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 professor
Explore additional professor cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Visiting Professor in Law
- Emphasise Specialised Experience: Highlight over five years of experience as a Visiting Law Professor, with a focus on Contracts and Criminal Law, to establish expertise and credibility in legal education.
- Showcase Achievements in Education: Include details of leading a successful curriculum overhaul which boosted student engagement by 40%, demonstrating the ability to drive significant improvements in educational outcomes.
- Highlight Industry-Relevant Skills: Mention proficiency in Legal Research, Curriculum Planning, and Human Rights to align with the expectations of a law professor role focused on legal academic advancements.
- Underline Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Mention a passion for humanistic legal education and serving diverse communities to show alignment with modern educational objectives and inclusivity in legal education.
Adjunct Professor in Business Studies
- Highlighting achievements, such as the "Best Faculty Member Award," underscores Oliver's effectiveness and recognition in the field, important for establishing credibility and competence.
- Including concrete metrics, like the "25% improvement in student academic performance," provides quantifiable evidence of Oliver's impact, which is persuasive to employers.
- Referencing specific experiences, such as leading curriculum revisions and integrating technology in teaching, demonstrates Oliver's initiative and adaptability, both critical attributes for adjunct faculty roles.
- Mentioning proficiency in technologies such as Moodle and Microsoft Office Suite emphasises important technical skills pertinent to modern educational environments.
Emeritus Professor of Philosophy
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting roles such as Lecturer and teaching positions, showcasing extensive experience in academia specialising in Philosophy with a focus on Environmental Ethics.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasising specific outcomes such as a 30% increase in student engagement and a 20% boost in enrolment, demonstrating the impact of innovative teaching methods.
- Professional Development and Continuous Learning: Mentioning additional courses in Environmental Ethics and Philosophy of Law from reputable institutions like Harvard and Yale, underlining commitment to lifelong learning and relevance in specialisation.
- Research Grants and Publications: Showcasing secured research grants and published works in esteemed journals, indicating credibility, and contribution to the academic community.
Senior Professor in Chemistry
- Emphasising Innovative Education: Highlighting the use of augmented reality and flipped classroom models showcases a commitment to innovative teaching methods, which are crucial for engaging modern students in higher education.
- Showcasing Research and Industry Contributions: Mentioning secured research funding and hosting large academic events positions the applicant as a proactive leader contributing to both academia and industry visibility.
- Detailing Impactful Achievements: Quantifying achievements, such as increased student engagement and resource utilisation, provides tangible evidence of the candidate’s positive impact on educational outcomes.
- Highlighting Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Bringing attention to collaborative projects and a background in pharmacy education underscores a multifaceted skill set that is valuable in interdisciplinary teaching environments.
Junior Professor in Economics
- Highlight Published Research: Emphasise the 85% acceptance rate in high-impact journals to showcase the candidate's credibility and expertise in academic research, which is crucial for an Associate Professor role.
- Emphasise Grant Acquisition: Stress the achievement of securing over £350,000 in research funding, demonstrating the candidate's ability to independently drive research initiatives forward, and enhance the department's research capacity.
- Underline International Collaboration: Mention collaboration with international academics and presenting at three international conferences to showcase their networking ability and recognition in the field, which enhances institutional recognition and partnerships.
- Showcase Leadership and Mentorship: Highlight experience in leading a multidisciplinary team and supervising graduate students, which underscores leadership capability and commitment to developing future researchers.
By Role
Assistant Professor in Computer Science
- Emphasising Teaching and Research Academic Credentials: Highlighting the PhD in Computer Science and the experience as a lecturer underscores the candidate's strong academic background and ability to contribute to both the educational and research scope of a university setting.
- Showcasing Leadership in Technology Implementation: Demonstrating leadership roles, such as leading a team of developers at IBM, conveys expertise in guiding projects and teams in complex technological environments, which is crucial for a senior academic role that may involve overseeing research groups or initiatives.
- Aligning Milestones with Educational Impact: Noting published research papers and speaking engagements at conferences brings attention to the candidate's active contribution to the academic community, enhancing their reputation as a knowledgeable and impactful lecturer.
- Highlighting Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Experience in working with interdisciplinary teams to develop AI-driven solutions suggests an ability to collaborate across different fields, an important asset for universities aiming to foster cross-departmental research initiatives.
Professor of Medicine
- Emphasising Leadership and Team Management: The cover letter effectively highlights James' experience leading teams, notably his role as Head of Biological Imaging, where he managed a team of 10 imaging specialists and facilitated operational efficiency improvements.
- Project Success through Advanced Techniques: By mentioning the implementation of cutting-edge microscopy techniques and maintaining a track record of successful NIH funding applications, the letter demonstrates strategic impact in the field of microscopy.
- Grant Acquisition and Strategic Planning: Highlighting successful grant applications and strategic financial acquisitions shows James' capability in securing resources crucial for advanced imaging developments, thereby enhancing research capabilities significantly.
- Continuous Professional Development: Certifications and courses on Advanced Confocal Microscopy Techniques and 3D Tissue Imaging illustrate ongoing education and mastery in specialised skills, vital for a role at the forefront of microscopy research.
Professor in Physics
- Emphasising Unique Qualifications: Highlight Chloe's expertise in inclusive pedagogy and undergraduate research mentorship, which aligns with the current trends in education and research-focused roles.
- Demonstrating Impact through Metrics: Incorporate quantifiable achievements, such as the 95% student satisfaction rating and 20% increase in class participation, to showcase effectiveness and success in prior roles.
- Highlighting Leadership in Teaching Innovations: Mention Chloe's leadership in organising workshops on inclusive pedagogy and initiatives like implementing cost-saving laboratory curricula, underscoring her role as an innovative educator.
- Showcasing Industry Recognition: Listing accolades such as the Excellence in Teaching Award and guidance of a winning national scientific competition project, to validate her credibility and excellence in the field.
Associate Professor in Mathematics
- Emphasise specific expertise in Geometry and Mathematical Physics, as these are key disciplines relevant to the Assistant Professor role.
- Highlight achievements in securing substantial research funding and successful publication records, demonstrating financial acumen and scholarly impact.
- Showcase teaching and mentorship success, such as increased student satisfaction and successful PhD supervision, to underline a commitment to enhancing student outcomes.
- Mention influential roles in curriculum development and innovative teaching strategies to illustrate a capacity for educational leadership and reform.
Professor of English Literature
- Specialised Credentials: Highlighting the Ph.D. in English from the University of Oxford establishes strong academic prowess and subject matter expertise crucial for an academic role.
- Curriculum Development Experience: Mentioning the development of English curriculum and the resulting increase in student engagement demonstrates capability in curriculum design, a vital aspect of academic positions.
- Technological Integration: Emphasising the coordination with faculty for the integration of instructional technologies showcases an aptitude for modern teaching methods, increasingly important in educational settings.
- Published Work: Referencing the publication of peer-reviewed articles highlights research accomplishments, reinforcing academic authority and contributing to personal and departmental professional development.
Professor of Clinical Psychology
- Emphasising securing substantial research funding (£300,000), which demonstrates the ability to obtain financial resources critical for academic and research success.
- Highlighting strong teaching outcomes, such as achieving a 98% student satisfaction rate, illustrating teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
- Showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with NHS providers, indicating the candidate's capability to extend research impact beyond academia.
- Mentioning presentations at international conferences, which signifies active contribution to and recognition in the global academic community.
Professor of Environmental Science
- Highlighting specialised skills such as "soils expertise" and "wetlands conservation" aligns closely with the role, indicating the candidate's specific knowledge and experience in relevant areas.
- The inclusion of a recognised award for a "research project on soil erosion" demonstrates proven capabilities and achievements in the environmental science field, offering strong evidence of expertise and impact.
- Showcasing leadership qualities and collaborative efforts, such as "mentored 15+ thesis students" and "organised annual environmental conferences," positions the candidate as an effective influencer and contributor to both academic and community environments.
- Referencing successful collaborations and policy contributions, such as "participated in collaborative efforts with local bodies leading to the adoption of new wetland conservation policies," displays an ability to impact and drive changes in environmental practice and legislation.
Professor of Performing Arts
- Effectively highlights specific courses and certifications, such as "Inclusive Teaching Strategies," which align with the role of fostering an inclusive environment in performing arts education.
- Emphasises a strong track record in student mentorship and curriculum development, demonstrating the candidate’s commitment to student engagement and academic excellence.
- Showcases significant achievements in increasing diversity and student employability, aligning with modern academic institutions' focus on inclusivity and post-graduate success.
- Mentions practical experience and collaboration with industry partners, which is crucial for roles involving real-world learning and applied projects in a university setting.
Professor of Veterinary Medicine
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Ethan's cover letter effectively showcases his extensive experience in integrating AI with veterinary and biomedical sciences, with specific achievements that include improving diagnostic accuracy and developing AI frameworks for telemedicine solutions.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter capitalises on quantifiable outcomes, such as enhancing diagnostic speed by 40% and improving animal health record management efficiency by 50%, which is crucial in illustrating the significant impact of his work.
- Emphasise Mentoring Abilities: Ethan's role in mentoring PhD students and organising workshops strengthens his application by highlighting leadership and educational skills, demonstrating his capability to foster growth and innovation in a scientific setting.
- Technical Proficiency and Education: Detailed educational background and a concise list of technical skills, such as proficiency in Python and TensorFlow, support his expertise and preparedness for AI-driven roles in the biomedical field.
Professor of Aerospace Engineering
- Highlighting Grant Acquisition: Emphasise success in securing major funding, such as the £5 million in UKRI grants and additional £2 million from industry partnerships. This demonstrates the ability to attract significant resources to support sustainable energy research.
- Proven Research Leadership: Stress experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, evident from directing projects that increased efficiency and reduced timelines. This showcases the capability to manage complex research initiatives.
- Academic Publishing Accomplishments: Include the publication of over 25 peer-reviewed papers and co-authoring a globally adopted textbook. These achievements reflect significant contributions to the academic community and influence in the field of sustainable energy.
- Relevant Teaching Experience: Incorporate the integration of renewable energy topics into undergraduate courses, which shows commitment to education and ability to inspire the next generation of engineers.
Professor of Biomedical Sciences
- Emphasise the candidate's experience with curriculum development and educational achievements, such as the 20% increase in pass rates, showcasing their ability to enhance academic programmes.
- Highlight the significant research contributions by mentioning the successful acquisition of £500,000 in research grants and the publication of 12 peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating a solid track record in research and development.
- Illustrate proficiency in mentorship through the increased student satisfaction scores and improved career placement rates, reflecting the candidate's dedication to student development and success.
- Include specific examples of the candidate’s technical skill set, such as the implementation of a digital histology database, to showcase their ability to integrate technology for improving educational outcomes.
Professor of Political Science
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Olivia Turner’s extensive experience in security studies and policy engagement, crucial for an associate professor role, by detailing contributions to research projects, funding acquisition, and high-impact publications.
- Achievements and Recognition: The mention of prestigious accolades, such as the Award for Teaching Excellence and keynote speaking invitations, demonstrates her recognition and influence in her field, which adds credibility and distinction to her candidacy.
- Educational Credentials: The cover letter specifies her academic qualifications, including her Ph.D. from Cambridge, highlighting a solid educational foundation relevant to an academic role, which is further supported by specialised courses undertaken at Harvard and Oxford.
- Skills and Abilities: By underscoring skills such as curriculum development and mentorship, the cover letter showcases her ability to contribute to both teaching and student development, aligning well with the expectations of an associate professor position.
Professor of Data Science
- Experience and Impact: The cover letter effectively highlights Evie Perry's extensive experience in health data science, emphasising her leadership and achievements in various roles, such as the implementation of AI-driven solutions and securing significant research funding.
- Specific Contributions to Healthcare: It focuses on relevant contributions, like developing predictive healthcare models in collaboration with the NHS, which directly connect to the prospective role's expected outcomes.
- Educational Background: Evie's strong academic background in health data science, with a PhD from a prestigious institution, is specifically mentioned, showcasing the necessary specialised knowledge for the role.
- Emphasis on Collaboration and Leadership: The letter underscores collaborative engagements, cross-disciplinary initiatives, and strategic leadership capabilities, crucial for a senior academician in data science.
Professor of Cybersecurity
- Highlighting Achievements and Skills: The cover letter effectively showcases substantial achievements in cybersecurity, such as enhancing data protection and securing significant research funding, which demonstrate the candidate's impact and capabilities.
- Emphasising Research Contributions: Mentioning the authorship of over 10 peer-reviewed papers highlights the candidate's contribution to academic and industry knowledge, which is essential for a role focused on research and teaching.
- Detailing Collaborative Work: The cover letter includes examples of collaborative efforts, such as integrating machine learning models and working with cross-functional teams, highlighting the ability to work effectively in team settings.
- Showcasing Education and Specialised Training: The emphasis on a PhD in Computer Science and specialised courses in cryptography and machine learning underlines the candidate’s strong educational background, relevant to an academic role.
Professor of Quantum Physics
- Highlighting field-specific achievements, such as leading the development of advanced metasurfaces and securing significant funding, demonstrates technical prowess and an ability to drive impactful research projects.
- Including leadership and mentorship roles, such as mentoring Ph.D. students and guiding successful thesis completions, showcases a commitment to student development and academic contribution.
- Emphasising high publication rates and recognitions, like having authored multiple articles in top-tier journals, serves to underline a strong research background and ability to elevate institutional profiles.
- Showcasing language proficiencies and collaboration with multinational teams suggests a readiness for global academic interaction and adaptability in diverse settings.
Professor cover letter example
Lucas Adams
Portsmouth, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
LUCAS ADAMS
123 High Street
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 2AB
help@enhancv.com
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
With over 15 years in pharmacy education, I have dedicated my career to contributing to the enrichment of pharmaceutical sciences and improving student success rates through innovative curriculum development and effective analysis of teaching methodologies.
During my tenure at King’s College London as a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, I spearheaded a groundbreaking curriculum redesign that resulted in a 20% increase in student satisfaction rates and a significant rise in our department's national ranking. Through the integration of cutting-edge virtual reality simulations, I enhanced clinical training quality, directly impacting over 150 students annually. These initiatives demonstrate my commitment to enhancing educational quality and my ability to drive significant improvements within an academic setting.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills align with your team’s objectives. Please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule a meeting. Thank you for considering my application; I am eager to bring my passion for pharmacy education and my innovative approach to your esteemed organization.
Yours sincerely,
Lucas Adams
Experienced Educator | Clinical Pharmacy | Curriculum Development
What makes this cover letter stand out:
- Emphasizing Impactful Results: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as the 20% increase in student satisfaction rates, which demonstrate the candidate’s effectiveness in previous roles.
- Showcasing Innovation: Mention pioneering projects, like the integration of virtual reality simulations, to convey the candidate’s forward-thinking approach and ability to implement new technologies in education.
- Alignment with Organizational Goals: Express enthusiasm for contributing to the prospective employer’s objectives, underscoring a tailored understanding of their mission and how the candidate’s skills can support it.
- Customized Introduction and Conclusion: Begin with a compelling summary of relevant experience and close with a proactive statement offering to discuss the alignment of skills with organizational needs, ensuring the letter is both engaging and professional.
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
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a professor cover letter
Keep in mind that your cover letter is intended for the recruiters' eyes only, not for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that aligns your job application with role requirements. That's why it's essential to concentrate on the quality of the content and presentation to make a memorable first impression.
Don’t forget to include:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Greeting
- Introductory paragraph
- Body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
Now for some formatting tips and tricks: choose modern fonts such as Rubik, Volkhov, or Raleway instead of traditional ones like Arial. Keep your cover letter single-spaced with margins of around 1-inch (2.5 cm). To maintain a professional and consistent look, ensure that both your CV and cover letter use the same font style.
Lastly, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its formatting and prevent any edits once it's sent, ensuring your design and layout remain intact for the recruiters.
How to write your professor cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your professor 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
With a deep appreciation for the University of Oxford's commitment to pioneering research and a dynamic educational environment, I am drawn to your department's dedication to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, as evidenced in your recent initiative with the Environmental Change Institute. Joining such a forward-thinking team would be a remarkable opportunity to contribute to innovative academic pursuits.
RIGHT
How to write your professor cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester, I spearheaded a research project that significantly advanced our understanding of renewable energy integrations. This project, which involved leading a team of eight interdisciplinary researchers, resulted in a breakthrough paper published in the "Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy." Our comprehensive study on hybrid solar-wind systems has been cited over 250 times within two years, underscoring its influence in the field. By applying my expertise in data analysis and fostering a collaborative research environment, we secured a £500,000 grant from the British Research Council, facilitating further exploration and enhancing the department's reputation as a leader in sustainable energy research. This experience has honed my ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams and leverage research findings to secure substantial funding, skills that I am eager to bring to your esteemed institution.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
I am eager to bring my extensive experience and passion for teaching to your esteemed institution. I am confident that my expertise aligns well with the values and goals of your department. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the continued excellence and innovation at your university. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your distinguished faculty.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
