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Cover Letter for PhD Application: Guide for Writing One & Example From a Real PhD Student

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated March 27, 2023 9 min read

When applying for a PhD research position, you usually need to submit certain documents, including an academic CV and a cover letter for PhD application .

A PhD cover letter, also referred to as an academic cover letter, should be carefully crafted, well-formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to do exactly that, along with a sample of an academic cover letter from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

And if you're not sure how to go about writing your PhD CV, check out this article: CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example) .

Table of Contents

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What is an academic cover letter?

What to include in a cover letter for phd application, how to write a cover letter for phd application, how to format an academic cover letter, phd cover letter sample.

An academic cover letter is a document that PhD candidates submit alongside their academic CV when applying for a PhD. 

Essentially, it's a cover letter for a PhD application.

It's not exactly the same as your regular business cover letter. Nor is it the same as a personal statement or a motivation letter .

The purpose of a cover letter for PhD application is to explain to the reader, who's likely a researcher or a professor, what you can contribute to their institution and/or field.

Moreover, in a PhD application cover letter, you should explain why you're a good match for the research position on the program.

Differences between academic cover letter and business cover letter

Both these documents serve different purposes and people use them in different settings:

• Academic cover letter is used when applying for positions in academia — most often for a PhD. More emphasis should be on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Moreover, it should explain what your contribution to the institution or field could be. It should also point the reader to your academic CV.
• Regular (business) cover letter is normally used when applying for any kind of job . Hence, more emphasis should be on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. You should also explain why you're a good fit for the position at the given company. It should point the reader to your resume.

There are also other documents people often mistake for an academic cover letter. These include:

• Motivation letter is especially relevant for fresh graduates when applying to a university, a non-profit organization, or voluntary work. A motivation letter focuses more on your interests and motives for applying.
• Personal statement. Also used in an academic setting. It's always written by an applicant, often a prospective student, applying to college, university, or graduate school. You explain why you've chosen a particular course and why you'd be good at it. Other names include a statement of purpose or a letter of intent .

Like every cover letter, an academic one also needs to include specific elements and content sections. These are:

• Header. Here, provide your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email in the header of the document.
• Formal salutation. In an official letter like this one, you should address the reader in a professional and formal way. If you know who'll be reading your cover letter, go with Dear Dr. [Surname] or Dear Professor [Surname] . If you don't, go with Dear Sir/Madam .
• The specific PhD program or position. Clearly state in your letter which research position you're applying for or the name of the PhD program. A cover letter is usually read before a CV, so you need to make sure everything is clear.
• Your motivation. Explain why you're interested in the specific PhD position — it's one of the key elements you should include.
• Your academic background. Now, we don't mean you should list in detail every single university course you ever took. Instead, focus on the most relevant course for the PhD and describe in detail what you learned, any projects you worked on, why it was interesting (and optionally, what knowledge gap you identified). In this way, you also show a certain level of understanding of the field.
• Your ambition. Briefly mention what your ambitions, intentions, and plans are regarding your contribution to the field when securing your PhD position. How is your research going to enrich the field? How will the institution benefit from it?
• Conclusion. Keep the conclusion short. Contrary to a regular cover letter ending , there's no place for reiterating everything here. Simply thank the reader for your consideration and prompt them to read your academic CV.
• Formal sign-off. Just pick from the usual: Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards... Then throw in your full name in the following line.

And that's all you need to include!

Now, let's take a look at how to write your cover letter step-by-step.

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow these tips on how to write a cover letter for a research position:

Consider researching the background of the organization, department, ongoing research projects, and their past and current projects. All that before you start writing your cover letter. Knowing these things will help you tailor your letter to the specific PhD opening.

Before you actually start writing, try to sit down and take a moment to think first. Assess how your past experiences helped you prepare for the PhD position and scribble down those that are most relevant and significant for the specific program. These include any research experiences, research projects, courses, or internships.

In the first few sentences of your letter, you need to convey some basic information about yourself and what specific position you're applying for. The opening should also state firmly why you're a strong candidate for the position/program, by using a persuasive and convincing wording. Here's an example: "As an MChem Chemistry graduate with a narrow focus on the sustainable synthesis of biologically active molecules from the University of Dundee, I am excited to apply to a "Synthesis Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Using Enzymes" PhD programme at an institution with such a strong foundation and numerous research groups in this field."

This is the place where you may explore more extensively on the educational journey that brought you here. Set the foundation for demonstrating how your Master's degree and research experience seamlessly translate into the next phase — the PhD program. Emphasize how your thesis contributes to the field's body of knowledge. Mention any other publications that support your thesis. And, if you can, identify any knowledge gaps or topics that can be explored further.

This paragraph provides the opportunity to neatly tie in together everything the reader has learned about you so far. You can show how your previous experience, coupled with what you'll learn during the PhD program, will come together to produce something novel to enrich the field. First, identify the courses or topics within the PhD program that interest you the most and how they relate to you developing your research further. Second, introduce your future research aspirations and goals. Third, point out how this future work will enrich the field and what will the intellectual merit be.

When ending your PhD cover letter, briefly refer your reader to your academic CV and encourage them to examine all of the remaining projects, courses, publications, or references . Finally, thank the reader for their time and consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off.

Put the letter in a drawer and don't think about it for a day or two. Then, when you read it again, you'll have a fresh pair of eyes to see the cover letter in a new light. Maybe you decide some things are redundant, or you think of something that's more relevant. Or you know, find a typo here and there.

Just like an academic cover letter needs to contain certain content components, the formatting should also align with the structural expectations for this type of document.

How long should a cover letter be? How to finish a cover letter? And what about the cover letter font and spacing?

Here's a recommended academic cover letter format:

• Length. While STEM PhD candidates should aim for half a page to one page, humanities candidates can do 1–2 pages.
• Font. Use one of the classics: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Just no Comic Sans, we beg you. Keep the size between 10–12 points. Also remember to keep the text clean — no underlining, no bolding, and no color. However, you can use italics if appropriate.
• Spacing. Cover letter spacing isn't complicated. Just single-space your text, make sure there's a space between each paragraph, and leave a space between the concluding paragraph and your formal sign-off.
• Margins. The only rule here is that the margins on your cover letter should match those on your CV.
• Consistence with your CV. Your academic cover letter should match your academic CV in all formatting aspects — including the cover letter font and spacing. For example, Kickresume lets you choose a matching template for your CV and your cover letter, so no need to worry about this.

If the institution provided any instructions for formatting your academic cover letter, don’t get creative and follow their guidelines.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, here's a cover letter sample from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

These things ensured Herrera's cover letter was successful:

• She clearly states her motivation in the opening. In the first two paragraphs, Herrera introduces herself and her motivation to apply for the given PhD program.
• She describes educational and research background thoroughly. The main body of the letter is dedicated to describing Herrera's educational background, research projects, internships, and skills acquired throughout the way.
• She presents research aspirations in the letter. Herrera writes: "I have a history of proven results and profound findings. Given opportunity, I’m confident in my abilities to earn similar ground-breaking results while being part of your team."

Even though this example lacks some of the key elements, such as mentioning the specific PhD program or identifying the topics within the PhD program that interest her the most, this PhD cover letter still managed to impress the University of Lyon.

Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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3 PhD Resume Examples Made to Work for 2024 

PhD Student Resume

Phd application resume.

• Write Your PhD Resume

With the role of a PhD student, you’re the intellectual powerhouse driving groundbreaking research and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Your expertise allows you to dive deep into complex subjects, developing innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s already known. 

At the same time, you’ll need to balance your responsibilities as a teacher as well, imparting your knowledge to the undergraduates at your institution. Crafting a resume and creating a cover letter that demonstrate your ability to shine in this diverse role is no easy task.

Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the maze of showcasing your academic journey. With our varied PhD application resume examples , you’ll find the ideal resume template to help you craft your own winning resume in no time.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Thankfully, Liam does a great job highlighting his internship and project achievements and how both are applicable in helping sustainably improve production.

• One strategy you can use to boost the chances of your PhD student resume to clinch an enrolment slot into the health sciences department is by harnessing the achievements from a volunteer project that brought screening services to a marginalized community.

• Therefore, achievements in increasing student participation and engagement accompanied by metrics in improved grades and assessment scores would go a long way to prop your suitability.

Related resume examples

• Research assistant

Adapt Your PhD Resume to the School You’re Applying to

As an aspiring PhD student, your resume is your scholarly calling card, showcasing the intellectual artillery you bring to the academic battlefield. 

This is where you can showcase your skills and express why you’re the right person to join the program. To do this, tailor your skills section to align with the specific requirements of your desired program and department. 

Highlight your expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and any specialized software or equipment you’ve mastered. For the more technically inclined, don’t shy away from showcasing hard skills like Python, Matlab, Java, or Tableau.

You can also include a couple of soft skills because they’re essential for giving lectures and mentoring students. Just remember to reinforce them with demonstrable examples in the experience section later. 

Want some pointers?

15 top PhD skills

• Microsoft Office
• Google Sheets
• Research Methodologies 
• Academic Writing
• Public Speaking
• Lesson Planning
• Grant Proposals
• Grading Essays
• Collaborative Research

Your PhD work experience bullet points

From conducting groundbreaking research to publishing papers, your journey as an academic is about more than just the day-to-day grind. In the experience section of your resume, the real spotlight should be on your transformative contributions. 

If this isn’t your first PhD, highlight achievements from your previous studies like securing research grants, publishing impactful papers, or successfully leading research projects. If you’re moving up from postgraduate studies, highlight the best and most impressive accomplishments from your master’s and bachelor’s degrees. 

Add some numbers to make your accomplishments pop. This could be the number of students mentored, successful experiments and research projects, or the reach of your published work. 

• Highlight the number of your articles or research papers that were published in reputable journals.
• Quantify the success of research projects with metrics such as project scope, budget management, or studies carried out.
• Demonstrate your ability to secure research funding by specifying the number and value of grants obtained.
• Showcase your impact as a mentor or tutor by talking about the number of students you’ve guided or the way they were able to improve their grades through your help.

See what we mean?

• Created engaging course materials using Articulate Storyline, resulting in a 39% increase in student engagement and comprehension
• Managed EHR software to document patient assessments, vital signs, and medication administration, maintaining 99.99% accuracy in recordkeeping
• Partnered with farmers to develop customized crop management plans, resulting in a 31% increase in yields
• Assisted in the development and implementation of assessments, leading to a 33% reduction in student dropout rates

9 active verbs to start your PhD work experience bullet points

• Innovated 
• Collaborated

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume With Little Prior Experience

• Mention your involvement in conferences and workshops. This will showcase your ability to engage with and contribute to the broader scholarly community.
• Echo your passion for knowledge throughout your resume, and look into the future. Outline your career objectives , illustrating your commitment to making a lasting impact through your PhD studies.
• Any and all academic achievements look great on a PhD resume, so make sure to add them. Talk about your GPA, awards won, or competitions you’ve participated in to show your drive as a college student.

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume for Your Second PhD

• Research is often independent, and academics are sometimes considered lone wolves. That’s why it’s important to emphasize your leadership and collaboration skills explicitly. The school needs to know you can mentor students and collaborate with other colleagues effectively—so turn up the enthusiasm for this area!
• If you’re going for a research role, it’s essential to be at the forefront of your field—following all the latest papers and studies. You can show this by mentioning your participation in research initiatives or the conferences you like to attend. 
• Show that you put just as much effort into your students as you put into your research by sharing student performance and engagement metrics. You can also discuss your favorite lecture and seminar-planning techniques to convey your passion and commitment. 

Absolutely! While not mandatory, a tailored career summary can be a powerful tool. Customize it for the PhD position, mentioning the specific program and academic role. Don’t forget to highlight things like research methodologies, data analysis, and any unique contributions to your academic field.

Choose a clean and professional format that prioritizes your academic achievements and research experience. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent structure, much like you would in a research paper. 

Include skills that align with the specific requirements of the PhD program and your academic discipline. Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to research, teaching, fieldwork, and collaboration.

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Academic Cover Letter for Doctoral Students

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The academic cover letter communicates your scholarly fit with the position, organization and department. The cover letter should be no longer than 2 pages and should expand on your most relevant accomplishments and situate your work in the context outlined by the position. It should also outline your research agenda and future trajectory. All academic positions will require a cover letter and because the academic job market is so competitive, it has become common for search committees to ask just for a cover letter and CV. If this is the case you need to include paragraphs that provide information similar to teaching and research statements, highlighting what is not articulated on your CV. Some disciplines have a very specific format, so be sure to work with your department to align your cover letter with disciplinary standards. Avoid overly verbose or overly humble language.

Tips for condensing research and teaching statements into the academic cover letter:

• Your materials should create an overall picture of you as a scholar. This means that you should consider each document within the context of the other materials required.
• Begin by drafting longer statements about teaching (the teaching statement) and research (dissertation abstract, research statement).
• Pare down these statements for different lengths: one page, one paragraph.
• For the cover letter, take your one-paragraph versions of your teaching and research statements and edit them to market yourself as a scholar and teacher – how do you want the committee to perceive you? What’s the main take-away you want them to know about you?
• Because the materials required vary widely, keep in mind that the cover letter should be able to act as a standalone document – any other materials should expand and reinforce the cover letter.

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Resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and CVs

A strong resume, cover letter, portfolio, and/or CV have the power to get you in the door to the interview stage. These documents are essential to making the case for why you have the skills and experience to excel at the job and within the organization and team.

Resumes, cover letters, portfolios, and CVs should be tailored to the job at hand and should be checked thoroughly before submitting to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

A resume is a dense, fact-based document that provides information on your educational background, details your past professional experience, lists your top skills, and showcases your achievements.

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• Action verbs
• Resume checklist
• Sample resumes
• PhD resumes for industry jobs (with examples)

How to write a resume (with examples)

A CV is similar to a resume in that it details achievements and history, but does not have the same space limits that a resume does.

As CVs and resumes are similar, many of our resume resources will help you develop your CV.

Since CVs are often requested in international professional contexts, it’s a good idea to learn about the conventions for CVs in the country where you are submitting your application documents. 

How to write a CV (with examples)

Cover letters

Your cover letter is, first and foremost, structured in the format of professional correspondence and should emphasize why you want to work for that particular organization and why you would be a good fit.

You can articulate this by sharing the most valuable transferable skills you bring (and brief examples to prove it).

How to write a cover letter (with examples) 

A strong portfolio demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development, setting you apart in a competitive world.

Why should you make a portfolio?

• Showcase your skills, accomplishments, and projects 
• Stand out to potential employers, graduate school admission committees and scholarship or grant reviewers
• Build your online identity and strengthen your network by allowing you to share your work with professionals and peers in your field

Other career writing  

Whether you are requesting an informational interview with an MIT alum, sending a thank you email after an email, declining a job offer, or simply writing an email to a professional contact, review our professional correspondence samples to help get started.

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The Humanities PhD Project

Category: Cover Letters

Um career center resume and cover letter tips for phd students.

A new resource for PhDs from UM’s Career Center includes worksheets that can help identify transferable skills and construct narratives that make the skills developed during a doctorate legible to employers. The packet also provides “brief introductions that explain various application materials, reflection tools that can help … articulate your experience, examples of application materials, and, core…

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Crafting The Perfect Academic Cover Letter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Land your dream academic position! Craft a compelling academic cover letter that highlights your skills and experience.

This guide will help you create a winning academic cover letter! Here you’ll find everything you need, whether you’re an experienced academic or a fresh graduate seeking your dream job in academia. We’ll discuss how to write an academic cover letter that grabs attention while highlighting your skills and experiences.

Making a positive impression on hiring committees and search panels begins with a well-crafted academic cover letter. This document serves as your introduction, demonstrating your passion for your field, your qualifications, and your fit for the institution and position you are applying for.

A great cover letter can make all the difference in the competitive world of academia, where job openings are often limited and highly sought after. A cover letter provides context to your CV or resume, allowing you to highlight specific experiences, projects, or accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the position. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide you with tips, strategies, and examples to help you craft a compelling academic cover letter that sets you apart from the competition. So let’s dive in and start crafting your path to academic success!

The Purpose (Why Do You Need A Cover Letter?)

It is imperative to include a cover letter in your job application package when applying to academic jobs. A cover letter serves as a personal introduction, adding depth and context to your CV or resume. In order to better understand its specific purpose, let’s look at:

1. Explaining How you fit the position and Interest: In your cover letter, you can explain why you are interested in the position and institution. It gives you the chance to explain why you are applying, whether it is the institution’s reputation, specific research opportunities, or alignment with your career objectives. You can also express your interest in the program and describe how it fits into your future goals. Additionally, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the program.

2. Highlighting Your Qualifications: In contrast to CVs and resumes, cover letters provide you with an opportunity to highlight and contextualize specialized experiences or qualifications relevant to the role. In order to demonstrate your suitability for the job, you can highlight specific projects, publications, teaching experiences, or other accomplishments.

3. Personalizing Your Application: Unlike a CV or resume, which tends to be more standardized, a cover letter offers you the chance to personalize your application for a specific job and institution. By addressing the hiring committee directly and tailoring your content to the institution’s values, mission, and goals, you can demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment.

4. Adding Context: At times, you may need to explain or contextualize certain aspects of your application. It can be helpful to include a cover letter if you are transitioning from one field within academia to another, or if there are gaps in your employment history.

5. Showcase Your Communication Skills: In academia, effective communication is paramount. An important skill that hiring committees look for is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in writing. You can demonstrate your writing style, professionalism, and attention to detail with a well-crafted cover letter.

6. Stand Out From Other Candidates : Being able to stand out from other applicants is essential in a competitive job market. With a thoughtfully written cover letter, you can convey aspects of your personality, work ethic, and passion for your field not readily apparent from your CV.

Research About The Institution

The first step in writing an academic cover letter is to thoroughly research the institution as well as the role for which you’re applying. By taking this step, you not only demonstrate your genuine interest in the position, but you also tailor your cover letter to make it more compelling to hiring managers.

Importance Of Research Before The Interview

You demonstrate your genuine interest in joining the academic community by demonstrating your knowledge about the institution and the position. You can align your qualifications and experience with what they are seeking in a candidate if you understand the institution’s values, mission, and goals. By researching the department, faculty members, and ongoing projects, you can use your insights to enhance the relevance and impact of your cover letter.

Tips for researching about the Institution:

• Explore the Institution’s Website: Start by thoroughly exploring the institution’s official website. Learn about the faculty members, research areas, academic programs, and recent achievements of the department you’re applying to.
• Read Faculty Profiles and Publications: Take the time to read faculty profiles and publications related to your field of expertise. Furthermore, this will help you identify potential collaborators or mentors within the department.
• Review Recent News and Press Releases: Check for any recent news articles or press releases about the institution. It can provide valuable insights into the Lab’s accomplishments, partnerships, or current initiatives.
• Utilize Professional Networks: Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues, mentors, or alumni who may have insights or connections related to the institution or position. You might find valuable information or advice from them that you couldn’t find through traditional research methods.
• Attend Departmental Events or Webinars: If possible, attend departmental events, seminars, or webinars hosted by the institution. In addition to learning more about their academic community, you will also have an opportunity to network with faculty and students.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

As soon as you have gathered enough information about the institution and the position, you can tailor your cover letter accordingly. Here are some tips for writing a targeted and impactful cover letter:

• Start your cover letter with the name of the institution and the position you are applying for. It shows that you have done your homework and immediately grabs the reader’s attention.
• Provide examples from your background that are directly related to the institution’s research areas, teaching philosophy, or academic initiatives. By doing so, you demonstrate how your skills and experience are in line with their requirements.
• Refer to specific projects, programs, or initiatives in your cover letter if the institution has them. Explain how your expertise or interests make you a good candidate for participation or contribution.
• Describe how you align with the institution’s values, mission, and academic culture. In this way, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence and innovation in education and research.

Academic Cover Letter Structure

Your introduction serves three purposes: grabbing the reader’s attention, expressing your interest in the position, and briefly describing your qualifications. The following is a list of what to include:

• A strong opening sentence or paragraph that captures the reader’s interest.
• The position you are applying for and where you learned about it.
• A brief introduction of yourself and your interest in the position and institution .

Here is a simple Example:

“Dear Hiring Committee/Department Chair, I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Position at the Institution , as advertised on XYZ . With a passion for mentioning your field or research interest , coupled with relevant experience or qualification , I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s name or department .”

Body Paragraphs

Describe your qualifications, relevant experiences, and how they are aligned with the job requirements in the body paragraphs. The following is a list of what to include:

• Detailed discussion of your academic background, research experience, teaching experience if any, and any other relevant skills or accomplishments.
• Specific examples and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position.
• Alignment of your qualifications with the institution’s mission, values, and goals.

“As a research assistant at [University/Institute], I conducted groundbreaking research in [specific area], resulting in [mention of any publications, grants, or awards]. In addition to my expertise in [relevant technique or methodology], I am particularly drawn to [Institution’s name or department] due to the institution’s commitment to [mention any specific initiatives or focus areas].”

In the conclusion, you express gratitude for the opportunity to apply, summarize your interest, and offer a call to action. The following is a list of what to include:

• A summary of your interest in the position and how you can contribute to the institution.
• Expression of gratitude for the opportunity to apply and the reader’s consideration.
• A call to action, such as expressing readiness for an interview or providing additional materials if needed.

“Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing to [Institution’s name or department]’s mission of [mention the institution’s mission or goals] with my expertise in [your field]. It would be my pleasure to provide any additional information you may need. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of [Institution].”

Academic Cover Letter Template

Dear Hiring Committee, Dear Hiring Committee/Department Chair, I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Position at Institution , as advertised on XYZ . With a passion for mentioning your field or research interest , coupled with relevant experience or qualification , I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Institution’s name or department . As a research assistant at [University/Institute ], I conducted groundbreaking research in [ specific area ], resulting in [ mention any publications, grants, or award s]. In addition to my expertise in [ relevant technique or methodology ], I am particularly drawn to [ Institution’s name or department ] due to the institution’s commitment to [ mention any specific initiatives or focus areas ]. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing to [ Institution’s name or department] ‘s mission of [ mention the institution’s mission or goals ] with my expertise in [ your field ]. It would be my pleasure to provide any additional information you may need. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of [I nstitutio n]. Sincerely, Name

Using this structure, you can craft an effective cover letter for an academic position. Personalize each section based on your experiences and the specific requirements of the position and institution you are applying for.

Polishing And Final Touch

You should polish your academic cover letter after you draft it to ensure that it effectively conveys your qualifications and professionalism. During this final step, you will check your letter for errors, edit it, and ask for feedback to ensure that it is as good as possible.

Proofreading and Editing

You should proofread your cover letter to ensure it contains no grammatical, spelling, punctuation, or clarity errors. The following tips will help you proofread effectively:

• Take your time when reviewing your cover letter. Make sure you don’t rush through proofreading.
• The best way to catch awkward phrasing, repetitions, and grammatical errors in your cover letter is to read it aloud to yourself.
• Take advantage of spelling and grammar checkers available in word processing software like Microsoft Word or Grammarly. It is important to remember that these tools may not detect all errors, so don’t rely on them solely.
• Be clear and concise in your sentences. Use simple language rather than overly complex jargon that might confuse the reader.
• Your cover letter should be consistent in terms of formatting, punctuation, and writing style.

Professional Tone and Formatting

Making a positive impression on potential employers requires a professional tone and formatting. You can ensure professionalism in your cover letter by following these steps:

• Write in a formal tone appropriate for academic and professional settings. Don’t use slang, contractions, or language that is too casual.
• Follow a standard business letter format, including your contact information, the recipient’s information, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You should use a professional font and a standard font size (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point).
• When possible, address the recipient by name and title. Use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Committee” or “Dear Search Committee” if you’re unsure of the recipient’s name.
• Double-check your contact information, including your email address and phone number.

Seeking Feedback

Your cover letter can be improved by getting feedback from others. Feedback can be obtained from the following sources:

• Review your cover letter with trusted classmates or colleagues and ask for constructive criticism. It is possible for them to offer fresh perspectives and catch errors that might have slipped your mind.
• Find mentors with experience in your field of study or academia who can provide feedback. It is possible to get guidance from them on how to tailor your cover letter for a particular academic position.
• If your university has a career center or academic advising office, make use of those resources. Academic cover letters can be tailored to different positions by career advisors.

To ensure your academic cover letter presents you to potential employers in the best light, be sure to proofread, maintain a professional tone and format, and seek feedback from peers, mentors, and career advisors.

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Student Affairs

Resumes and Cover Letters

Resources to help you write your resume, cover letter and other communications.

Telling your story is an essential component in working toward a fulfilling career path. Your story will be conveyed in many ways, both written and verbal, and is a great way to form a positive first impression to potential recruiters, graduate schools and other connections. Once you have utilized VMock, we encourage you to visit your Career Consultant to have your documents reviewed.

Your resume is one of the best marketing tools you can use in finding a career, and often one of the first things asked of you in the job or internship search process. This is your chance to convey your communication abilities, fit, skills, and strengths for the position you’re targeting. See the resources below to create a well-crafted resume.

Resume Quick Tips  [pdf]

Resume Action Verbs  [pdf]

Writing your Curriculum Vitae Quick Tips  [pdf]

Sample Resumes by College (PDF Format)

• College of Engineering - Undergraduate students 
• College of Engineering - Graduate students 
• College of Fine Arts 
• Dietrich College  
• Mellon College of Science 
• School of Computer Science - Undergraduate students
• School of Computer Science - Graduate students 
• Tepper School of Business 
• Booth/Buggy Resume  

Cover Letters

Cover letters are another essential piece to telling your story through professional, written communication. Since your resume will describe your experience in detail, your cover letter will tell the reader exactly why you want the position and provide in-depth examples to back up your experiences.

Cover Letter Quick Tips  [pdf]

General Cover Letter Sample with Bullets [pdf] 

Sample Cover Letters by College (PDF Format)

• College of Engineering - Undergraduate
• College of Engineering - Graduate 
• College of Fine Arts
• Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences  
• Mellon College of Science  
• School of Computer Science - Undergraduate
• School of Computer Science - Graduate
• Tepper School of Business  

Online Portfolios

Online portfolios are a wonderful supplement to a standard resume, often showcasing the visual side of your story. They can be in many forms, including links to your work, visual representations, and videos.

Portfolio Quick Tips  [pdf]

Professional Communications

Aside from your resume and cover letter, there are other forms of communication that can enhance your story. Here are examples of letters and emails that may help you throughout your career.

Reference Letters & Lists Quick Tips  [pdf]

Declining an Offer Letter  [pdf]

Follow-Up Email  [pdf]

Job Acceptance Letter [pdf]

Request for Extension of Time  [pdf]

Response to Rejection Letter  [pdf]

Thank You Email [pdf]

FIRST AND SECOND YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Want a Quick Online Resume Review? Email your resume to  [email protected]  to receive feedback from a Career Peer Mentor. We will do our best to get back to you within a week. 

In a Hurry? Stop by in person during CPDC  Drop-In Hours  or make an appointment through  Handshake .

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Master’s Student Resume Samples

Your resume is individual to you, your experiences, skills, and education. These sample resumes are not intended to be used as a template. The job/internship description defines the content of the resume; therefore, you will have more than one resume as you apply for various opportunities. Using action verbs , providing context/details, describing transferable skills, and including results/impacts in the bullet points of the experience section are key elements to an effective resume. In addition, it is important to think strategically about who will be reviewing your resume.  

The sample resumes below show both strengths and areas for improvement, which are listed to the right of the document. For more information and assistance with writing an effective resume, we recommend that you view the formatting checklist and resume resources below. We also have online resume books connected with career fairs , so be sure to upload yours in advance of the relevant fair. Finally, we encourage you to schedule an advising appointment on our Handshake platform to have your resume reviewed by Career Services.

Here are some general formatting guidelines to get you started with the formatting. Remember to always be consistent throughout the document:

• Your margins are at least 0.65” on all sides and your font size is at least 10pt.
• Your section headers are all spelled correctly (spellcheck does not automatically check words in ALL CAPS).
• You have provided your official degree (e.g. “Candidate for Master of _____”).
• You have included cities and states for each experience and formatted them consistently. (Make sure locations are listed in the same place for each experience and use two-letter state abbreviations).
• All your experiences have dates, including months or seasons, and are formatted consistently. (Be especially mindful of alignment, spacing, how you abbreviate months, and dashes: – versus – ).
• How to Write a Resume (Beyond Graduate School platform)
• How to Modify Your Resume for Each Job (Beyond Graduate School platform)
• 5 Resume Tips to Get You Started
• 10 Ways to Improve Your Resume Today
• How to Write Effective Resume Bullet Points
• Making the Most of Targeted Resume to Robot-Proof Your Resume
• Resume Tool Lesson on Big Interview

Also be sure to check out our Career Services YouTube Channel for more videos on resumes!

Resume Sample Type

Master of environmental studies (mes).

Key Features:

• One page with good, consistent formatting
• Clear descriptions within the bullets and uses good action verbs to describe the skill/responsibility/project
• Includes result/impact/outcome when possible
• Dates placed on the right-hand side to keep the reader’s focus on the position title and experience – not when it was done

Advice we might give for this resume:

• Include quantifiable elements that help to make the experiences more tangible and specific for the reader to understand
• Include relevant coursework under the master’s program if the courses are related to the job position/field
• Add a “graduate student” entry to the professional experience section to highlight key coursework or student projects, and the specific skills used to do them

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Key Features for MPH resume:

• 2 pages due to extensive experience and background
• Clear descriptions within the bullets and uses good action verbs to describe the skill/responsibility/project.
• Includes Presentations section given the nature of the field and if applicable for a research based role

Advice we might give for this MPH resume:

• Move the dates from the degrees in the Education section to the right side (so that it is consistent alignment with the dates in the other sections)
• Include relevant coursework under the Master’s Program in the Education section
• Include a Summary Profile at top of resume to help give overview and highlights of experience

Master of Behavioral & Decision Sciences (MBDS)

• Put the Education section above the experience section since student is still enrolled in the master’s program
• Add volunteer, leadership, or extracurricular experience if relevant to the position

School of Engineering & Applied Science

Master of Architecture

Click here for the design resume guide.

• One page in length
• Clear descriptions within the bullets and uses action verbs to describe the skill/responsibility/project
• Organizes the skills section by category
• Includes Activities (Extracurriculars) section
• Highlights honors/awards
• Include result/impact/outcome when possible
• Use different action verbs in the experience section (the same verbs were used a few times)

Master of Landscape Architecture

Key Features

• Includes Leadership Experience section
• Highlights competitions/awards
• Make sure font style is consistent throughout the resume (there are currently two different font styles being used)

Master of City Planning

Advice we might give for this resume

• Add volunteer, leadership, or extracurricular experience as a separate section if relevant to the position 

Master in Law

• Include quantifiable elements that help to make the experiences more tangible and specific for the reader
• Includes Leadership Section
• Dates placed on the right-hand side to keep the reader’s focus on the position title and experience– not when it was done
• Include relevant coursework under the master’s program if the courses are related to the job
• position/field
• Include result/impact/outcome for each position (when possible)
• Instead of just having descriptions of what was done under the experience section bullet points, describe the transferable skills in action

For more info on how to write a resume, click her e

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A resume is a targeted marketing tool highlighting skills, education, experience, and accomplishments for a particular position and organization. 

Presentation

• Always include name, address, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile.
• Bullet your descriptions and include accomplishments and skills
• Tailor the experiences and skills for each specific opportunity you are applying to – a one size fits all resume will be ignored
• Have both a Word (.doc) and a PDF version of your resume, and follow the employer’s instructions on which format they would prefer.  For more info, read "The Best Resume File Format"
• When printing your resume, use high quality white or off-white paper
• For students and new graduates, one page is best; some professions are open to longer resumes
• Ex.  Current experience: use present tense (organize, correspond, etc)
• Previous experience: use past tense (organized, corresponded, etc)

• Degree(s), major, university, city, state, month and year of graduation (or anticipated month and year)
• Include applicable minors, honors, awards, special projects and relevant coursework
• Include your GPA if it is above average or better (3.0 or higher)
• Place experiences most relevant to the job you are applying to under a heading like “Related Experience”
• You don’t need to have separate sections for paid and unpaid experiences, so include related internships, class projects, research, or volunteer experiences
• Unrelated experiences, such as summer jobs, can appear under a heading like “Additional Experience”
• List in reverse chronological order (with the most recent experience first)
• Other headings to consider include: Leadership, Technical Skills, Lab Skills, Licenses and Certifications, Languages (only if advanced/fluent), Research and Publications, Community Service, Memberships/Affiliations
• Be specific in your descriptions and quantify accomplishments using action verbs, superlatives and numbers (e.g., "Effectively collaborated with a team of diverse professionals," “Only student rep. on the sub-committee,” “Trained 8 lifeguards,” “Supervised a caseload of 6 clients”)
• Use verbs to showcase specific and transferable skills you have acquired in and out of the classroom
• Remove all personal pronouns (no “I” or “my”)
• References should not be included on the resume itself
• Create a separate reference page listing 3 or 4 people, with their contact information, who have supervised your work (employer, professor, advisor)
• Bring the reference sheet to the interview
• Always contact your references before listing them ― you do not want them to be surprised by a call from an employer
• Use LinkedIn to request “recommendations” by supervisors or colleagues you are connected to (once you have at least one recommendation, you can add “for immediate recommendations, please see (insert your LinkedIn url)” to your resume

Use VMock for a free resume review

Resume Templates by College

CEPS Resume Templates

Download Templates Here

CHHS Resume Templates

COLA Resume Templates

COLSA Resume Templates

Download Templates Here

PAUL Resume Templates

Federal Resume Templates

Transferable Skills

• Exhibit self-motivation and a positive attitude
• Motivate individuals and groups to perform
• Encourage effective teamwork with people from diverse backgrounds
• Design and implement plans of action
• Set goals and follow-through
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing
• Handle multiple demands for commitment of time, energy, and resources
• Identify critical issues quickly and accurately
• Meet the needs of both the organization and the employees when possible
• Use integrity in decision-making

Program Administration

• Interpret rules and regulations
• Analyze data and information
• Create innovative solutions to complex problems
• Ensure that tasks are completed on time
• Prioritize daily workload

Information Management

• Research, investigate, and compile information
• Synthesize facts, concepts, and principles
• Compile, sort, and interpret data
• Identify and combine a variety of resource materials into final copy
• Formulate relevant questions and develop ways to supply and clarify answers
• Communicate facts and ideas clearly both orally or in writing
• Manage a budget and keep accurate financial records
• Solve problems creatively, logically, and practically
• Write interesting and clear articles, reports, etc.
• Design culturally sensitive activities to engage participants
• Market and display products to appeal to target audience
• Create visually intriguing and skilled designs, displays, or works of art
• Demonstrate convincing public speaking or acting skills

Interpersonal Communications

• Exercise "give and take" to achieve group results
• Display understanding of, and respect for, people from diverse backgrounds
• Understand and work within the group culture
• Listen actively and attentively
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities
• Discuss cultural differences and issues openly
• Interpret behavior and emotional patterns in individuals and groups
• Teach, supervise, and train others using easy-to-understand concepts and hands-on experience
• Conduct in-depth interviews
• Express ideas and thoughts based on facts
• Mediate conflict with tact and diplomacy

Personal Development

• Instill self-confidence and self-esteem in others
• Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to change and learning
• Learn the value of hard work and persistence
• Recognize and appropriately address bias in self and others

Cultural Competency

• Enhanced cultural awareness, sensitivity to customs, and cultural differences
• Increased self-confidence, initiative, and independence
• Adapted to a new culture and environment
• Functioned with a high level of ambiguity
• Interacted effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

Resumes vs. CVs

False. While there are similarities between a resume and a CV, there are also important differences. Depending on the type of job you are applying for, you may be asked to provide your resume or your CV. Both documents showcase your qualifications and experiences—that part is true—but how you organize this information, and the content you include in each document, will vary.

The vast majority of employers in the U.S. are looking for resumes. Resumes, put simply, are one-page (or two-pages if needed) summaries of your education, skills, and experience. The experiences you choose to highlight on your resume are up to you, but it’s important to note that your resume should speak to the position(s) for which you are applying. Employers often spend less than 30 seconds reviewing resumes, so it is important to be concise and well-organized in your presentation for easy scanning.

For more information on building your resume, resume templates, and CEPS student resume examples, please visit CEPS Career Documents .

If you are looking for academic positions or non-academic positions in the sciences, higher education, research, or health care, you will want to submit a CV (unless otherwise requested). CVs are also used when applying for fellowships and grant opportunities. International employers may request CVs as well, so be sure to follow the employer guidelines. A CV is a more extensive summary of your educational and academic experiences and can be several pages in length (generally more than two pages) and will include:

• Research Experiences
• Related Work Experiences
• Academic Achievements
• Publications
• Related Academic Projects
• Personal Accomplishments
• Certifications
• Additional Qualifications

Guidelines for Preparing a CV

• Arrange sections to highlight strengths for the position you are seeking
• The order of topics in a CV format is flexible, but keep your most relevant work and academic experiences near the top
• Elaborate on accomplishments and skills within categories as you would in a resume, but go more in-depth to convey your process
• List items within each category chronologically, the most recent appearing first
• Include additional headings when appropriate to underscore certification, licensures, workshops, trainings, languages, and other significant achievements
• Present information in an accessible and aesthetically pleasing format

Transforming Your CV into a Resume

Depending on your career interests, you may need an updated CV and a resume during your job search. As noted above, most employers, especially employers in industry, will prefer a resume. In order to transform your CV into a successful resume, you will want to consider the following:

• Limit your document to two full pages
• Re-evaluate your experiences based on the position for which you are applying
• Focus on your technical skills and emphasize your leadership experiences, effective communication, time management, and other transferable skills through concrete examples
• Utilize bulleted lists to capture your experiences in a succinct fashion
• Begin each bullet with a strong action verb
• List your professional and academic experiences in order of relevance to the job posting
• List only the most relevant presentations, publications, and papers

Meet with your Career Team for a resume review via Handshake

Cover Letters

A cover letter  emphasizes your interest  in a specific position and employer. Your resume is providing the who, what, when, where for employers, the  cover letter provides the why . Showcases how your background  matches  the needs of the employer. Cover letters are  not long  ― A half-page, 3 paragraphs, is best. All cover letters should be  individually created for a specific job  ― Do not use generic templates. It’s okay to get  personal  and provide examples of life experiences if they strongly highlight why you are a great fit for the role. Just remember, while personal information can help you stand out, you do not want to tell someone your whole life story, so use good judgment 

• Use  simple ,  direct language  and  correct grammar
• Letters should be  flawless  ― no typos or spelling errors
• Single-space your letters  and put in business letter format (add your heading, the date, who it’s going to, etc.)
• If printed, use  high-quality , white or off-white paper - match resume paper
• Online/email submission, save and send as a  PDF
• State why you are writing the employer
• Indicate the position and how you learned of it
• A brief sentence that gives your degree, major, college, and graduation date
• Hint at what is to come in the next paragraph by sharing general ability/value you will bring to the experience, stay broad you will get more specific in the body paragraph
• Describe how your education, experience, and personal skills make you a good match for the position
• Be specific, offering proof of your experiences and clearly describe ways you will contribute
• Outline one or two specific examples of how your skills and experiences will meet the company’s needs
• Refer to the organization you are applying to, and discuss what it is about them and the job opportunity that appeals to you ― Why do you want to work for this company specifically?
• Emphasize your knowledge of the organization (do research) and your familiarity with the field
• Avoid cliché language such as passion, love, it is a dream come true, etc.
• A genuine show of enthusiasm and knowledge will set you apart from those sending generic form letters
• Always thank the employer for considering your application
• Say what you’ll be doing to follow up on your letter, be polite and proactive but not demanding
• Provide a summative statement of your value or your strength

Cover Letter Samples

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Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample

Securing a PhD position can get smoother with our ultimate Lyon University PhD Student cover letter sample. This cover letter helped a real applicant get accepted at Lyon University. You can download this example at no cost or modify it in any way using our online cover letter builder.

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Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Herrera Learner

Dear Concern,

After a year of working as master 2 student directly in a scientific research setting, I am seeking to leverage my experience within the field of professional scientific research.

Ideally, PhD position will allow me the opportunity to utilize my experience gained as M2 internee at the professional level. If you are looking for a passionate, dedicated and hard working profile along with strong communication skills and an experience in working on pathogens, please consider my resume attached with the application.

I have done Master M2 “Therapeutic Innovations in Cancer” from Universite Claude Bernard Lyon1 in 2017. During the course of my master M2, I had an opportunity to work on HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma at Cancer Research Centre Lyon (CRCL). This internship inculcated many pragmatic accomplishments in me. As a result, I am fairly competent in following skills.

·            Cell Culturing

·            Western Blotting

·            RT-PCR

·            Working protocols in P2 and P3 laboratories

·            Plasmid construction

·            Flow Cytometry

·            CRISPR/Cas9 Technique

·            Scientific writing

Before seeking admission in Master M2, I had done my graduate degree, Doctor of Pharmacy, in 2013 from one of the leading national universities in Pakistan. Since then, every coming year has proven to be professionally more rewarding than its precedent. Working as a community pharmacist for a couple of years followed by a year of Chemistry and English teaching to high school disciples added a lot to my professional excellence. During all these professional phases, I have a history of proven results and profound findings. Given opportunity, I’m confident in my abilities to earn similar groundbreaking results while being part of your team.

For your convenience, I have attached my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in a personal interview to answer any of your questions and better present my qualifications. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail or phone call to arrange a meeting if needed.

I look forward to speaking with you soon and becoming a part of your team.

PhD Student

A PhD is the highest level of academic degree a student can be awarded. Earning a PhD usually takes between three and four years of full-time work and dedication, leading to writing a final thesis that should contribute to a specific subject in an original and significant way. As a PhD student, you will typically conduct an independent research project, collect your results, write a thesis that reflects your conclusions, submit your work as a dissertation, and defend it in an oral exam. Institutions may generally demand PhD applicants to have both a Master's degree and a Bachelor's degree.

The Lyon University is an academic community that comprises 11 member and 24 associated institutions in Lyon and Saint-Étienne. It serves as a hub for higher education and research in accordance with social changes. The three main universities focus on health & science studies, social sciences & arts, and law & humanities.

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Similar job positions

Student Internship Natural Scientist Social Scientist Nature Scientist University Student Natural Sciences Student Chemist Humanities Scientist Professions And Applied Sciences Student Humanities Student High School Student Formal Scientist

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