What to Include in a Compelling Cover Letter

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A compelling academic cover letter is like a movie trailer for your career — it shouldn’t give away everything, but it should leave the reader eager to see more (your CV). Here’s what to include, step-by-step:

1. Header & Contact Information

Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn/Google Scholar/ORCID profile
The employer’s name, title, department, university, and address
Date

2. Strong Opening Paragraph (Hook them early)

State the academic role you’re applying for (e.g., Assistant Professor in Strategy) and where you found it.
Show enthusiasm for the department and institution.
Give a one-sentence “elevator pitch” about why you’re a strong academic fit.

Example: As an Assistant Professor in Strategy with a passion for research in digital transformation, I was excited to see the open position at Harvard Business School — a department whose innovative approach to strategy research I deeply respect.

3. Middle Paragraph(s): Your Value Story

Highlight 1–2 academic achievements: publications, grants, teaching awards, or conference presentations.
Use measurable results when possible (“published 5 peer-reviewed articles,” “secured $100k research grant”).
Connect your expertise to the department’s teaching and research needs.

4. Department/Institution Connection

Demonstrate knowledge of their mission, research focus, or recent initiatives.
Explain why you want to join this particular department or program.

5. Closing Paragraph: The Confident Sign-off

Reaffirm your enthusiasm.
Mention your willingness to discuss your application in an interview.
Politely thank them for their time.

Example: I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience in strategy research and teaching to your faculty team. Thank you for considering my application — I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your department’s research excellence.

6. Signature

“Sincerely” (or “Best regards”)
Your name

Extra Tips

Keep it to 1–2 pages for academic positions.
Customize it for each institution and department.
Avoid repeating your CV word-for-word.
Write in a professional, clear, and academic tone.

What to include (section by section)

1) Header & contact

Full name, email, phone, and optional LinkedIn/Google Scholar/ORCID.
Employer block (department chair, role title, university, address, date).

2) Opening paragraph (the hook)

State the role and where you found it.
1-sentence academic value pitch.
Tone: confident, specific, and scholarly.

3) Value story (1–2 short paragraphs)

Select 1–2 major academic achievements (publications, grants, awards).
Include metrics when possible: number of publications, funding amounts, teaching evaluations.
Highlight research and teaching relevance to the position.

4) Department/Institution connection

Show understanding of the department’s focus or research priorities.
Explain why you are particularly interested in this institution.

5) Closing paragraph

Re-affirm fit + enthusiasm.
Invite next step (interview or seminar presentation).
Thank them for their time.

6) Signature

Professional sign-off (Sincerely, Best regards) + your name.

Common mistakes to avoid

Copying the CV verbatim.
Writing a generic letter for all universities.
Focusing on duties instead of measurable academic contributions.
Overlength (aim for 1–2 pages).
Buzzwords without supporting evidence.

Example Academic Cover Letter

If you would like to learn more, please see the Example Academic Cover Letter.

Example paragraph swaps (mix & match)

Impact lead-in: “At MIT, I led a research project that published 3 papers in top-tier strategy journals, increasing department visibility in digital transformation research.”
Funding/result: “Secured a $150k research grant supporting 2 PhD students and a collaborative international study.”
Teaching excellence: “Designed a strategy course that received an average evaluation of 4.9/5 across two semesters.”

Quick formatting checklist

1–2 pages, 250–450 words.
10–11 pt font, readable margins (~2–2.5 cm).
Plain PDF export, professional layout.
Filename: Firstname-Lastname-Cover-Letter-Position-University.pdf.