Visit our extensive library of customizable cover letter templates and use these assistant professor samples as guidelines to improve your assistant professor resume.
Use our extensive library of professional cover letter examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Cover Letter Builder — simply click, customize and download.
Visit our helpful cover letter format and writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find teaching-related advice.
Make sure your professional cover letter header matches your resume for a cohesive look. Include your name, phone number and email.
Visit the company’s directory to research the hiring manager and contact info. Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title and professional mailing address.
Begin the letter with a professional salutation. We prefer the following formal greetings: “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,” “Hello, Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or the last resort, “To whom it may concern.”
Add the name of the position and company, how you learned about it, and one teaching skill or accomplishment to advertise your suitability in this opening paragraph.
Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments listed on your assistant professor resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.
In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.
End the letter with a formal closing followed by your full name and, if applicable, your professional titles or certifications. Acceptable signatures include “Salutations,” “Best,” or “Regards.”
These resume skills and accomplishments are the foundation to building a strong assistant professor cover letter. Highlight your soft, hard and technical skills to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to excellence in teaching and research.
Creating effective course plans that align with educational goals and engage students in meaningful learning experiences.
Proficiency in conducting scholarly research, contributing to academic literature and advancing knowledge in your field.
Delivering engaging lectures, promoting interactive classroom discussions and employing innovative teaching methods to facilitate student learning.
Designing and implementing diverse evaluation methods to gauge student comprehension, offer constructive feedback and support ongoing improvement.
Providing valuable interpersonal guidance to students on course selection, academic progress, research opportunities and career development.
Publishing research findings in reputable journals and presenting at conferences to contribute to the academic community.
Crafting persuasive grant proposals to secure research funding and advance your scholarly pursuits.
Incorporating digital tools, educational platforms and multimedia resources to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines fosters multidisciplinary research projects and enriches the academic experience.
Mentoring graduate students, overseeing their research projects and guiding them toward successful academic outcomes.
Proficiency in using statistical software and research methodologies to analyze data and derive meaningful conclusions from research studies.
Establishing and nurturing connections within your academic field through conferences, workshops and collaborative partnerships.
Contributing to departmental initiatives, serving on committees and participating in academic governance to shape educational policies.
Expertise in managing online learning platforms and integrating technology to facilitate distance learning and hybrid courses.
Exploring and implementing novel teaching strategies, active learning techniques and educational technologies to enhance student outcomes.
Dear Dr. Wilson:
It is with great interest that I am sending my CV to you in response to your posting for an Assistant Professor. As a skilled, research-oriented and dedicated instructor with a recent Doctorate Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, I am prepared to benefit your department in this role substantially.
Preparing lessons, leading class lectures, supervising lab projects and conducting both independent and peer-based research projects are just a few of the areas in which I excel. By teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds and learning styles, I have honed my communication and creativity skills, enabling me to heighten student interest, participation, and motivation. Additionally, I have continually demonstrated a record of research and publishing excellence, including collaborative publications of numerous articles in top-tier academic journals.
Highlights of my qualifications include:
With my credentials and enthusiasm for teaching excellence, I am well prepared to dedicate myself to your university’s highest standards of instruction and exceed your expectations for this position. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in further detail. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Brian S. Messer, PhD
This cover letter is effective because it combines a clear expression of interest, relevant experience, specific achievements and soft skills. It shows the candidate’s commitment to their field and readiness to contribute positively to the university.
The letter addresses the hiring manager, Dr. Wilson, which adds a personal touch and shows that the applicant has taken the time to research and find the appropriate contact.
The writer strongly desires to join the university as an Assistant Professor, demonstrating enthusiasm for the role and the institution.
The cover letter effectively highlights the candidate’s recent Doctorate Degree in Psychology and outlines their experience in teaching and research, showcasing their qualifications for the position.
Rather than listing generic teaching duties, the writer provides specific accomplishments, such as creating individualized student plans and collaborating on academic publications. This quantifies their experience and sets them apart.
The letter emphasizes soft skills like communication, creativity and motivation, which are crucial for academic success.
Mentioning attendance at professional development seminars shows a commitment to staying updated on the latest teaching methods and technologies.
The letter concludes with an expressed desire to discuss the position further, inviting further communication. This is proactive and leaves the door open for the next steps in the hiring process.
A cover letter helps promote your resume — but your resume acts as an essential building block for your job search. This concise summary helps hiring managers trace your training, experience, skill development and accomplishments. The following help articles, online tools and samples can help you improve your resume.
To pass ATS, use keywords from the job description, format the letter as plain text, and avoid fancy formatting or headers. Keep it concise and relevant, focusing on qualifications matching the role.
Use action verbs like “developed,” “managed,” “implemented” and “published” to demonstrate your accomplishments and contributions.
Customize your letter by addressing the university’s needs, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, and aligning your teaching and research interests with the department’s goals.
It’s optional to include references in the cover letter. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet to provide when requested during the later stages of the hiring process.
