A resume without a cover letter is like a cake without a proper dressing. Though
you have your chances to crack your first job interview call, the chances are quite
low. Whether you are applying in the US, or the UK, the Gulf, or the East Asia,
a cover letter will surely bring out the best of you.
Our experts at resume.ae recommend the following tips when writing an academic cover
letter:
Provide Your Identity
In your cover letter, make sure you give the selecting your identity. Do not just
state your name, make sure that they know who you are and why you need the job.
Tell them about how qualified you are and what experience you have in the academic
position you are applying for. This way they will be at a position to judge you
as their ideal candidate.
Provide Evidence
Do not give a whole lot of information and then forget about backing up that information.
In as much as your academic cover letter has to remain short, ensure that you have
at least evidence that indeed whatever you are saying is factual.
Address All Perspectives
While you state about yourself, make sure that you respond to the lingering questions
that the selecting panel may have. Try to be holistic and make sure you minimize
chances of confusion. Just make sure you see all perspectives when addressing your
selecting panel in your cover letter.
Do Not Go Beyond Two Pages
Writing an academic cover letter of more than two A4 pages can limit your chances
of being selected. You should ensure that whatever information you have fits into,
at most, two pages. In fact, one page should be enough for a cover letter but if
need be, make sure you do not go beyond two pages.
Don’t Forget To Give Out Your Portfolio
An academic cover letter must entail a reputable portfolio. Mention about the research
you have successfully completed. Tell them about the academic projects you have
completed before. This will give you an edge and move you closer to being selected.
Mind the Gap
Your academic cover letter should be impressive. Tell the selecting panel that you
intend to cover a topic that has not been covered before. This will entice them,
and you may end up being selected over others.
Never Make Lists
You should never include lists in your academic cover letter. Lists come out as
unprofessional, and you may end up being denied the chance you are applying for.
Be Specific about what you Want
Go straight to the point and avoid long stories when you are writing an academic
cover letter. This is how you can best communicate with academicians.
Be Yourself
Never plagiarize content, ideas or anything else. Just be yourself if you really
need the place you are seeking with your cover letter.