EXPERT ANSWER
Nov 28, 2018 - 11:57 AM
A research statement and a cover letter are not the same thing. A research statement is a summary of research achievements and a proposal for future research. It often includes both current aims and findings, and future goals. A cover letter connects your personal, professional narrative to the needs and requirements of a job ad you’re responding to.
Let’s talk a little more about both research statements and cover letters. Research statements are usually requested as part of the job application process, and often assist in the identification of appropriate applicants.
A cover letter might not be requested as part of the job application process, but that shouldn’t stop you from including one with your application materials. The cover letter should display your understanding of a company and its goals; it should also provide examples from your professional (or even personal) past and present that show how you can help a company meet those goals. Make sure your cover letter highlight things you know about the company’s mission, vision, and values. Your cover letter is an opportunity to for you to demonstrate your writing ability, your strengths, and your knowledge of the company’s focus.
Let’s talk a little more about both research statements and cover letters. Research statements are usually requested as part of the job application process, and often assist in the identification of appropriate applicants.
A cover letter might not be requested as part of the job application process, but that shouldn’t stop you from including one with your application materials. The cover letter should display your understanding of a company and its goals; it should also provide examples from your professional (or even personal) past and present that show how you can help a company meet those goals. Make sure your cover letter highlight things you know about the company’s mission, vision, and values. Your cover letter is an opportunity to for you to demonstrate your writing ability, your strengths, and your knowledge of the company’s focus.
Aug 08, 2018 - 09:37 AM
You probably know that you should include a cover letter in your job application, but you may be less familiar with research statements. What is a research statement? Is a research statement and a cover letter the same thing?
It turns out that research statements and cover letters are similar, but ultimately different. A cover letter is organic, with its primary purpose being to explain your current situation, career objectives, and enthusiasm for the opening. A research statement, on the other hand, only relates to academic aspects, such as previous education, projects, or scholarly expertise. You can think of these two documents as the same thing, but with one relating to your career and the other relating to your education or research.
Remember that if a job description requests both a cover letter and a research statement, the information should not overlap between them. Make them each completely unique. Additionally, if it only requests a research statement, assume that the hiring manager expects both documents. Discover other common cover letter mistakes so you can avoid them.
It turns out that research statements and cover letters are similar, but ultimately different. A cover letter is organic, with its primary purpose being to explain your current situation, career objectives, and enthusiasm for the opening. A research statement, on the other hand, only relates to academic aspects, such as previous education, projects, or scholarly expertise. You can think of these two documents as the same thing, but with one relating to your career and the other relating to your education or research.
Remember that if a job description requests both a cover letter and a research statement, the information should not overlap between them. Make them each completely unique. Additionally, if it only requests a research statement, assume that the hiring manager expects both documents. Discover other common cover letter mistakes so you can avoid them.
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