Congratulations on completing your first cover letter. However, as you look back, you realise it’s simply a copy-paste of your CV.
Repeating your curriculum vitae is a common pitfall that many candidates encounter, making the cover letter redundant.
Your cover letter should provide fresh insights, adding more value to your application. It’s also the ideal space to address career gaps or major transitions that might not be covered in your CV.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use your cover letter to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the role, while confidently addressing your career history and key achievements.
Cover letter examples for archivist
Explore additional archivist cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Archivist Manager
- Highlighting Achievements: Emphasises specific accomplishments such as leading a project that improved digital archive accessibility by 40% and converting over 10,000 physical items to digital format, which showcases the candidate's impact and success in their roles.
- Relevant Skills and Experience: Incorporates pertinent skills like archival management, digital preservation, and negotiation, alongside significant experience in notable institutions like the British Library and the National Archives, aligning with the requirements typically sought in an archivist role.
- Evidence of Leadership and Collaboration: Demonstrates leadership by managing teams, overseeing significant projects, and providing training, as well as collaborating with external stakeholders, all of which highlight the candidate's ability to lead and work collaboratively.
- Professional Development: Mentions courses and continuous learning, such as "Advanced Digital Preservation Techniques" and "Archival Appraisal and Acquisition Strategies," indicating a commitment to staying updated with cutting-edge methods and practices in the field.
Senior Archivist
- Emphasising leadership skills in archival digitisation projects, as seen in the role at The National Library of Wales, can enhance the candidate’s profile for senior archivist positions.
- Highlighting contributions to exhibitions and public engagement initiatives demonstrates the ability to increase awareness and appreciation for archival collections.
- Mentioning advanced coursework and workshops, such as on digital preservation, showcases ongoing professional development and a commitment to staying current with industry practices.
- Referencing specific achievements and quantitative results, like improving retrieval speed and user engagement, provides tangible evidence of impact and effectiveness in roles.
Junior Archivist
- Highlight the successful management and digitisation of large-scale archival documents, which illustrates experience in increasing accessibility and engagement for researchers and academia.
- Emphasise collaboration with internal teams and departments to integrate archival resources into educational settings, showcasing skills in teamwork and enhancing research capabilities.
- Mention completion of relevant courses such as the "Digital Archives Specialist" to underline expertise in specialised archival techniques and digital preservation.
- Detail achievements in exhibition planning and execution, as this skill is critical for boosting public and community engagement with archival materials.
Archivist Assistant
- Highlighting certifications such as the "Digital Archives Specialist Training" and "Advanced Metadata Standards Certification" which are pertinent to the specialised role of a Web Archive Specialist, underscoring the applicant's expertise in advanced archiving techniques and standards.
- Emphasising a track record of implementing and managing effective systems, like the improvement of web content retrieval speed by 30%, demonstrates both problem-solving abilities and a commitment to enhancing workflow efficiency within archival organisations.
- The mention of both organisational and communication skills, along with the candidate's ability to lead teams and respond to preservation enquiries, positions them as a capable and multifaceted professional suited to dynamic organisational environments.
- Showing a distinct passion for Digital Preservation and History & Culture not only complements the role but also indicates a deeper personal commitment to the field, resonating with the objectives of organisations focused on preserving cultural heritage.
Head Archivist
- Emphasise leadership experience by detailing initiatives that enhanced archiving processes and increased public engagement.
- Highlight digital preservation expertise by citing specific achievements in enhancing collection accessibility and retrieval efficiency.
- Showcase ability to integrate cultural materials into archives to broaden perspective, which is crucial for institutions aiming for diversity and inclusiveness.
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development by mentioning relevant courses and certifications that align with the role's requirements.
Archivist Supervisor
- Highlighting the "Certificate in Good Laboratory Practice" from the Institute of Quality Assurance showcases specialised expertise in GLP, essential for a Regulatory Archivist role.
- Emphasising achievements like "Innovative Archive Digitisation" at AstraZeneca illustrates a proven track record of process optimisation, crucial for enhancing efficiency within regulatory environments.
- Incorporating extensive experience in "Team Supervision" and "Regulatory Compliance" underlines leadership capabilities and adherence to crucial guidelines within regulated sectors.
- Demonstrating the implementation of a "new digital archiving system" reflects the integration of technology to streamline operations, an invaluable skill in modern regulatory roles.
Archivist Director
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Effectively showcases over 7 years of specialised experience in museum collections and archive management, directly aligning with the role's core responsibilities, which establishes credibility.
- Demonstrating Strategic Leadership Skills: Emphasises leadership capabilities by illustrating successful management of cross-functional teams, significant budget oversight, and execution of award-winning programmes, vital for a director-level role.
- Focus on Achievements and Impact: Highlights notable achievements such as increasing online engagement by 30% and boosting museum attendance by 15%, which demonstrate the applicant's ability to drive results and enhance organisational visibility.
- Relevant Education and Continuous Learning: Underlines commitment to professional development with a strong educational foundation in Museum Studies and additional courses in Digitisation and Advanced Museum Logistics, equipping the candidate with the latest industry practices.
By Role
Digital Archivist
- Highlighting Specialised Skills: The cover letter effectively highlights Emily's specialised skills such as original cataloguing, EAD markup, and ArchivesSpace which are crucial for the role of an Archivist.
- Emphasising Experience in Archival Practices: With documented success in arranging and describing archival collections and significant improvements in archive accessibility, Emily underscores her practical experience fittingly.
- Certification and Training: Mentioning certifications such as the "Archival Cataloging Essentials Certification" showcases her commitment to continuous professional development and expertise in specialised archival practices.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The inclusion of quantifiable achievements, such as a 40% increase in digital archival access, provides concrete evidence of her impact and competence in the field.
Corporate Archivist
- Highlighting Certifications: The inclusion of specialised certifications, such as the "Digital Records Management Certification", underscores a well-rounded skill set in managing digital archives, which is crucial for a project archivist role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasising quantifiable achievements, like a "35% increase in online accessibility" or "20% increased accessibility of archives", effectively showcases the impact and value brought to previous roles.
- Leadership in Key Projects: Demonstrating leadership through projects, such as leading a team at the British Library to organise and digitise archives, illustrates the ability to manage and enhance archival processes efficiently.
- Educational Background and Continuous Learning: Highlighting educational qualifications, including a Master of Arts in Archives and Records Management, along with courses on advanced techniques, enhances credibility and commitment to the field.
Archivist Consultant
- Highlighting experience with digitisation projects and the resulting increase in online access can emphasise valuable skills in digital preservation, which is crucial for an Assistant Archivist role.
- Mentioning collaboration in enhancing an archival database demonstrates teamwork and technical proficiency, both important for improving research capabilities and efficiency.
- Incorporating achievements in community outreach programmes showcases the ability to engage with the public and raise awareness of archival collections, aligning with the responsibility of making resources more accessible.
- Detailing the development of finding aids enhances the cover letter by showing a direct impact on research productivity, an essential aspect in archival management roles.
Archivist Coordinator
- Specific Archival Skills: Highlights specific skills pertinent to the role, such as proficiency in Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and archival accessioning, demonstrating in-depth knowledge essential for a Technical Services Archivist.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Utilises metrics such as improving processing time by 30% and increasing retrieval efficiency by 50%, offering tangible evidence of past successes and efficiency improvements.
- Collaborative Experience: Emphasises collaboration in cross-departmental projects and team-oriented environments, crucial for roles that involve managing and coordinating archival workflows.
- Educational Background: Highlights relevant academic achievements in Archival Studies, reinforcing the candidate's specialised expertise and formal training in the field.
Archivist Researcher
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting specific roles in renowned institutions like The British Library and Tate Archives shows a strong background in archival work, specifically in visual materials management.
- Key Achievements: Emphasising accomplishments such as a 30% increase in access requests and a 40% improvement in retrieval times demonstrates a tangible positive impact on operations.
- Specialised Skills: Mentioning expertise in metadata management and digital archiving underscores proficiency in critical areas for a pictorial archivist role.
- Professional Development: Citing certification like the Archival Metadata Standards Certification signals a commitment to staying updated with industry standards and best practices.
Film and Video Archivist
- Highlight Relevant Certifications: Emphasising the "Digital Archives Specialist Certificate" can provide a competitive edge, demonstrating specialised knowledge in digital archiving and metadata management which are crucial for the role.
- Focus on Demonstrated Impact: Addressing tangible achievements such as increasing digital accessibility by 30% or improving search accuracy by 25% showcases the applicant’s ability to bring about meaningful advancements in archival settings.
- Emphasise Specialised Skills: Mentioning expertise in "Re:Discovery Proficio" and "Metadata Standards" highlights technical proficiency required to manage and organise digital collections effectively.
- Showcase Leadership and Collaboration: Discussing experience leading projects and collaborating with library staff underscores the applicant’s ability to lead initiatives while working effectively within a team, aligning with the requirements of an archivist and digital asset specialist.
Photo Archivist
- Specific Experience: Clearly highlight your specific experiences that are highly relevant to the role, such as managing digitisation projects and enhancing access to archives. Quantifying your achievements, like a 30% increase in accessibility, effectively demonstrates impact.
- Key Skills and Tools: Emphasise proficiency with relevant systems and standards, such as ArchivesSpace and metadata standards, which are crucial for a processing archivist role and demonstrate your technical competence.
- Project Contributions: Reflect your ability to contribute to and lead projects. For instance, leading a digitisation project and implementing innovative practices underscores leadership and innovative thinking.
- Outreach and Education: Mention activities related to outreach and education to show your commitment to community engagement and knowledge sharing – vital for roles involving public interaction and education.
Music Archivist
- Utilising specific archival standards such as EAD and Dublin Core demonstrates expertise crucial for roles focused on digital collections and archival management.
- Highlighting achievements like improving archival retrieval efficiency by 50% provides measurable proof of value and success in improving access to collections.
- Emphasising collaboration with IT teams and stakeholders underlines essential soft skills and the ability to drive digital innovation in archival practices.
- Mentioning grants secured, such as the £50,000 for digital projects, indicates a proactive approach towards enhancing resources and implementing change initiatives.
Legal Archivist
- Highlighting specific achievements such as optimising file retrieval time by 30% and leading to a 50% reduction in backlog effectively showcases the candidate's ability to enhance operational efficiency.
- Emphasising certifications like the Legal Records Management Certification and Advanced Data Privacy and Protection course demonstrates the candidate's specialised knowledge and commitment to maintaining compliance with industry standards.
- Showcasing skills in data protection and case management systems, coupled with language proficiency in both English and Spanish, provides evidence of the candidate's capability to manage sensitive information in a multicultural environment.
- Including details about the development and implementation of new strategies, such as a training programme that increased office procedure compliance by 20%, highlights leadership skills and a proactive approach.
Medical Archivist
- Highlighting significant achievements in archiving, such as managing and archiving over 10,000 documents monthly at AstraZeneca, showcases expertise crucial for an archivist role in the scientific industry.
- Emphasising the transition to a new data management system and improving data processing speed by 20% demonstrates a proactive approach to adopting technology and improving efficiency, which is valuable for data management positions.
- Showcasing skills in report writing and summarising contributions to quarterly reviews and prepared visual presentations for executive meetings reflects the ability to communicate complex data effectively, a key requirement for roles involving report analysis.
- Including training and mentoring junior staff, thereby enhancing team productivity by up to 15%, highlights leadership abilities and a commitment to team development, which are advantageous traits for management and coordination roles within the industry.
Art Archivist
- Highlighted Experience: Demonstrates significant professional experience in archival conservation, digitisation projects, and improving inventory systems which are highly relevant to a Collections Specialist role.
- Training and Education: Features specialised courses and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies, underlining a strong educational foundation tailored to heritage preservation and museum curation.
- Achievements and Impact: Points out measurable achievements such as a 25% increase in public engagement through digitisation, displaying an ability to effectively increase the accessibility and reach of collections.
Archivist Specialist
- Relevance of Experience: Emphasising over 11 years of experience in archival work and record management aligns well with the responsibilities of an archivist role, showcasing a solid background and dedication to the profession.
- Specific Achievements: Highlighting successful projects such as digitising 20,000 historical documents and improving online access by 50% demonstrates a track record of significant contributions to the field.
- Certification and Continuous Learning: Noting advanced certifications like the "Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) Certificate" indicates a commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge and specialised skills essential for archival work.
- Public Engagement and Communication Skills: Mentioning experience in organising workshops and presentations aligns with the role’s requirement for enhancing public engagement and showcases strong communication skills.
Archivist Librarian
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Leo Brown's extensive experience in archival processing roles, specifically mentioning their positions at the British Library, National Records of Scotland, and The National Archives.
- Emphasising Achievements: The letter lists quantifiable achievements like leading teams to process archival files, improving collection organisation and accessibility, and implementing guidelines improving material rehousing efficiency.
- Mentioning Certifications and Courses: The inclusion of courses like "Advanced Archival Description" and "Preservation and Collections Care" provides evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to the processing archivist librarian role.
- Detailing Skills and Technologies: The cover letter mentions specific skills and technologies relevant to the role such as DACS, EAD, MARC, and data management, demonstrating technical proficiency necessary for this field.
Archivist cover letter example
Alfie Edwards
London, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Archivist position. With eight years of hands-on experience at The National Archives and Historic England, I have consistently developed archives that support community engagement and accessibility, aligning well with [Company Name]'s commitment to heritage preservation and community involvement.
During my tenure as Lead Archivist at The National Archives, I led a digital archiving project that preserved over 10,000 historical documents in just two years by implementing innovative digital preservation strategies. This project significantly increased public accessibility to our collections, a goal I understand to be crucial for [Company Name] as it strives to make cultural heritage more available and engaging for today’s communities.
I am eager to bring my expertise in archival management and community outreach to [Company Name] and discuss how I can contribute to your team’s objectives. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity for an interview to discuss how I can further contribute to your organization's achievements.
Sincerely,
Alfie Edwards
Senior Archivist
Why this cover letter works:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize hands-on experience directly related to the archivist role, such as working with well-known archives or leading significant preservation projects.
- Focus on Achievements: Use quantifiable accomplishments, like preserving a large number of documents, to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Align with Company's Goals: Connect your professional objectives and past projects with the company's mission, such as increasing public accessibility and community engagement with historical documents.
- Discuss Specialized Skills: Mention innovative strategies or technologies you have employed in archiving to show your adaptability and forward-thinking approach in preserving cultural heritage.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a vital part of professional job applications, helping shape recruiters' first impression of your profile.
Here’s why they’re important:
- Indicates your genuine interest: A well-researched cover letter reflects your knowledge of the company and role.
- Professionalism from the outset: Employers expect your cover letter to be structured, polite, and formal. If you wish to add a more personalised touch, be sure to address your recipient directly.
- Capture the recruiters' attention: For most roles, candidates tend to have rather similar experience, which is why you should use your cover letter to explain what is unique about your profile.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a archivist cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your archivist cover letter salutation
In a world of AI and instant prompts, taking the extra time to personalise your cover letter truly makes a difference.
Address the hiring manager directly with a customised greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mr Bond', 'Dear Ms Penny').
You can often find their name on LinkedIn (under the job listing or by searching) or in the ‘About’ or ‘Meet the Team’ section of the company's website. If in doubt, you can also contact the reception for assistance.
If you can't find the name, rather than using 'Dear Sir or Madam', opt for something more personal, such as 'Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager'.
How to write your archivist cover letter intro
A great option to begin your cover letter is by showing recruiters you've done your homework or research.
If the company has won an award or made headlines, congratulate them in your opening sentence, or express how impressed you are.
Provide this achievement as a reason why you admire the company, ensuring your tone remains genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Cover Letter Intro
Having admired the meticulous dedication to preserving cultural heritage at the British Museum, I believe my strong organisational skills and commitment to safeguarding historical narratives align perfectly with your institution’s mission to educate and inspire future generations.
RIGHT
How to write your archivist cover letter body
As you reach the body of your cover letter, you might wonder what to write in it.
Our advice? Don’t just copy your CV—choose your greatest achievement and tell its story.
Focus on how you got there using hard and soft skills, describe your involvement, and quantify the results with concrete outcomes.
Remember, recruiters aren’t looking for an epic tale of your career—they want something concise, relevant, and directly addressing their needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at the British Library, I spearheaded an archival digitisation project that transformed the accessibility and preservation of our rare collections. This initiative, deemed one of the most ambitious in the Library's history, involved the conversion of over 250,000 historical documents into digital formats, a task I managed to complete six months ahead of schedule. This breakthrough not only enhanced document preservation but also increased accessibility for researchers worldwide by over 70% within the first year of completion.
Key to this success was my ability to leverage cutting-edge digital archiving technologies and coordinate a skilled team of twenty archivists and technicians. My meticulous attention to detail ensured the utmost accuracy in digitisation, while my project management skills facilitated smooth operations and collaborative teamwork. The significant improvement in access and preservation demonstrated the transformative impact of combining traditional archival methods with modern technology, setting a benchmark for similar institutions globally.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you very much for considering my application for the Archivist position at your esteemed organisation. I am highly enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team and bring my skills in archival management to your institution. I am confident that my passion for history and meticulous approach to documentation align well with your organisation's goals. I would welcome the chance for an interview to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications can contribute to the success of your department. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange a suitable time for us to meet. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed institution.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
