Edit this cover letterCollege Professor Cover Letter Examples
With our college professor cover letter examples and writing tips, you can increase your chances of landing a job interview!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Free College Professor Cover Letter Example
Use this free template to write a cover letter for any college professor role. Simply follow the instructions and fill in the blanks.
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
You can pair it with a professionally designed cover letter template to showcase your personal style and attract recruiters' attention.
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How to Write a College Professor Cover Letter
If you're starting to write a cover letter, the example below will help you identify must-have sections and what to include in each one.
Now that you've got an idea of the cover letter basics let's dive into the details of optimizing your letter to land a specific role.
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s header correctly
Every college professor cover letter should include a header that follows the standard business letter format. Include the date, the recipient's name and info and a formal greeting.
Strong cover letter header example:
April 10, 2025
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Chair of Sociology Department
University of California, Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Dear Dr. Mitchell,
Weak cover letter header example:
To whom it may concern,
Michael Blak
Email: michael_b@example.com
Phone: 555-1234-567
1234 Elm St, Springfield
October 45, 2023
Attn: Dr. Jones Millar
University of Smart People
1432 Ivy League Rd
Someplace, USA 9043
PRO TIP
Using the recipient's name in the greeting demonstrates attention to detail and personalizes your letter. Try to avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.“ For more options, explore our guide on addressing a cover letter when you don't know the recipient's name.
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.
Strong opening paragraph example:
As an Associate Professor with eight years of experience in sociology, I am excited to apply for the Assistant Professor position at Greenfield University. My extensive research on social dynamics positions me well for this role, as I have successfully published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in renowned journals. Recently, I increased student engagement by 35% through innovative teaching methods.
Weak opening paragraph example:
Hi, I'm keen on applying for a professor role at Riverbend College. I've been teaching for a while, honed some skills, and think this could be a cool opportunity to explore.
PRO TIP
If you know someone who works at the company and is willing to vouch for you, mention this in the first paragraph. Find examples of properly addressing this subject in our article for referral cover letter opening paragraphs.
STEP 3
Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph
Your cover letter's body paragraph should include unique achievements you didn't already mention on your resume. There's so much you can do with this section: share your long-term career goals, share anecdotes demonstrating your work ethic or commitment to the job, or narrate the story of your career growth so far.
Strong body paragraph example:
As a seasoned college professor with eight years of experience, I successfully redesigned the curriculum for the sociology department, leading to a 30% increase in student engagement. My approach focuses on integrating innovative teaching methods and evidence-based practices, ensuring comprehensive learning and critical thinking development. Mentoring over 100 students, I improved their research submissions' approval rate by 35%, showcasing robust leadership and communication skills essential for academic success.
Weak body paragraph example:
I am seeking a professor position because I need stable employment and my love for teaching is growing. I believe I have the potential to succeed in this field. Although I've never published much, my dedication and desire to teach students may compensate for this lack. I am hopeful to contribute positively.
STEP 4
Finish by encouraging next steps
The closing paragraph will be the final section of your college 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.
Strong closing paragraph:
With a Ph.D. in English Literature and extensive experience in innovative pedagogy, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the exceptional academic community at Langston University. My expertise in literary analysis and curriculum development will enable me to enrich student learning. I would welcome the opportunity for an interview to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Adams
Weak closing paragraph:
Thank you for considering my application for the professor position at your esteemed institution. I'm hoping my application will be of interest to you. I think I could potentially contribute well to your team. Feel free to contact me if you think I'm a suitable candidate.
Best regards,
Samuel Thompson
After completing this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to write a compelling cover letter for any college professor role. However, don't waste your time with word processors like Word or Google Docs; take advantage of the pre-formatted cover letter templates and content suggestions our Cover Letter Builder offers. You'll be able to create a custom cover letter in minutes!
Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for College Professor
Use this list of in-demand skills for a college professor when writing your cover letter. Include a few of these soft skills and hard skills to show employers you have the interpersonal abilities and knowledge to thrive in the role.
- Subject Matter Expertise
- Curriculum Development
- Research Proficiency
- Grant Writing
- Public Speaking
- Pedagogical Knowledge
- Student Mentorship
- Academic Publishing
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Collaborative Learning
- Digital Literacy
- Assessment Design
Find more skills and content suggestions that make sense for your college professor cover letter using our Cover Letter Builder to create a custom document. By simply sharing your desired job and writing style, we'll generate a letter in minutes!
Similar College Professor Cover Letter Examples
Find some of the best college professor cover letter examples below! Click on your favorite template to edit in our Builder.
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