for graduate school. With each step, we give you examples using our original graduate school cover letter sample .

Step 1: Address Your Letter

A clear and organized cover letter is key to making a good impression. Open your letter with your name and contact information followed by your recipient’s name and contact information (as if you were addressing an envelope).

Write your full name first and then use the lines directly beneath it to write your home address. You may also include your phone number and/or email address on a fourth or fifth line after your home address; however, this is optional.

Next, insert a blank space after your contact information and write today’s date. You may use the month-day-year format (e.g., September 4, 2017) or the more formal day-month-year format (e.g., 4 September 2017). Either is fine!

Leave another blank space after the date and  write your recipient’s contact information (i.e., to whom you’re sending your cover letter and application).

The name you use here depends on where you’re sending your application. If applying for admission to a graduate program, address your letter to either the head of the department or the head of the admission committee. If you’re not sure whom to address your letter to, contact your program and ask.

Write the name of the recipient with his or her title, if applicable. On the next line, write the name of the department/school for which the recipient works along with the address of the department/school.

Step 2: Use a Salutation

Like all letters, you should begin your cover letter with a greeting, or salutation, to your recipient.

The most common salutation for cover letters is “Dear [Recipent’s Name]” followed by a comma or a colon.  A comma is a little less formal than a colon, but either mark is acceptable.

If you can’t figure out whom to address your cover letter to, write, “Dear Head of Admissions,” “Dear Graduate Coordinator,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” All of these salutations are acceptable, though less personal than a name; thus, it’s best to find a specific person to address your letter to.

Step 3: Introduce Yourself (Paragraph 1)

Now, we get to the heart of the cover letter. Use this first paragraph to briefly introduce yourself and what program or position you’re applying for.  Also, talk a little about what your background in the field is, why you’re interested in this position/program, and how you heard about it.

Step 4: Summarize Your Background and Qualifications (Paragraph 2)

For this next paragraph, you’ll give a brief summary of any relevant skills and experiences you have that make you an ideal applicant for this program/position. Be sure to focus on transferrable skills— skills that can be applied across a range of fields and positions.

In addition, think deeply about why you’re drawn to this program/school and what it can do for you. What are your research interests and how will this program help you fulfill them? What do you plan to do after completing the program?

Finally, consider how you’ll fit with the program. Do your interests match what the program offers or specializes in? Are there any specific professors or faculty members you wish to work with?

Step 5: Thank Your Reader and List Enclosed Materials (Paragraph 3)

The final paragraph will be a short concluding paragraph in which you thank your reader(s) and give a list of enclosed materials.

When listing what’s enclosed, you may use commas or insert a short bullet list. Normally, you’ll enclose some or all of the following materials:

• Application for the program/position
• Statement of purpose
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation

Be sure to list the enclosed materials in the order in which they’re enclosed. Programs may ask you to submit materials in a specific order, so check that you’re following your program’s directions exactly (and aren’t forgetting to include any documents either).

Another option is to include a list of your enclosed materials at the end of your letter instead of in this final paragraph (see step 6 for more information).

Step 6: Add a Closing Greeting

The last step is to wrap up your letter with a polite closing salutation. There are many greetings you can use to close your letter, such as “Sincerely,” “Yours Truly,” “Warm Regards,” and “Respectfully Yours.”

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After this greeting, insert a blank line and then type your name.  Traditionally, you’d insert three or four blank spaces before typing your name; these spaces would then be used to sign your name in pen. Nowadays it’s OK to skip this step, especially if you’re trying to save space!

Take care to avoid any overly sentimental greetings, such as “Love” or “Forever Yours,” as these are inappropriate for a professional cover letter. Likewise, avoid using the single-word closing “From,” as this can sound a bit rigid and emotionless.

As I mentioned before, you may also insert a list of enclosed materials after your greeting (if you didn’t list them in your concluding paragraph). To do this, insert a space after your typed name and write “Enclosed,” “Enclosure,” or “Enc” followed by a colon. Then, insert a bullet list of the enclosed materials (in the order in which they’re enclosed). Here’s an example:

6 Tips for a Great Graduate School Cover Letter

Your cover letter for graduate school needs to make a great first impression on your program’s admission committee. Here are our top tips for ensuring your cover letter exceeds even your own expectations.

#1: Use a Polite, Professional, and Positive Tone

Because your cover letter is the first document the admission committee will see, be sure to do the following:

• Avoid slang and casual phrases. Nothing says unprofessional like “gotta” and “gonna,” so limit these words to conversations only. Remember, the cover letter is a formal document, much like an essay for school, so it’s better to err on the side of too formal than on the side of too casual.
• Be enthusiastic. Nobody wants to admit an unenthusiastic applicant, so use strong, positive words to convey your pleasure in applying to the program. Stick with upbeat words and phrases such as “happy,” “pleased,” “excited,” “thankful,” “accomplished,” etc.
• Thank your readers. Being polite is all about saying “thank you.” In your letter, thank your readers for their consideration and make it clear that you understand they’re spending a lot of time looking over your application. Don’t thank them over and over, though—this wastes valuable space and ultimately makes you sound desperate!

#2: Be Concise

The cover letter is not the time to delve deep into your personal reasons for pursuing a graduate degree (this is for your statement of purpose!), so be concise without forgoing critical facts about you and why you’re applying.

You’ll typically want to keep your cover letter at a maximum of one page,  with no more than two to four paragraphs. Since this letter is short, avoid getting verbose: don’t use tons of flowery language or open with a broad statement. Rather, get straight to the point of who you are, what program you’re applying to, and why you’re a qualified candidate.

If you’re not sure what to include in your letter, read through your resume/CV and statement of purpose to make note of what you’ve already mentioned in those documents. Then, cut down (or remove completely) any similar parts in your cover letter. In short, don’t repeat information you’ve already talked in detail about in other parts of your application.

#3: Use a Neutral Font Face, Size, and Color

Because the cover letter is a professional document, you’ll want to keep its format simple and elegant, as you would a school essay.

Stick with basic “generic” fonts,  such as Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma, and Calibri. Don’t get creative by choosing fonts such as Comic Sans and Chiller—this will make your cover letter look wildly unprofessional and implies you’re not taking the application process seriously.

In terms of size, don’t use a super small or super large font size. You shouldn’t need to squeeze in tons of information on your cover letter, so an 11- or 12-point font should work fine.

Finally, use a regular black font color (on regular white computer paper). Wacky colors, like wacky font faces, will only make you look unprofessional!

#4: Single-Space Text

Unlike school essays, for which you always double-space and indent your paragraphs, the cover letter is single-spaced and uses block paragraphs. This means that instead of pressing the “tab” button to indent each paragraph, you’ll separate each paragraph from the next using a single blank space.

You should also insert a blank line when indicating any sort of transition from one element in your cover letter (e.g., a salutation) to another (e.g., a paragraph). Use our graduate school cover letter sample  to better understand how spacing should look.

#5: Align Everything Left

On cover letters, everything needs to be aligned left, from your address and date to your salutations and paragraphs. As I mentioned above, you do not  need to indent your paragraphs, so keep these aligned left as well.

There’s no need to justify your paragraphs.  In fact, I advise against doing this, as the justification tool on Word often inserts bizarre spacing between words, making paragraphs more difficult to read.

#6: Edit and Proofread

Like every part of your application, take time to edit and proofread your cover letter. Go over the technical and stylistic sides of your writing: make sure your paragraphs flow well together, and check that you haven’t made any glaring grammar, spelling, or formatting mistakes. (For specific tips on formatting, see tips 3-5 above as well as our graduate school cover letter sample .)

I also strongly suggest getting someone else to read your cover letter. A separate pair of eyes will ensure that your letter is as clear and cogent as it can be.

Remember, your cover letter is the first part of your application the admission committee will see, so it must be as close as possible to perfect. Typos and errors will set a negative tone for the rest of your application, even if your other materials are strong. Don’t let the cover letter be your downfall!

Recap: How to Write a Cover Letter for Graduate School

Cover letters for graduate school are generally quite rare. Most programs require you to fill out your personal information and submit materials online, so you won’t usually need to submit a cover letter with your application.

That said, if you are applying for a graduate program by mail, have been asked to submit a cover letter, or are applying for a school-related job or internship, you’ll need to know how to write a cover letter for graduate school.

A graduate school cover letter must include the following elements:

• Your name and address
• Your recipient’s name and address
• A greeting (usually “Dear [Name]”)
• Two to three paragraphs explaining who you are, what you’re applying for, and why you’re a qualified applicant
• A concluding paragraph thanking your recipient for considering you and including a list of any enclosed materials (e.g., a statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)
• A closing greeting with your name (typed, or typed and signed)

Finally, to make a great cover letter for graduate school, be sure to follow these six tips:

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• Use a polite, professional, and positive tone
• Use a neutral font face, size, and color
• Single-space text
• Align everything left
• Edit and proofread

You should now have no trouble creating a strong cover letter for graduate school!

What’s Next?

You know how to write a graduate school cover letter—but what about a CV? A resume?  Check out our guides on how to write a CV and  resume  to learn what to include, what to leave out, and how to raise your odds of getting accepted to your program. And if you get stuck, use  our high-quality resume and CV templates  as a guide!

Need to write an essay for graduate school, too?  Learn how to write a personal statement  and how to write a statement of purpose using our in-depth guides and expert tips. We’ve also got samples of both personal statements (coming soon) and statements of purpose .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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Applications

How to write a cover letter for a graduate job.

Ruairi Kavanagh

5 Oct 2023, 09:35

Although the majority of graduate employers now use online application processes, ome jobs require that you apply with the traditional CV. However, CV’s need a compelling cover letter to accompany them. Think of it as an introduction to yourself and follow our helpful tips. Remember, you need to stand out from the crowd.

What to include in a cover letter

A CV cover letter should be no more than one page long – around four or five brief paragraphs.

Always include the name of the person, not 'Dear Sir/Madam'. This is particularly important when you're making speculative applications because you want your letter to reach someone who can act on it.

Specify why you are writing (eg in response to an advertisement or on a speculative basis). If it's about an advertised job, state the job title you are applying for (and reference number, if there is one) and where you saw it advertised.

State briefly why you want to work for this particular organisation and why they should employ you. Don’t repeat what is in the CV, but highlight your ‘unique selling points’. Be as specific as possible about how your experience matches the job. (If the letter is accompanying an application form rather than a CV, this is not always necessary as you will have used the form to make these points.) Also, make sure you have done your research and found some key facts about the organisation that you can refer to an emphasise your suitability in working for them.

Give details of your availability for interview. If relevant (eg if the employer has several different graduate schemes), state which other positions with the organisation you would also like to be considered for.

Finish with a keen but professional sign-off.

Your name and address

Put your contact details at the top of the letter – right-justified (i.e. lined up against the right-hand margin) or centred. Include your postal address, telephone number and email address.

The recipient's name and address

This is usually left-justified (i.e. lined up against the left-hand margin).

Leave one line space below the recipient’s address, then put the date you are writing the letter.

The greeting

Always start ‘Dear’ followed by the person’s title (Mr, Ms, Dr etc) and surname, eg ‘Dear Mr Smith’.

If you don’t know their name, start ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ (NOT ‘Madame’ – that means something different!). But it is always best to find out the name of the person who you want to read your letter, which in today's online world is easier than it's ever been, but don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask someone in the organisation if needs be.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll show you exactly what goes into a convincing cover letter, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.

The subject

Leave one line space below the salutation, then put the subject of your letter, underlined. For example ‘Application for graduate trainee position’. Include the job reference number if there is one. This makes life easier for the HR person reading the letter. In an email, this will go in the subject line.

The body text

Write clearly and succinctly. It's vital that you don't go overboard on the thesaurus, clarity is key and don't write in words that you would never use verbally. There is no need for extra embellishments.

Normally, a formal letter should not be more than one side of A4. Structure your letter with a beginning, a middle and an end.

Use business-like language: this should be closer to the essays you write at college than the letters you send to your parents.

Signing off

Finish the letter ‘Yours sincerely’. Leave a space for your signature, then type your name. If you can create a digital signature or insert an image of your signature it can add a nice touch.

‘Yours sincerely’ is traditionally used when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, but is becoming less common.

Cover letter checklist

• Are your contact details up to date?
• Have you spelled the employer's name correctly?
• Have you included the job title, reference number and where you saw the advertisement?
• Have you kept a copy?
• Have you kept it to one page where possible?

Cover letter overview

1. do your research.

Find out something about their organisation that makes you want to work and say why.

2. Know the job spec

Write about why this job is perfect for you and use examples. This is an opportunity for you to show employers that you have done your homework. You should also match it with your CV. Highlight your most relevant experience in the cover letter and then the recruiter can read the details in the CV.

3. Short and sweet

When it comes to cover letters, keep it to one page and no more than three to four paragraphs. Remember to include the date and a proper formal greeting. You can use a person’s first name if you have introduced yourself previously.

4. Be yourself

Don’t go overboard on the thesaurus. Instead use simple, clear language. Give specific reasons why you want the job and why you are the right person for the job. Remind the employer at the end of the letter that you would very much like to hear from them for an interview. Visit the career advice section of gradireland.com for more practical tips.

gradireland editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the gradireland content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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The graduate's guide to CVs: What your CV should include?

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• Writing an Academic Cover Letter for a PhD Application
• Applying to a PhD
• The aim of an  academic cover letter  is to convince the supervisor that you are a strong candidate for the PhD position on offer.
• Your cover letter should be  half a page to a full page  in length; it should be concise and to the point.
• Your PhD cover letter should include your  personal details , the position you’re applying for, your  motivation  for applying, what you know about the project, what  relevant experience  you have and what makes you suited for the position.

The two documents crucial to get right when  applying to a PhD  are your CV and covering letter.

In this article, we’ll set out the core guidelines you should follow to create an effective academic cover letter.

What Is An Academic Cover Letter?

An academic cover letter is a written document that accompanies your CV and application form when applying for a PhD.

It’s different from a CV as instead of being a structured summary of your skills and experience, it is a summary of why you believe you are suited for a particular PhD programme. As a result, all academic covering letters should be tailored for the specific position you are applying for and addressed to the supervisor who is overseeing the project. They also shouldn’t repeat what is already stated in your CV, but rather expand on the details most related to the position you are applying to.

Note:  An academic cover letter is sometimes referred to as a PhD application letter, but never a motivation letter. The latter is different in that it concerns the reasons as to why you want to undertake research, while a cover letter focuses on demonstrating your suitability for a programme. This is an important distinction to note.

What Is the Purpose of An Academic Cover Letter?

The aim of an academic cover letter is to convince the PhD supervisor that you are the perfect candidate for the PhD project.

Academic cover letters should complement your CV and sell you as a person – will your potential supervisor be excited to work with you after having read your cover letter?

What Should I Include in My Academic Cover Letter?

You should demonstrate that you have the skills which make you suited for research. It is essential that you recognise these skills in you and that you use them to promote yourself.

1. Your Personal Details

Include your name, address, email address and phone number in the top right corner of the letter. This is so the supervisor can reach you should they have questions or require any further information.

2. The Position You’re Applying For

Help the supervisor establish exactly which PhD position you are applying for as there may be several positions being advertised at one time. If they provide a reference number as part of the project description, it would be a good idea to include it in brackets.

3. Why You’re Interested in The Position

Use this section to explain your motivations for applying to the specific PhD and where your research interests stem from. Is it related to the dissertation you produced as part of your final year undergraduate dissertation, etc?

Whatever your motivation for applying to the PhD, make sure that your enthusiasm comes across clearly. The supervisor will appreciate how great a role self-drive plays in completing PhD projects and you will want to convince them you have the level of drive required to be successful.

4. What You Understand About the Project

Besides explaining your motivations for undertaking the project, show that you possess a basic understanding of it. In doing so, make sure you reinforce each point with some level of evidence; avoid making general statements or talking loosely around the research subject. This will show the PhD supervisor that you’ve taken the time to research the background to the project.

5. What Relevant Experience You Have

In this section, briefly discuss your academic background and any relevant experience you have within the field of research. Don’t worry if you have little experience in this area as this will be the case for most applicants. If this the case, then use this section to explain how you will be committed to the PhD research project. If you have experience in conducting research, explain what your role was, the analytical methods you used and any other aspects of your work which may be relevant. Similarly, discuss any teaching experience if you happen to have it.

6. Closing Statement

Keep this short and concise. Thank the supervisor for taking the time to read your application and let them know that you’re looking forward to hearing from them.

How Long Should My Academic Cover Letter Be?

Your academic cover letter should be between half a page to one full page .

To keep it effective, make it as concise as possible and only discuss points which are either relevant to the project or the aspect of being a doctoral research student. This may feel difficult to do, especially if you have much you want to include, but keep in mind that your cover letter can also be used as evidence of your communication skills, more specifically, whether you can convey important information in a clear and logical manner. As this will be a key skill of any research candidate, the prospective supervisor will take it into account when evaluating your capabilities.

How to Format an Academic Cover Letter for A PhD Application

Your cover letter should be written in paragraph format, with bullet points only reserved for situations where a list would improve clarity. This is because a cover letter is one of the few places where you are expected to show your personality, so using too many bullet points will diminish your ability to do this. The best way to approach writing your application letter is to see it as a very short personal essay.

Use a common font like Times New Roman or Calibri, and if possible, avoid the use of highlighting, underlining and tables as they become too distracting. Keep your font size between 10 to 12 points and your margins to at least 0.5 inches around all edges. Try to match the font size, type, line spacing and margin size to your academic CV for neat and consistent presentation.

Your cover letter should be addressed to the PhD supervisor, starting with a “Dear [academic title] [surname]”, for example, “Dear Professor Williams”.

Hopefully, you now know what it takes to write a successful cover letter for a PhD application. While a strong cover letter will go a long way to helping you stand out, you will need to learn how to create an equally strong CV if you really want your application form to excel. To this effect, we recommend you next read our step-by-step guide for creating effective academic CVs .

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Writing academic cover letters.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and demonstrate the fit between your background and the advertised position. A cover letter must accompany and be tailored to any application you submit.

Take this opportunity to:

• Briefly tell your story, explaining why you are applying for this position and will be a good fit.
• Guide the reader’s attention to the most significant portions of your CV.
• Explain how your particular experiences and education have provided you with the skills and experiences you need to be successful in the position.
• Convey enthusiasm for the position for which you are applying.
• Focus on your potential contributions to this institution—not just on why you need or want the job.
• Answer any questions they might have. For example, “When will you complete your degree?” or “When are you available?”

What to Write About

Although most cover letters follow a similar structure, you should tailor each one for the job to which you are applying. STEM letters should typically be one page, and letters for the humanities and social sciences should not exceed two pages. Sample academic cover letter can demonstrate the basic structure.

Research each institution to which you are applying, especially its philosophy, mission statement, size, and internal structure. The Carnegie Classifications website is a great tool to assist your research. Identify the areas you find most interesting and think about ways in which you could make a contribution to the department and/or institution as a whole. Work this information into your letter. This research personalizes your letter and demonstrates your sincere interest and potential fit.

• Address the letter to the person named in the job description, or with “Dear Members of the Search Committee.”
• Proofread and spell check!
• Your cover letter is a writing sample. Write concisely and effectively.
• Single-space text with a line of space between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph

• Introduce yourself: Mention the university you attend, your degree program, and when you expect to graduate.
• Refer to the specific position for which you are applying.
• Briefly, but specifically, describe what attracted you to the position and institution to which you are applying.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm and include a thesis statement outlining the reasons why you are a good fit for this position.

Body paragraphs

• Use these paragraphs to paint a picture of yourself in this position.
• Highlight your achievements and qualifications, your interest in the position, and match your skills, experiences, and philosophy to the position. Support your statements with specific examples of your skills.
• Tailor to each application. For instance, if you are applying to a teaching-focused institution, lead with one or more paragraphs about your teaching experience and commitment. (In a letter to a more research-focused institution, these paragraphs may instead come at the end of your letter.)
• Indicate your knowledge of the institution and perhaps give examples of how you could fit in there. For example, if there are faculty or research centers that are potential collaborators, mention these.

Concluding paragraph

• Reinforce your interest in the position and enthusiasm for the institution.
• Take care of any final business matters, such as indicating that letters of recommendation are being sent under separate cover (and from whom).
• Offer to provide extra materials or additional information if necessary.
• Indicate what you would like to see as next steps. For example, you look forward to speaking with the search committee.
• Thank them for their time and consideration.
• End with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Kind Regards” and your full name.

Emailing Application Materials

• If email application is encouraged, send documents as attachments.
• Use a short email message to indicate your application materials are attached. Then attach your cover letter and other materials as PDF document(s).

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• Targeted Cover Letters
• Writing A Cover Letter

How To Write A Graduate Cover Letter

Applying for graduate jobs but not sure how to prepare your cover letter?

With a heap of job applications on their desk, an employer will spend less than half a minute looking at each one.

This means that in this short space of time, your cover letter must make enough impact to make the reader want to know more about you.

A cover letter should build upon the information set out in your CV – basically it is a targeted sales pitch that clearly states exactly why the employer should hire you.

All of its contents should reiterate to the reader that you are the right person for this particular job.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Before you start to write your letter, it’s a good idea to do some research on the company/employer and into the role that you are applying for.

The easiest way to do this is on the Internet – Google can help you dig up information about the company.

Make note of any news articles they have been featured in or any publications they are mentioned in.

Make sure you know exactly what the company does and whom their competitors are.

Try to determine what the company's business plan is.

For example, if they have invested a lot of money in an elegant website they could be hoping to expand more into online sales.

Try to find out exactly what will be expected of you should you be offered the job.

For example what are the duties and responsibilities of a product development scientist and what skills/qualities should they posses?

If you have carried out research prior to the interview, it shows the employer that you have initiative and that you are genuinely interested in the company.

It will also allow you to use terminology that is relevant to the audience. For example the company may be quite relaxed or very formal, new or established, rapidly expanding or not progressing at all at the moment.

How should I address my cover letter?

The manner in which you address your letter is crucial. After spending time getting it word perfect, you do not want it to be sent to the wrong person or for it to be misplaced.

If you are applying for an advertised vacancy there will usually be a contact name on the advert, and so you should address your letter to that person.

If you are writing to a company for a job when they have not advertised a vacancy, the chances are that unless you have a contact on the inside you will not know the name of the person you need to write to.

In this case you can address your letter to the manager of the specific departments to which you are applying, for example Marketing Manager, or Sales Manager.

Alternatively you can send it to the Human Resources Manager or Personnel Manager.

Check out the company's website and see if you can track down the name of an appropriate recipient.

You can also try phoning up the company and ask for the name of the head of department to which you are applying.

To keep your letter looking professional, make sure that the recipient's name, department and address details on the envelope are the same as at the top of the cover letter.

How should I begin my cover letter?

• Dear Mr Blackwell - If you know the name of the person to whom you are writing
• Dear Ms Hobbs - If you are not sure of the marital status of the female recipient
• Dear Sir/Madam - If you do not know the name of the recipient

The opening paragraph

The opening paragraph should be short, to the point, and make an impression on the reader.

Start with a captivating sentence in which you explain why you are writing to them.

For example 'I would like to be considered for the position of Product Development Scientist'.

If you are applying for an advertised position then say where you saw the advert, e.g. ' In response to the Product Development Scientist job vacancy advertised in New Scientist'.

If someone referred you to your contact, you can mention their referral in this section.

Some examples of opening paragraphs:

• In response to the advertised position in The Times on July 2nd, please consider my CV in your search for a Junior Web Developer.
• I was pleased to hear from Jeremy Gladstone that you will soon have a vacancy for a Product Development Scientist. I am writing to express my interest and enthusiasm for this position, and I believe that with my skills I could be an asset to your company.
• Having recently read in The Guardian of your company's plans for expansion, I am writing to establish whether this will involve an increase in personnel. As a final year business student at Exeter University, I am seeking a position in August that will develop my marketing and finance skills.
• I am writing to apply for the Livestock Assistant position advertised in the October 4th issue of Country Life.

Second Paragraph

Why should an employer be interested in employing you?

In this part you should briefly describe your professional and academic qualifications that are relevant to the position.

If the job was advertised refer to all of the required skills quoted in the ad.

Third Paragraph

Here you should emphasise what you can do for the company (not what they can do for you!).

Outline a relevant career goal, for example if you are applying for Sales positions do not say that you are training to be a mechanic.

Try to incorporate your research and expand on the most relevant points of your CV.

Fourth Paragraph

Politely ask for action by indicating your desire for a personal interview and that you're available to meet with the employer at their convenience.

Some job adverts will ask you to include salary requirements – however, you can choose to ignore this, and wait until the interview to talk about money.

Alternatively you could just include a broad salary range, for example £15 - 20K.

Never talk about salary in your covering letter unless the company indicates you should.

Closing statement

Finish your letter with 'Yours sincerely' and do not forget to sign it. Write an enclosure line at the bottom.

How do I format my cover letter?

As with standard formal letter writing, your address goes at the top right hand corner.

Miss a line and then put the date in full, e.g. 3rd July 2014.

The recipient's address goes on the left hand side on the line immediately after the date.

Employ appropriate margin and paragraph spacing so that your letter is not bunched up at the top of the page but is evenly distributed and balanced.

The envelope should look as professional as its contents. Do not use any fancy stationary - a simple white envelope is best.

A good trick is to use an A4 sized envelope – not only will it keep your application flat and unfolded, but as it is bigger than a standard sized envelope, there is a higher chance of the employer choosing it from the pile of applications!

Use a decent pen that doesn’t blotch, with black ink and use your best hand writing. Alternatively the envelope can be typed.

Always type your covering letter and use the same quality plain paper that your printed your CV on.

Important points to remember

• Avoid sounding arrogant and including over-used, wishy-washy phrases such as ‘I have excellent communication skills’ – remember, you need your letter to be unique!
• Try to avoid using 'I' too much. A page of 'I did this' and 'I did that' does not make for a good read - it tells the employer that you haven't thought about what you can do for them.
• Do not use abbreviations such as 'uni'.
• Do not exceed four paragraphs of content or write more than one side of A4 paper.
• To satisfy the skim reader, try to use a few industry sound bites and buzzwords.
• Subtly flatter the company or employer, for example 'you are the industry leader', or ‘your projects are at the leading edge of progress in the field’.
• Check and then recheck your spelling, grammar and punctuation (don’t forget to use the Spellchecker on your computer!).
• Get someone else to proofread it as well, in case they notice any mistakes you may have missed.
• If you are making a speculative application you should follow up the letter with a phone call, e-mail or personal visit to the company.
• Paper clip your covering letter to your CV - never send out one without the other.

Further information

For more tips and advice on writing your graduate CV and looking for a postgraduate job, please see:

• Targeting your CV
• Tailoring your cover letter
• Types of job interview
• Preparing for your interview
• Interview tips
• Example job interview questions