University cover letter example

Most people go to a university to study, but some go to a university to work. Whether you’re an astrophysics professor, a football coach, or a food service worker, a compelling university cover letter is a crucial part of your application for any college job.

And these jobs are not exactly scarce. One website that specializes in jobs in academia, HigherEdJobs, says that there are more than 92,000 positions at over 2,000 institutes available.

This guide, along with the corresponding cover letter example, will explore how to create the best cover letter for university applications. 

University full text-only cover letter example

Sections of a university cover letter

The format of a university cover letter is defined by its key sections, its structure, and its text volume. In most cases, a university cover letter should be one page only, with a maximum of 300 words. Unlike a 100,000-word doctoral dissertation, a cover letter prizes brevity and economy of words. 

But those words need to be chosen carefully, and they need to follow a recognized structure.These are the six key elements in the format of a university cover letter:

1. Cover letter header. This is where you’ll list your contact details and the date to set up your letter.
2. Greeting. Make a personal connection by addressing your letter to the hiring manager or recruiter’s name if possible.
3. Introduction. Kick off your letter by introducing yourself and your interest in the role.
4. Body. This is where you’ll spend the majority of your word budget. Share your relevant experience, top skills, and biggest achievements. Show the reader how your background aligns with the role they’re looking to fill.
5. Conclusion. Close your letter by crafting a summary of your qualifications and reiterating your interest and excitement for the role. Use a compelling call to action.
6. Signature. Sign off with a professional goodbye, and, of course, your name.

While they’re all different, each section of your cover letter is an important part of your overall professional narrative.

Our article on how to write a cover letter offers more general cover letter information.

After you set up your header and address your letter, it’s time to captivate the reader with your introduction.  

Introduction of a university cover letter

To catch a fish, you have to throw out some enticing bait. So, when you kick off your cover letter, the opening paragraph should identify the job you’re seeking and make a convincing case that you’re the right person to fill it.

For a university application, mentioning your top-notch alma mater may be one way to bait the hook. If you have years of experience in your field, that may be another. Lead with your strengths, and write a paragraph that makes it impossible for the recruiter to stop reading.

Make this space count by choosing a vivid example of a past accomplishment that illustrates your talents in action. For instance, if you led an initiative that increased university admissions by 35%, mention that right off the bat. Using this type of specific, quantifiable metric adds credibility to your experience. 

University cover letter body

Follow a clear template in the body of your cover letter:

• Highlight your talents, experience, and skills
• Show how you're a perfect fit for the culture of the university. This is important regardless of what role you’re seeking.
• Close out with a conclusion that packs a punch
• Finish with a call to action that makes the hiring manager excited to contact you

First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)

The body of your cover letter—i.e., the middle paragraphs—should contain the heart of your pitch. If your introduction has hooked the fish, the body is where you reel it in. Tailor your cover letter to the university’s culture and mission, so do your research. 

Given a one-page limit, list your top qualifications for the job you want. Again, this will usually include experience in your field, and in a university cover letter, it will generally address your education. 

Be specific about your work experience, using figures wherever possible, and relate at least one anecdote about how you solved a problem in a previous job. Consider the following as you structure your narrative: 

1. Highlight your education. ​​Universities value education, so showcase your educational background.
2. Emphasize your communication skills. Working at a university requires strong communication, both verbal and written, so display that.
3. Showcase public service & customer experience skills. Bring to life your experiences working with diverse communities. Many university roles include working with others, whether or not you’re teaching a class.
4. Reference your research skills. Even if you aren’t applying for a researcher role, many universities prioritize the ability to hunt down and analyze information.
5. Display your ability to teach others. Not all university jobs require teaching, but the ability to train and coach others is a positive in any role.
6. Show off your role-specific expertise. Whichever role you’re targeting likely has its own requirements, so clarify how your background aligns with them.

Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organization

Reference the name of the university where you’re applying and explain what it is that makes you want to work there. Let the employer know that you aren’t just mass-mailing job applications to random universities, but that you specifically want to work for this one. Start by understanding their mission statement.

For example, the University of Texas’s mission statement includes:

• Advancing society via research, knowledge, and creativity
• Providing superior educational opportunities
• Serving students and providing beneficial public services
• Transforming lives to benefit society

Incorporate the specifics from the university’s mission into the body of your cover letter and show how your own values and experiences align. 

Call to action & conclusion: Finish off strong

Close out your cover letter with a reiteration of your key points and your excitement about the position. 

Add an enticing call to action for the hiring manager to reach out and discuss how your background and interests are in line with the university’s goals. 

Express your gratitude to the reader for considering your application and taking the time to read it. This shows you have good manners, of course, but also reaffirms your interest in the position. 

Finally, finish off this section with a clear invitation for further engagement in the hiring process.

Sign off with your name. More than just a formality, this is your final touch and last chance to leave a memorable impression.

How to write a university cover letter with no experience 

If you hope to earn a university job but don’t yet have experience, whether that’s due to transitioning from another field or being a student with limited work history, you can still set yourself up for success. 

Focus on transferable skills and consider the following: 

• Highlight transferable skills. Show how skills and experience from past roles are relevant to this one. For example, skills like customer service as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills are useful in any position.
• Showcase organizational abilities. It’s exceptionally useful to be able to organize projects, systems, people, or spaces, so display these skills if you have them.
• Emphasize technological proficiency. Some universities are very focused on innovation and technology, so use this space to showcase any technical skills you have. Even if they’re self-taught, that shows your commitment to continuous learning.
• Mention any research experience. Have you done deep dives into topics in order to understand them or convey information to others? Have you led research projects or published papers in school?
• Include academic experience. Mention your education, especially from this or other universities. If your education is specifically relevant to the job to which you’re applying, list some of the most relevant courses you took.
• Express your passion for innovation and knowledge. Universities are known for innovating and fostering a culture of knowledge, so share if this resonates with you.

These points will help balance out the lack of direct experience in your cover letter and illustrate your potential, giving you the best chance to land the job.

Key takeaways

A well-organized cover letter for university applications can be a powerful tool. Use this letter as a way to highlight your relevant skills and experience. 

Following the tried-and-tested cover letter format detailed here, you’ll showcase your unique strength. If you’re lacking direct experience, show off your transferable skills and eagerness to learn. 

Using our cover letter builder is a simple way to assemble a polished, professional university cover letter, helping you land the job of your dreams.