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Assistant Professor Cover Letter Examples

Explore assistant professor cover letter examples to help you apply for jobs quicker and more efficiently. Read on for cover letter tips tailored to your target job and more customizable templates.

Gabriela Hernandez
Written by Gabriela Hernandez
Last Updated: July 2, 2025

Free Assistant Professor Cover Letter Example

We've created this free cover letter template with instructions on how to write each paragraph. Fill in the rest of the blanks to ensure proper letter formatting.

Your name

[City, State ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Company Name]

[OPTIONAL: Department Name]

[Company Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],

This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.

This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.

The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer’s needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.

The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating an essential qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer’s consideration.

Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.

Sincerely,

— Your Full Name

If you want to make it more presentable, check out our professional cover letter templates, which include more than a dozen customizable job-appropriate designs.

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How to Write a Assistant Professor Cover Letter

The following cover letter example will help you identify the key sections in a cover letter and what to include in each one.

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Now, we'll go over detailed advice on how to write a cover letter that lands you the assistant professor role you want.

STEP 1

Format your cover letter’s header correctly

Every cover letter must have a properly formatted header. In this first section, you'll share the letter's date, details about the recipient and a formal greeting.

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Strong cover letter header example:

April 10, 2025

 

Dr. Michael Adams

Department Chair

University of California, San Francisco

513 Parnassus Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94143

 

Dear Dr. Adams,

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Weak cover letter header example:

April 09, 2025
To whom it may consern,
Michele Bananas
123 Main Streeet
Anytown, ZZ 12345
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: michele.bananas@emailcom
Dear PepsiCo University Human Resource Department,
Sincerely,
Michael Bananas

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PRO TIP

Never address your letter's recipient with a generic salutation. If you can't find the recruiter's information, you can address your cover letter with “Dear Hiring Manager.“

STEP 2

Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph

Quickly capture hiring managers' attention with an engaging first paragraph highlighting your most impressive qualifications. List skills and achievements that show you meet the key job requirements to make a solid first impression. Be professional with your words, but don't be afraid to sound genuine in your interest in the role.

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Strong opening paragraph example:

As a lecturer with five years of experience in higher education, I am eager to apply for the assistant professor position at Stanford University. My expertise in curriculum development has prepared me for this role, particularly through my leadership of a project that improved student engagement by 30% over two semesters. I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovative teaching.

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Weak opening paragraph example:

Hey there, I'm interested in the assistant professor job at Academic Institute. I have some experience in education and feel like I could contribute to your team a lot.

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PRO TIP

If a current employee has referred you for this position, mention this in the opening paragraph. Our referral cover letter openings article shows you how to do this.

STEP 3

Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph

Your cover letter's body paragraph will comprise the bulk of your document and should focus on quantifiable achievements and additional key skills. You can also get more personal with this section and show employers your passion for the job or career goals.

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Strong body paragraph example:

With a proven track record in academia, I excelled at XYZ University, where I spearheaded a curriculum overhaul for advanced chemistry courses, boosting student engagement by 35%. My dedication to research and inclusive teaching earned a grant increasing departmental funding by 22%. As a skilled communicator adept in both curriculum design and data analysis, I thrive in collaborative, high-stakes environments and am eager to contribute these strengths to your esteemed faculty.

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Weak body paragraph example:

I am applying for the assistant professor position because I am eager to advance in academia. While I don't have extensive teaching experience, I am enthusiastic about learning. My knowledge in my field is solid, although I have not had much chance to demonstrate it yet. I believe I can contribute, given a chance.

STEP 4

Finish by encouraging next steps

The closing paragraph will be the final section of your assistant professor cover letter. Use this section to share any final skills or qualifications you possess and state your interest in a future interview. Go for confident tone and proper sign-off before signing your name.

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Strong closing paragraph:

With a proven track record in research and teaching, I am eager to contribute my expertise to the dynamic faculty at Northeastern University. My experience in curriculum development and student mentoring uniquely equip me for the Assistant Professor role. I am enthusiastic about discussing my potential contribution further. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Turner

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Weak closing paragraph:

I am interested in the assistant professor role. I think I could be a good addition to your team. I genuinely wish to contribute, and I am open to guidance. If there is an interest, feel free to reach out. I appreciate your time reviewing my application.
Sincerely,
Michael Carter

Now you've completed your cover letter! Writing a cover letter is easier when you take it section by section. To simplify the process, we've built a great Cover Letter Builder that will generate a custom letter in minutes. Check it out!

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Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for Assistant Professor

Your assistant professor cover letter is great for sharing more relevant skills. Here are some of the most in-demand skills for a assistant professor. Ensure you mention both soft skills and hard skills that show you're a well-rounded candidate.

  1. Subject Matter Expertise
  2. Curriculum Development
  3. Research Methodology
  4. Grant Writing
  5. Peer Collaboration
  6. Academic Writing
  1. Pedagogical Techniques
  2. Public Speaking
  3. Mentorship
  4. Data Analysis
  5. Cultural Competence
  6. Assessment Design

You'll be able to find more personalized skills and content suggestions for your cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder. Simply type in your target role and writing style, and the Cover Letter Builder will automatically generate a full page of content tailored to your unique specifications.

Related Resources

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez large profile photo

Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Gabriela holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico and offers more than four years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation.

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