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The cover letter should be no longer than 2 pages and should expand on your most relevant  \naccomplishments 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.  \nTips for condensing research and teaching  \nh 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.  \nh Begin by drafting longer statements about teaching (the teaching statement) and research (dissertation abstract, research statement) .  \nh Pare down these statements for different lengths: one page, one paragraph.  \nh 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’sthe main take-away you want them to know about you?  \nh 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.  \n48 Application Materials for Careers in Academia  \n| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES |  | UCLA |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MERCED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO | SANTA BARBARA | • SANTA CRUZ |\n| DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY\u003Cbr>149 FRANZ BUILDING\u003Cbr>BOX 951530 LOS ANGELES, CA 90095 • 1530\u003Cbr>(310) 825 • 4173 |  |  |\n\nDate  \nSearch Committee Chair Department  \nUniversity Address  \nCity, State Zip Code  \nDear Search Committee Members,  \nIntroduction State the position for which you are applying. In one or two sentences introduce yourself and include your dissertation title, chair, and degree completion date. You can end this paragraph by explaining the topic and findings of your project and the fields in which it intervenes which should include the field(s) to which you are applying.  \nDissertation/Thesis Give a slightly more detailed version of your project’s main findings – this can include methodology as well as a snapshot of what you’re examining. Follow this up with a statement about how your work extends or corrects existing scholarship. What gap in the field do you address? Provide a short overview of the dissertation trajectory that includes where you begin and where you end. If you have publications from your dissertation or thesis, mention the most impactful and relevant manuscripts.  \nFuture Research This paragraph is about your future research, productivity and your ability to earn tenure or promotion. Outline your planned future projects as they relate to your research interests, highlighting your range and focus – and how you can further complement departmental offerings. Clarify who your audience is by specifically identifying journals and presses you plan to submit projects to, to further demonstrate your research productivity. For a teaching-focused position or for shorter cover letters, you might have a single paragraph on research that covers your dissertation, publications, and future research plans.  \nTeaching Briefly state your approach to teaching or pedagogical orientation. Give one or two examples that demonstrate your teaching philosophy in action. T","cbCaicGbHAt55Qij","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaicGbHAt55Qij","pdf",103964,"English","# Overview\n## Tips for Condensing Research and Teaching\n# Cover Letter Sections\n## Introduction\n## Dissertation/Thesis\n## Future Research\n## Teaching\n## Fit\n## Closing","[{\"question\":\"What should an academic cover letter communicate to a search committee?\",\"answer\":\"It should describe scholarly fit with the position, organization, and department, highlight the most relevant accomplishments, and situate the work in the context outlined by the role.\"},{\"question\":\"How long should the academic cover letter be?\",\"answer\":\"The cover letter should be no longer than two pages.\"},{\"question\":\"What key sections should be included in an academic cover letter?\",\"answer\":\"Include an introduction, dissertation/thesis section, future research, teaching approach, fit with the department, and a closing with availability and included materials.\"}]","Academic Cover Letter Template - Cover Letter Structure and Tips | PDF"]