uk academic job cover letter

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Covering letters for academic jobs in the UK

Key elements for your academic covering letter  .

Your academic covering letter should:

• be approximately one to two A4 pages in length, but can be longer (especially for more senior positions).
• focus on what you have to offer the department or institution to which you are applying, rather than what you’d like to gain from working there.
• succinctly highlight your academic success and achievements, in relation to the post being advertised.
• make clear links between your experience and the job to which you are applying (e.g. which of the departments modules you could teach on, which staff members you could collaborate with etc., if relevant).

What to include in your academic covering letter

Your CV is there for the employer to refer to for further details, so you should avoid simply repeating your CV again in your covering letter.

In your covering letter, you should argue your case as to why your experience so far makes you a great candidate for that particualr job at that particular university. Here are some tips on what to include in your academic covering letter:

• Open by explaining what you are applying for and where you say it advertised.
• Briefly introduce yourself and what attracted you to the employer and the job (avoid directly restating phrases from their recruitment literature).   
• Explain how your research interests and/or teaching experience complement those of the department.
• Give examples that show that you have the right combination of skills. Examples might include some details of modules you’ve taught, conferences you’ve participated in, successful collaborations or projects in which you have been involved.
• Include a closing paragraph stating your availability for interview (if necessary) and that you look forward to hearing from them etc.   
• Jobs.ac.uk have a useful academic cover letter template  and an e-book guide on how to write a cover letter for academic jobs.
• Keep your letter succinct, relevant and enthusiastic in tone. Ensure it complies with formal conventions, e.g. sign off with “Yours sincerely” if it is addressed to a specific individual and “Yours faithfully” when you don’t have a name, and include your address and the date at the top.   
• If you would like advice on your academic covering letter, you can arrange to see the PGR Careers Adviser .

Good luck with your applications!  

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Cover Letters

A cover letter is a document you send to an employer alongside your application. It helps to introduce you and outlines your interest in the role.

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Your CV should always be accompanied by a cover letter. This is unless the employer tells you otherwise.

It is a key part of your application. Your letter should:

• explain your motivation for applying
• show your suitability for the vacancy
• highlight the most important parts of your CV

Your letter should only be one side of A4 and you should use the same font style and size used in your CV.

We also run regular workshops on writing cover letters during the academic year.

What to write in your cover letter

We'd suggest the following structure for your cover letter.

The order for the second (why you) and third paragraph (why them) is flexible. You can swap these around if you prefer.

• Write to the correct person. It's important to get their name and job title right. If a name is not given, try to find out who you should address your letter to. You can do this by contacting the organisation or checking the website.
• If you are making a speculative application you should contact the organisation to ask for a key contact who can help with recruitment .
• Address your letter correctly. Use their title and last name only. If you're unsure about their gender, marital status, or preferred pronoun, you can use their full name. If you can't find out the name of the person, use a generic term such as ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Recruitment Team’.

First paragraph: Introduction

• Briefly explain what you are doing now and why you are writing. If the job or placement was advertised, include where you saw the advert.
• A strong, confident and positive opening statement makes a good first impression. For example: 'I believe I have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in this role and in your organisation.'
• If you are applying speculatively, be as specific as you can about what you are looking for. Consider giving the employer a range of options. If there are no vacancies available, you could get involved another way. This could be work experience, shadowing or even the chance to meet and ask questions.

Second paragraph: Why you? Summarise what you have to offer

• Summarise the most relevant skills from your CV. What can you bring that makes you attractive to the employer?
• Keep your summary concise, with specific examples from your experiences. Try to avoid highlighting generic skills and qualities in isolation. Instead, focus on how you developed your skills. For example, 'I am a reliable and trustworthy person with good communication skills' doesn't show how you developed your skills.
• If you’re not applying for a specific advertised post, you may not have a job description to help you. You’ll need to work out which skills are required. To help with this, look at the job profiles on the Prospects website.
• Convey your enthusiasm for the job and what you can bring to the company, rather than talking about yourself in a general way.
• Give reasons why the organisation should consider you. What have you got to offer them? Talk about any relevant experience, knowledge and skills and how you could contribute. Your examples could come from a variety of places. Your degree, internships, part-time jobs, volunteering or extra-curricular experience are all valuable.
• Try not to repeat phrases from your CV. Make sure that your CV clearly provides evidence for statements that you make in your letter.

You can split this paragraph into two, depending on how much you have written.

Third paragraph: Why them and why this role? Target the employer

• Each letter should be tailored to the organisation and role. Recruiters will not be impressed with a generic covering letter. This is especially important if you are applying speculatively. Find out as much as possible about the field of work, the company and the type of role you are interested in.
• Explain why you want to work for this organisation. This could be their ethos, training or product/services. Mention any contact you have had with the company.
• Show that you have researched the company and know what they do but don't just repeat what is on their website.

Optional paragraphs: Other relevant information

It may be relevant to include other information in your covering letter. This could be explaining the circumstances of disappointing academic grades. Come and talk to us if you have concerns about explaining these or other issues in your letter. To do this, b ook a CV appointmen t via MyCareer.

For advice on asking for adjustments from an employer, see these websites:

• asking for reasonable adjustments
• British Dyslexia Association: applying for jobs and promotions. This includes examples of reasonable adjustments employers could make during the application process.
• example of disclosing a disability in a cover letter
• Finish your letter in a polite and friendly way, saying when you would be available for interview. End on a positive note. 'Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you' is a good example.
• To end your letter, write ' Yours sincerely ' if you know the name of the person you're writing to. It is ' Yours faithfully ' if you don't know the name, followed by your signature.

How to follow up a speculative application

A speculative application involves contacting an employer to ask about opportunities. The employer may not be advertising a vacancy, but they may have opportunities that are not advertised . 

Follow up a speculative application with a polite phone call or email a week later. This shows you're proactive and motivated.

Reiterate your interest in working for the organisation and the reasons why you're a suitable candidate. Keep your call or email brief and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.

Example cover letters

See our example cover letters to help you think about structure and content. They can also give you ideas on how to demonstrate your skills. Compare your own draft and see if there’s anything you need to add or improve.

Cover letters for graduate and part-time jobs

• Graduate job cover letter example  (PDF: 72KB)
• Part time job cover letter example  (PDF: 118KB)
• Speculative graduate job cover letter example  (PDF: 120KB)

Advice about writing effective cover letters, with examples 

Find further advice about writing cover letters on these websites:

• Cover letter essentials for graduate vacancies
• How to write a cover letter - this includes advice and example cover letter endings
• Example cover letter for an internship .
• Cover letters - there are tips and example cover letters, including speculative cover letters. There is also a cover letter showcasing how to disclose a disability
• Academic cover letter template - this is a teaching-focused lectureship post.

CVs and Cover Letters workbook

For more advice on writing CVs and cover letters, see our  CV and covering letter workbook for students  (PDF: 384kb).

Additional tips

For more advice on writing an effective cover letter, see the following websites:

Get Feedback

Our online AI-generated checker, CareerSet gives you instant feedback 24/7.

CareerSet scores your cover letter on key skills that recruiters look for. It focuses on impact, brevity and style . You can use the feedback to edit your letter and re-submit it to CareerSet as many times as you like. You can also match your letter with a job description, to help you tailor it to a specific role.

You can access CareerSet directly or via MyCareer .

After using CareerSet, we recommend you book an online or in-person CV appointment to go through your cover letter. Alternatively, you can send your cover letter to us for written feedback via MyCareer. You don’t need to have achieved a specific score on CareerSet to do this.

If you would like any of the content in an accessible format , you can request this from CareerSet. See their accessibility statement  for details.

How to Use CareerSet

1. Log in to CareerSet

You can  access CareerSet directly  or via the  CV and Covering Letter Pathway .

Log into CareerSet with your  Newcastle University email address  to get an authentication link. This will log you in for the duration of one session. Your account will be created on your first login.

To access CareerSet you’ll need our Newcastle University  graduate voucher code . This is listed in the  CV and Covering Letter Pathway .

The Careers Service will have access to your scores and feedback reports. This helps us develop further support and advice, but your CV is not stored in CareerSet. All information is in line with the University’s  data protection policy .

2. Accept the:

• privacy policy
• terms of use

3. Click on Review my Covering Letter. 

Upload your cover letter. This takes about 30 seconds. Your cover letter must be in  PDF format:

• how to  convert a Word document to PDF

You can also copy and paste the job description you want to compare your cover letter to or choose an example. 

4. Review your score and work your way through the feedback and tips to help you improve your cover letter.

There’s no such thing as a perfect cover letter, so you don’t need to try to get to 100%. We’d suggest aiming for a score above 70%, but if you’re struggling to reach that, don’t worry.

You can book an online or in-person CV appointment to get help from a CV adviser. You can then upload your cover letter again to see if you’ve improved your score. 

The Careers Service will have access to your scores and feedback reports to help us develop further support and advice, but your cover letter is not stored in CareerSet. All information is in line with the University’s data protection policy .

What CareerSet can't do

CareerSet is a valuable tool for getting feedback on your cover letter, but there are certain things it can’t do. Instead, you can book an in-person or online appointment or submit a query via MyCareer if you:

• don’t have much work experience to add to your cover letter. Book a information appointment for help on how to find relevant opportunities and develop your skills
• want to discuss how to include reasonable adjustments or extenuating circumstances on your CV

Feedback from a CV adviser

Before you book a CV appointment or send us your cover letter for feedback, you need to complete the CV and Covering Letter Pathway on MyCareer first. This includes uploading your CV/cover letter to CareerSet.

Once you have completed the Pathway and made any changes suggested by CareerSet, you can then receive 1:1 feedback from a CV adviser. 

You can also send your cover letter (in Microsoft Word ) to us for written feedback. This can take up to 5 working days. Click on Queries/CV in MyCareer (top right hand corner) to submit your query and CV.

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Academic cover letters

It’s also important to understand what will and won’t be acceptable to the organisation you’re hoping to join. Faced with a big pile of applications, an employer is looking for reasons to put most of them in the bin. If your application varies from the expected format or is difficult for the potential employer to understand you are giving them a reason to discard it - and all before they’ve had a chance to see that you’re perfect for the job!

Online advice on academic cover letters can be conflicting due to different expectations between disciplines and especially between countries: some examples are length of the letter, what it should include versus the CV/resume and type of supplementary documents to attach.

Getting your letter right

Other things to consider.

Cultural differences - a few examples

Articles about academic cover letters or applications

Templates and examples, will anyone read my cover letter.

There are some things everyone seems to agree on and which are not specific to applications for academic positions. Key points include:

• The main purposes of your letter are to convey your enthusiasm, to make it clear why you’re a good fit for the position and why you want to work in that department or research group
• Tailor your letter to the position and employer. If you use the same letter for all applications it will probably be obvious, could give the appearance that you are not as keen as other candidates and is likely to be detrimental to your application.  Remember that your covering letter might be the first thing that a potential employer reads
• Try to address your letter to a specific individual. Do a bit of digging if you don’t already know who the appropriate person is
• Rather than simply making assertions, give evidence to illustrate your strengths and your fit for the role
• Don’t repeat what can easily be seen on your CV/resume
• Get the tone right. Apart from being professional, the right tone can vary by culture so if you’re applying outside your home nation or your comfort zone, do some research. For example, what passes for a confident tone in one culture might appear to be arrogance in another
• Make sure you use correct spelling and grammar and have made no mistakes.
• If the application is by online form, send a cover letter in addition unless this is specifically prohibited. If the entire application must be submitted via the online form, look for ways to incorporate what you would otherwise include in a cover letter
• When sending your application by email, make sure that the titles of your email and of each attachment include your name and the title or reference for the position. Make it easy for your potential employer – they shouldn’t have to open your cover letter just to check who it’s from
• Your email might be forwarded directly to the person who’s making decisions about applications so make sure that the email itself is clear and professional. It’s also important to consider your email address, for example if you are currently using [email protected] don’t even think of using it – set up a new address with a more professional feel such as [email protected]
• Unless you possess a good knowledge of a national language for the country you’re applying to, write in English which is a working language in academia in many countries. In cases where English might not be widely spoken you could send both English and translated versions of your cover letter and other documents
• If you have a professional website, you could direct a potential employer to it for additional information about you, if it's relevant to the position.

Cultural differences – a few examples

Consider what your potential employer will expect from an application to ensure that you stand out in the right ways, not the wrong ways! If you’re not completely familiar with the culture and customs of the country or situation you’re applying to, seek specific advice. Universities, professional bodies and national careers services might offer information. There may be international expertise in your current institution’s advisory services or in your personal network but consider whether potential advisors also have specific knowledge of academic expectations.

Here are just a few examples of different expectations that might affect how you write your cover letter or put together your application as a whole:

• If you are applying for a position in China, remember that Chinese names are written surname first. Also, in Chinese culture humility is appreciated far more than arrogance. Language that may not seem arrogant in Western culture may appear so in China
• For many countries, in addition to a cover letter, CV/resume, statement of academic research interests and application form it’s usual to include a professional photograph. If it’s not usual, don’t include one. In other countries, including Germany, copies of educational certificates and written references may also be expected
• UK advice may positively encourage you to contact a potential employer - to discuss the position and the sort of person they’re looking for - as part of your research on the role. Taking the initiative, showing an interest and drawing yourself to their attention is seen as complementary to your written application. If you’re applying to a university or institute in the USA, while asking for basic information may be acceptable appearing to promote yourself outside of the defined application process can be frowned upon
• Be aware of variations in academic qualifications and job titles between countries and that some explanation from you may be necessary. For example Lecturer (level B) in Australia is equivalent to Assistant Professor in North American universities. If you are from France and have the Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches qualification, this might need further explanation if you are applying to work in a country where no similar qualification exists, such as the UK.
• Academic cover letters from the UK perspective . Article from jobs.ac.uk
• Ten top tips on writing academic cover letters from the Guardian (UK). Number 4 is ‘think holistically’ about your application
• Inside Higher Ed article which sees the cover letter as the most important part of your application (US perspective)
• This article on cover letters from Macquarie University Sydney has a section on applying for academic posts
• Charlotte Frost compares looking for an academic job in the US to looking in the UK . A noteable difference is the relatively long application process and standard timeframes in the US.
• UK templates from jobs.ac.uk for teaching focussed lectureship and senior lectureship posts. Their academic cover letters e-book also includes some example letters
• Examples from the University of California, San Francisco written by those applying for faculty and postdoctoral positions.

It’s impossible to say and probably in some cases no. However, in lots of cases your letter will be read or even prioritised so deciding not to bother is simply not worth it. If you do, that’s just the impression you could give – that you couldn’t be bothered.

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Covering letters

Submit a covering letter with your job application as a way of introducing yourself whilst highlighting your strengths and motivation for applying for the role and company. 

For most roles, aim for one A4 page with three or four paragraphs. 

Academic positions may require around two A4 pages, while senior roles can extend to up to five pages. 

Make a professional impression by using a proper greeting and closing in your covering letter. For example, Dear Hiring Manager, Yours sincerely (further information on formal letter writing can be found in the Resources section below). 

Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person by checking the job advert or contacting the company. 

Opening: Introduce yourself, mention where you found the job, and explain your reasons for applying. 

First paragraph: Express your interest in the company and the role. Show your knowledge about the organisation and sector. Align your career aspirations with the company's values. 

Second paragraph: Match your skills and experiences to the job description. Highlight relevant examples and achievements. Emphasise transferable skills if you lack direct experience. 

Closing: Stay positive and showcase your suitability for the role. Convey enthusiasm and end with a closing statement like "I look forward to hearing from you soon." 

• Address a named person whenever possible. 
• Proofread for spelling and grammar - get feedback from friends, family, or your careers adviser. 
• Include a cover letter unless instructed otherwise. 
• Customise your letter for each role and company to avoid generic content. 
• Support your statements with examples using the STAR Technique .
• Let your enthusiasm shine through!

Further support

Get cover letter writing tips at the Writing a Winning CV and Cover Letter  workshop or explore our Cover Letter LinkedIn Learning Pathway for ideas and inspiration.

Recommended by our careers advisers

• Writing a Covering Letter  (includes four examples)
• Prospects Cover Letters
• Target Jobs Cover Letters
• Balance Careers: Sample letter format
• Balance Careers: Closing a formal letter
• Jobs.ac.uk: Academic Cover Letters

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Academic Applications

Advice to help you create academic applications that stand out..

Click on each section below to find out more.

Academic CVs

You are likely to need an academic CV to apply for postgraduate courses or for academic jobs and funding.

Examples of academic CVs

Academic CV Example (PDF)

Academic CV for Science PhD (PDF)

Academic CV for Humanities PhD (PDF)

As with CVs for other sectors, the purpose of an academic CV is to clearly set out the evidence that you have the experience and skills that the intended reader is seeking. In the case of an academic CV this means that you are likely to focus on your academic achievements and experience relevant to your chosen course of study or academic role. There is no page limit - although you should always keep it concise and relevant.

CVs for postgraduate study applications

As always with CVs, focus on the recipient and what they need to know. Include relevant details of your academic courses, extended essays, dissertations, laboratory and field work and other experience that demonstrates your motivation for your chosen course and relevant skills.

Much of the advice that follows will be helpful for PhD applications, though it is likely that you do not yet have some of the experience referred to. See also our general advice on putting together an effective CV .

Before you start

First, look at the skills and competencies that the hiring department / research group requires. You can identify these from the person specification, the job advert, or your own research. Is this a research or teaching only job? Or will you be doing research, teaching and administration (typical for lectureships)? Do they highlight any particular skill areas, such as organisation or team work?

Look at what you need to do to apply. CVs are usually accompanied by cover letters, but they might also ask you to submit an application form, research and/or teaching statement. Your CV can reference experience and skills relevant to all of these other submitted materials.

Once you are clear what the employer wants, start to tailor your CV to the post.

Typical sections

A selection of the following sections are typical for the academic CV:

• Personal Information . Start the CV with your name, address, telephone number and email address.
• Research Interests . Write bullet points or a short paragraph summarising your research.
• Education . Include degrees, possibly titles of theses, and the names of supervisors.
• Awards and Funding . Include undergraduate/postgraduate prizes, travel grants, doctoral scholarships, early career fellowships, and grants you have led on or are named on.
• Research Experience . Include any postdoctoral positions or fellowships and research assistant jobs. You might include more detail about your doctoral research in this section too.
• Teaching Experience . Note any lecturing, seminar, tutorial, supervising, demonstrating, mentoring experience, and potentially non-academic teaching such as through schools and tutoring. Give details about the role and responsibilities - even if it was informal - such as level of students, class sizes and topics you taught.
• Admin Experience . Highlight any conferences/seminars/reading groups you’ve organised, committees you have sat on, and any other relevant administration and management experience. You may also see this section referred to as 'Academic Responsibilities' or 'Academic Service'.
• Relevant Training . Include academic teaching training, research methods training, management skills etc.
• Relevant research/technical/laboratory skills . You may find it useful to list these under one heading if you find yourself repeating throughout various sections.
• Patents . Give details of the title, inventors, patent number and date granted.
• Professional memberships. List these - e.g. the Royal Society of Chemistry or the British Association of American Studies. Include dates.
• Publications . Give full details as you would if citing them, and use a consistent style. You may wish to highlight (e.g. bold/underline) your name.
• Conference presentations and posters . Highlight whether paper or poster and cite similarly to your publications with full author list, title, date and location. Subsections can highlight 'invited' contributions.
• Referees . Ideally these should all be academic referees. They should be people who know you well and who are known in your field.
• Make sure your CV is focused on academia. Include non-academic work experience or extra-curricular activities and interests if you feel they are relevant to the post you are applying for, but articulate the transferable skills/knowledge involved. You might also include languages and IT skills if they are relevant.
• You might include your nationality in your personal details if you think it will be an advantage – e.g. if you already have the right to work in the country you are applying to.
• If you have limited or no published work, consider including works in progress. Clearly label publications as ‘forthcoming’, ‘under review’ or ‘submitted’ if they are in process, but not yet in print or accepted. If you are unconcerned about giving your ideas away before they go to a publisher, you could have a separate heading for ‘Working Papers’ that you are preparing for publication but have not submitted yet. Include when and where you plan to submit them.
• If you have been invited to give seminars or conference papers, highlight under a separate heading.
• Translate jargon/acronyms that others might not understand, especially if applying abroad.
• Review our general information on crafting CVs for tips on how to describe your activities and more.

Teaching Statements

What is a teaching statement and why do you need one.

When making an academic job application, you may be asked for a teaching statement (sometimes referred to as a ‘philosophy of teaching statement’). These statements may also be requested of candidates for grant applications or teaching awards. If a separate teaching statement is not requested, some of the following advice may still help in cover letters for roles involving teaching.

A teaching statement is a narrative that describes:

• How you teach.
• Why you teach the way you do.
• How you know if you are an effective teacher, and how you know that your students are learning.

The rationale behind a teaching statement is to:

• Demonstrate that you have been reflective and purposeful about your teaching. This means showing an understanding of the teaching process and your experience of this.
• Communicate your goals as an instructor, and your corresponding actions in the laboratory, classroom, or other teaching setting.

Format and style of a Teaching Statement

There is no required content or format for a teaching statement, because they are personal in nature, but they are generally 1-2 pages, and written in first person. The statement will include teaching strategies and methods to help readers ‘see’ you in a lab, lecture hall, or other teaching setting. The teaching statement is, in essence, a writing sample, and should be written with the audience in mind (i.e. the search committee for the institution(s) to which you are applying). This means that, like a cover letter, your teaching statement should be tailored for presentation to different audiences.

Articulating your teaching philosophy

Consider your experiences as both teacher and learner, and always keep your subject at the forefront. Consider all opportunities that you have previously had to teach, mentor, or guide, and determine instances that were both successful and perhaps not so successful. Understanding why and how learning happens is an important part of your teaching philosophy.

Here are some general areas to focus on in your teaching statement:

• Goals : Convey your teaching goals. What would you like students to get out of your courses? What matters most to you in teaching and why?
• Strategies : List effective teaching strategies. How will you realise your goals? What obstacles exist to student learning and how do you help students overcome them?
• Evidence : Specific examples of your teaching experience are powerful in a teaching statement. Provide evidence that your students have learned (or not) in the past.

Research Statements

Some applications ask for a short research statement. This is your opportunity to propose a research plan and show how this builds on your current expertise and achievements. It forms the basis for discussions and your presentation if you are invited for interview. Remember to:

• Tailor each statement to the particular role you are applying for
• Make sure there are clear links between your proposal and the work of the recruiting institution
• Write about your research experience stating the aims, achievements, relevant techniques and your responsibilities for each project
• Write as much (within the word limit) about your planned research and its contribution to the department, and to society more broadly
• Invest time and ask for feedback from your supervisor/principal investigator or colleagues

Vitae, an organisation that supports the professional development of researchers, offers further advice on crafting research statements .

Fellowships and Funding

Funding for postgraduate study.

Some sources of funding for masters and PhD courses require a separate application. Check closing dates and eligibility criteria carefully. In your application, focus on the recipient - what do they need to know about you, your interests, your motivation, your experience? In many cases it is also important to consider why they are offering the funding. Is it a scholarship from a foundation aiming to promote international understanding or some other ethos? How will you be an effective ambassador for that? Most commonly you will need to submit an academic CV and personal statement .

See also our information on sources of funding for postgraduate study in the UK , the USA and elsewhere .

Post-doctoral fellowships, including Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs)

Read the job description carefully to understand what is prioritised by the recruiting College or institution(s) beyond furthering your research.  If there are additional responsibilities (such, as outreach, mentoring, expanding or fostering academic networks), you will need to provide evidence of your interest and experience in these areas, as well as statements about how you would fulfil these roles when in post.

Try to meet current JRF holders to gain further insight into what the role entails on a daily basis and what is expected by senior colleagues. 

Try also to speak with academics who may be on JRF panel committees and could give you insights into the requirements and expectations of the role.

Show how your research contributes to, extends and/or maximises the impact of other work going on in the University. Then state why the JRF would enable you to further these in specific ways.

Give prominence to your publications (and those in progress):

• use headings in your publications list to draw attention to journal articles (above book chapters), and to distinguish policy papers from expert reviews and public commentaries, or conference proceedings from published papers.
• consider adding an impact factor or HI index metrics to journal publications (even if these are not high for junior stage publications they show an awareness of their importance).

Outline how you intend to participate in knowledge exchange and public engagement within your fellowship. These activities are now recognised as significant components of academic life.

Give prominence to your grant-writing experience and partnerships or work with people or organisations outside the university.

Remember that non-specialists are likely to also be on an assessment panel, so try to highlight the 'big-picture' relevance of your research as well as specialised content.

Look at Vitae's Research Developer Framework to identify any other academic-related competencies that you could demonstrate in your application (particularly project-management, leadership, developing innovative partnerships/strategic thinking).

Make an appointment with a Careers Adviser  to have your application reviewed.

Grant applications

Applications for research funding will have varying requirements according to the funder and scheme in question. Oxford University Research Services  works in partnership with academic divisions, departments, University Administration and Services (UAS) and Oxford University Innovation to support Oxford’s research community in many ways.

These include understanding grant eligibility and writing competitive applications, how to engage strategically with non-academic partners (including intellectual property agreements), and defining Knowledge Exchange or Impact targets to benefit both the project and your career.

Research Services run regular training sessions on how to apply for funding. Their staff are equally willing to advise individuals on which schemes to apply for and how to prepare a solid funding application. Use the searchable Oxford University research support staff list to identify the right person to talk to about research funding. Research Services also offer twice-yearly seminars on writing funding applications.

Practical resources

• Research Professional is an online database of funding opportunities that you can tailor to your subject areas. It is a subscription resource so you need to be on a university-networked computer to set up an account.
• UK Research and Innovation , the new national body which brings together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and Research England, is another good place to look for information about current research funding opportunities.
• The European Research Council also has a broad range of grants available to researchers whose projects will be undertaken in an EU member state or associated country.
• Early Career Fellowships for scientists (plus, increasingly, other disciplines) are helpfully summarised by Research Services Fellowships , including a table for download containing key information and upcoming deadline dates.
• Funding Insight articles are of particular relevance to early career researchers, with advice on applying for funding and interviews with funders and researchers.
• Daily Info often carries advertisements offering editorial support for documents. Check out, however, the University policy on the extent to which academic writing can be edited by others prior to submission before using extensively.

Supporting Statements and Cover Letters

For supporting statements for PhD and masters applications please see our information on personal statements for further study . In this section we focus on supporting statements and cover letters for academic jobs.

When job descriptions ask you to supply a CV, supporting statement plus other documents (research and teaching plans, writing or coursework samples etc), the cover letter need not be long or detailed. It can be a concise letter, introducing yourself, your reason for writing and laying out what is contained in your application.

Academic Cover Letters

Academic cover letters vary in length, purpose, content and tone. Each job application requires a new, distinct letter.

For applications that require additional research or teaching statements, there is no point repeating these points in a cover letter – here, one page is enough (brief personal introduction, delighted to apply, please find enclosed X, Y, Z documents).

Other applications ask for a CV and a cover letter only, in which case the letter will need to be longer and require more detail. Others ask explicitly for this detail in the form of a supporting statement that sets out how you fulfil the job criteria. Aim for a maximum length of two pages, though for roles at associate professor level and above it may extend to 3-5 pages. In all cases it is important to use the space effectively and show that you can prioritise according to what they are looking for.

In all cases:

• Your letter is a piece of academic writing – you need a strong argument and empirical evidence
• Write for the non-expert to prove that you can communicate well
• Make sure you sound confident by using a tone that is collegial (rather than like a junior talking to a senior)
• Demonstrate your insight into what the recruiting department is doing in areas of research and teaching, and say what you would bring to these areas from your work thus far

Give quantifiable evidence of teaching, research and funding success where possible

Narrative CVs

In 2020 the UKRI (the UK public body that oversees the research councils and some other research funding bodies) announced their intention to develop a standardised researcher CV format. The result is the development of a narrative CV template which has been piloted in several UKRI funding calls. The approach is based on the Royal Society " Resume for Researchers " which includes a suggested template and a breakdown of the structure to be used. 

What are Narrative CVs?

‘Narrative CVs’ are becoming a common requirement in academic funding and even job applications. They are significantly different from a traditional academic CV that is more based on a list of your experience and achievements, moving towards descriptions of your contributions. Narrative CVs aim to improve research culture and assessment by broadening the outputs, skills, and experiences that are valued by research, beyond publication metrics.

Depending on the funder or organisation, they may have different names, such as the UKRI Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) or the ‘Your research contributions’ section of Wellcome applications.

The trend is likely to continue as more researchers and evaluators recognise the benefits of narrative CVs for capturing the diversity and quality of research outputs and outcomes.

What is the typical format of a Narrative CV?

There is no one standard format for Narrative CVs, but most consist of different sections that ask you to describe your contributions and achievements in various aspects of research and innovation, such as outputs, impact, environment, leadership, funding, awards, teaching, service and engagement. You should refer closely to the instructions, guidance, or template your specific funder or institution provides, as requirements can differ.

Each section should provide a concise summary of the researcher’s activities, achievements and reflections, with evidence and links to relevant sources where possible.

Guidance on writing your Narrative CV

Funders and institutions are beginning to develop guidance on developing Narrative CVs, so check resources and guides they provide. Oxford University Research Services have developed valuable Guides and Resources and have a recorded webinar for supporting your development of Narrative CVs.

The following summarises the key advice provided in the guide for drafting your Narrative CV:

Be Selective: The Narrative CV aims to emphasise quality of contributions, rather than quantity.

• Attempt to highlight fewer key contributions in good detail, rather than provide long lists with little detail
• Ensure your selected contributions are strong but also relevant to the funding call or position you are applying for
• Focus on your past achievements, not your future plans

Provide evidence: For your selected contributions, describe outcomes and your role in enabling them, rather than purely listing outputs. Qualitative and quantitative evidence is suitable.

Consider including collaborative activities. You can use evidence from within and beyond academia if they are relevant to your application.

Provide context: you are allowed to explain how your activities benefited you at your career stage and enhanced your skills. Narrative CVs understand that not all researchers have the same level of opportunities available to them, and explanations of context can demonstrate your ability level within the constraints of your situation.

Some top tips for starting the writing process:

• Note down what the funding call or position guidance calls for you to provide evidence on
• Make a list of your activities that meet these, and begin to identify your strongest and most relevant examples
• Begin expanding on these, explaining their significance, what resulted from them, what you gained, quantitative or qualitative evidence to demonstrate impact
• Check for overlap between sections, and ensure your examples are placed in the most relevant section
• Consider including a sentence summarising the key point you want the reviewer to remember

Writing a Narrative CV can feel challenging at first, and therefore practicing and drafting this new format early can be beneficial.

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Cover letters

It's important to get your cover letter right. It's your one opportunity to sell your skills and experience to potential employers. Find out how to write and format a cover letter and take ideas and inspiration from our cover letter templates

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs. It acts as a personal introduction and helps to sell your application.

Cover letters are necessary as they give you the chance to explain to an employer why you're the best candidate for the job. You do this by highlighting relevant skills and experience; therefore, you should always write your cover letter with the position you're applying for in mind.

Not to be confused with  personal statements for your CV , cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it. The consensus among recruiters when it comes to the length of these documents is the shorter the better. Typically, three to five short paragraphs, cover letters should not exceed one A4 page.

If sending electronically, put the text in the body of the email rather than as an attachment, to avoid it being detected by spam filters.

Applications should always include a cover letter unless the job advert instructs you differently.

How do I write a good cover letter?

Before writing your cover letter it's important that you do your research. While reading the job description thoroughly is essential, it's not enough on its own. To help you craft a successful cover letter you’ll need to find out more about:

• who will be reading your cover letter
• the organisation and its culture
• the industry it operates in and any relevant news
• company competitors and market position.
• the organisations goals over the next five years.

When writing your cover letter keep it brief, while making sure it emphasises your suitability for the job. Cover letters can be broken down into the following sections:

• First paragraph  - The opening statement should set out why you're writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you're applying for, where you saw it advertised and when you are available to start.
• Second paragraph  - Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.
• Third paragraph  - Cover why you're suitable for the job, what attracted you to this type of work, why you're interested in working for the company and what you can offer the organisation. This is a good opportunity to show off your knowledge of the company.
• Last paragraph  - Use the closing paragraph to round up your letter. Reiterate your interest in the role and indicate your desire for an  interview. Now is the time to mention any unavailable dates.

Once finished read through the document and cut out any unnecessary words and sentences. Don't fill up space by repeating what's already covered in your CV. As a rule, only mention your current salary or salary expectations if the employer has specifically asked you to. If you're asked to include this information, put it between the third and last paragraphs.

Unless the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document) save with a .PDF file extension to make sure it can be opened and read on any machine. Windows PCs and Macs don't always work in harmony - Windows use a .docx file extension and Macs .pages but if the recruiter uses the opposite system, they may not be able to open your file. Using a .PDF file extension should solve this.

If you need help with your CV take a look at  how to write a CV .

How should I address a cover letter?

Always try and address your cover letter directly to the person who will be reading it. Bear in mind that you're more likely to receive a reply if you send it to the right person.

If you're struggling to find a named contact, you can use a general greeting such as:

• Dear Sir/Madam
• Dear Hiring manager
• Dear Human resources director.

However, general greetings should only be used once you have exhausted methods of finding a named contact.

How do I sign off?

How you sign off your cover letter depends on how you addressed it. If you include a named contact, sign off 'Yours sincerely'. If you use a general greeting, finish with 'Yours faithfully'.

Example cover letters

• Sample cover letter  - Used to highlight your skills and experience and to express your suitability and passion for the job, cover letters are used to encourage recruiters to look at your CV. Attention to detail is crucial and spelling, grammar and formatting needs to be spot on. Take a look at our sample cover letter for inspiration.
• Speculative cover letter  - These can sometimes be an effective method of creating an opportunity. To ensure that speculative cover letters are successful you'll need to do your research on the company you're applying to. Using our cover letter template, discover what to include in speculative applications.
• Cover letter by a Masters graduate  - You probably embarked on a Masters to expand your subject knowledge, gain industry contacts and improve your job prospects but to really make it work you need to know how to sell your postgraduate qualification to employers.
• Cover letter for a jobseeker with no experience  - It can be tough applying for a job with no experience, but our example cover letter shows you how to promote yourself to an employer if you haven't got any directly related work experience.
• Explaining a gap in your CV  - Knowing how to navigate around gaps in your CV can be tricky but it's a mistake to try and gloss over them. Your cover letter is the perfect place to explain these gaps in your employment history to potential employers. Take a look at our sample cover letter to find out how to go about it.
• Cover letter for changing career  - Find out how to explain a change of direction in our example cover letter for career changers. You'll need to briefly cover why you want to change career and relate your past experience and wealth of skills to the industry/job you’re applying to.
• Cover letter by an international graduate  - If you'd like to expand your horizons by working abroad, take a look at our cover letter of an international student applying for a job in the UK. You’ll need to do your research if you apply for a job in another country, as application rules may differ.
• Disclosing a disability  - Just like your gender, marital status and dependants your disability doesn't affect your ability to do a job and you're not legally required to disclose it on your CV or in your cover letter. However, if you would like to disclose a disability to outline any adjustments you may need, this sample cover letter will show you how.
• Internship cover letter - To set yourself above the competition you need to successfully sell your relevant skills and experience while conveying your passion for the role. As well as explaining to employers what the opportunity could do for you, you'll need to communicate what you could do for the company. Discover how to craft the perfect application for a formal internship with our internship cover letter template.
• Apprenticeship cover letter - Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route into work, as well as a great alternative to university. Find out how to apply for these roles with our apprenticeship cover letter example.

For inspiration and guidance on crafting a CV see example CVs .

When should I follow up my application?

It's always a good idea to follow up on a job application if you don't hear back. If two weeks have passed and you've had no response, send an email to the hiring manager to check that your application has been received. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and why you think you'd be an asset to the company.

Keep this email brief. It shouldn't act as a second cover letter or attempt to replace or repeat the original.

What are some top tips for writing a cover letter?

With employers often receiving lots of applications for each vacancy, you need to ensure that your cover letter makes a lasting impression for the right reasons. These tips will increase your chances of success:

• Tailor to the organisation  - You should rewrite your cover letter every time you apply for a position in order to target the company. Sending out a generic letter for all applications rarely yields positive results and recruiters can spot your lack of time and effort from a mile away.
• Format  - Presentation is important so you'll need to format your cover letter properly. Make sure the document is as uncluttered as possible, use the same font and size as you use in your CV and if you're sending it through the post or handing it in use good quality plain white paper to print it on.
• Use keywords that appear in the job advert - This lets the employer know that you’ve read and understood the job description. It also demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to the job.
• Identify your USPs  - They're your unique selling points. Be positive about what you have to offer and clearly outline how your skills and experience meet those requested in the job description. Demonstrate why you're the perfect candidate.
• Include examples  - Back up the claims in your cover letter with real evidence or examples that show how and when you've used your skills and experience.
• Save a copy - If you’re invited to interview you might need to refer back to it.

If you're a student or recent graduate, you can make an appointment with your university's careers and employability service to access further help when writing your cover letter. You'll be able to talk with specially-trained advisers, get advice on what to include and have a professional eye look over your application before sending.

To make sure you don’t trip up read about the  5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

Find out more

• Learn more about applying for jobs .

Create your Europass CV

The Europass CV builder makes it easy to create your CV online. You can use it to apply for a job, education or training opportunities as well as volunteering.

The best-known CV format in Europe

The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions.

You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few clicks. Just select which information you want to include, pick your favourite design and Europass will do the rest. 

You can create, store and share CVs in 31 languages . You can download your Europass CV, store it in your Europass Library share it with employers, with  EURES  or other job boards.

How to create a good CV

Remember that your CV is your first opportunity to communicate your skills and experiences to a future employer. It is a snapshot of who you are, your skills, your educational background, work experiences and other achievements.

Present your experience clearly

Highlight examples of your skills and experiences matching the job you are applying for. Pay close attention to the details published in the vacancy notice.

Tailor your CV

Make sure you update the ‘About Me’ section to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Do not include a full detailed history. Focus on facts and main points that match the job you have in mind.

Make it readable

Make sure your CV is easy to read. Use clear and simple language.  Use strong verbs (e.g. ‘managed’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’).

Use reverse chronological order

Always list the most recent experience on the top followed by previous ones. In case of long gaps in working or learning, include an explanation.

Polish and fine-tune

Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, provide a professional e-mail address, and add a professional photograph of yourself.

Your Europass profile

Your Europass profile is the place to keep a record of all your skills, qualifications and experiences. If you keep your Europass profile up-to-date then you will always have all the information you need to create tailored CVs and job applications quickly.

Good luck with your applications!

Find support through EU services

Eures the european job mobility portal, working abroad in other eu countries, education and training in other eu countries, you may be interested to read.

Create your Europass Cover Letter

Develop your skills through volunteering

Managing your personal information in Europass

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Academic Cover Letter Template: Senior Lectureship

This is an academic cover letter template that you can use together with the academic CV template.

< Include your address here

                                                                                    and phone number

                                                                                    and email address>

< Date >

   Application for the position of

< In the first paragraph introduce yourself generally and list the reasons why you should be considered for the job, e.g.: >

I would like to be considered for the above position and hope to demonstrate how much I could bring to it. My research and teaching interests fit extremely well with the requirements of this post and with the existing members of staff. I have extensive teaching experience in the department of x at university y , most of it focused on < name a field relevant to this job >. My work provides a useful link between < name two related fields > in the department, encouraging research and teaching collaborations.

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

I have published widely in the field of < name field >. My most recent work was < name article and/or monograph > which received the < name prize and give date > award. It was funded with money from the < name fund >

< Discuss your research record in the third paragraph >

Currently I am developing my research in < name area >. This is being undertaken with funding from < name internal or external funding body, amount and length of award >. In it, I explore < give 150 words or so of explanation about your project. What do you look at, what is your methodology, what are your findings and what makes your project unique and original >. My publication plans for this work are as follows: < list any interest from publishers and/or a timetable for publication >

< In the next paragraph discuss your future research plans >

< Now move on to teaching/managerial experience >

< List your employment history , but include only posts relevant to the current application >. I have x number of years’ teaching experience on < list module names >. < List any teaching innovations that you have introduced in previous posts, especially to do with e-learning> As required, I would be happy to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate modules of both a research-led and a methodological nature. < Suggest possible new modules that you could offer. Give titles and a one-sentence description of what they are about and at which level of student they are aimed >. < List your doctoral supervision experience and name one or two projects you have seen through to completion. Describe the areas you wish to supervise if you get this post >

My managerial expertise is as follows: < list posts held such as admissions tutor, programme leader, director of studies, director of postgraduate studies, etc. including dates and institutions >

< Provide a fully-detailed list of any other factors you believe will make you attractive and show you lead a full and active academic life, e.g. conference/seminar organisation, editing journals, membership of professional bodies, peer reviewing for journals/publishers, reading proposals for funding bodies etc .>

To summarise, I fill the criteria of the person specification thus: < here is your chance to end on a snappy note, directly comparing yourself to the requirements listed in the job advertisement >

< One statement about qualifications and their relevance; your teaching experience; your research record and publications; your participation in academic culture on an international basis >

< Finally, ask explicitly to be interviewed >

I would be grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities further at interview. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

< Your name >

By carefully and thoughtfully completing your academic cover letter, your application should stand out to the employer.

Free CV templates:

• Free CV template
• Academic CV Example for a Senior Post
• Skills CV Template
• Senior Lecturer CV Template

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