how to write an application letter for a university job

Job Application Letter as an Undergraduate

Letter maker.

Embark on your career journey with confidence using our guide for writing job application letters as an undergraduate. This resource, brimming with examples and tailored advice, focuses on helping you craft “Teacher Letters” and applications that stand out. Whether you’re applying for internships, part-time jobs, or gearing up for your first full-time role, our guide equips you with the skills to effectively showcase your academic achievements, skills, and potential. Dive into practical tips and insights to navigate the job market successfully as an undergraduate.

Job Application Letter as an Undergraduate Example

[Your Full Name] [Your University Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [School’s/Organization’s Name] [School’s/Organization’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am currently a junior at [Your University], majoring in [Your Major], and I am writing to express my interest in the [Specific Position or Opportunity] at [School’s/Organization’s Name], as advertised [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My academic journey has been focused on [Relevant Coursework or Subjects], which has ignited my passion for [Field or Aspect of Teaching or Education].

During my time at university, I have been actively involved in [Relevant Clubs, Organizations, or Activities], which have honed my skills in [List Skills Relevant to the Position, such as Leadership, Communication, or Organizational Skills]. Additionally, my role as [Position/Role in University or Volunteer Work], allowed me to develop [Skills or Experiences Relevant to the Teaching Position]. These experiences have equipped me with a solid foundation in [Relevant Educational Concepts or Practices].

While I may not have extensive professional teaching experience, I bring a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to [Aspect of Education or Teaching Philosophy]. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at [School’s/Organization’s Name] because of its [Mention Specific Programs, Initiatives, or Educational Philosophy of the School].

I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired through my academic studies in a practical setting, and I am confident that I can make a meaningful contribution to your team. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my educational background and extracurricular involvement.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [School’s/Organization’s Name] and contributing to its success. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my academic background and passion for education make me a fit candidate for this role.

[Your Full Name]

[Attachment: Resume]

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How To Format a Job Application Letter as an Undergraduate

Contact information at the top.

Begin with your name, address, contact number, and email, ensuring all details are current and professional.

Strong Example

Jordan Smith 123 College Road, Campusville, MA 02139 (555) 123-4567 [email protected]

Weak Example

Jordan [email protected]

Include Date and Employer’s Details

Follow your contact information with the current date and the recipient’s name, title, institution, and address.

March 15, 2024 Dr. Emily Johnson Dean of Mathematics Department State University 456 University Lane, College City, MA 02140

2024 Math Department University

Personalized Salutation

Address the recipient by name for a personal touch, using “Dear Dr. [Last Name]” or “Dear Hiring Committee” if the name is unknown.

Dear Dr. Johnson,

Clear Introduction

State the purpose of your letter, your academic status, and where you found the job listing in the opening paragraph. Strong Example

Dear Dr. Johnson, I am writing to express my interest in the research assistant position in the Mathematics Department at State University, as listed on the university’s careers page. As a Mathematics major with a strong academic record, I am excited about this opportunity.

Hi, I’m applying for the job I found on your website.

Body with Relevant Content

Discuss your relevant academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and skills, emphasizing how they make you a suitable candidate.

In my academic coursework, I have excelled in advanced calculus and statistics, earning top grades. I’ve also engaged in a group project analyzing real-world data sets, sharpening my analytical skills. These experiences, coupled with my proficiency in Python, make me well-suited for the research assistant role.

I’ve taken math courses and like working with numbers. I think I can do the job.

Conclusive Call to Action

Conclude with enthusiasm, expressing your eagerness to contribute and inviting further discussion.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to groundbreaking research in your department and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my academic background and skills would be beneficial in this role. Thank you for considering my application.

Let me know if I get it. Thanks.

Professional Closing

Respectfully, Jordan Smith

Catch you later, Jordan

End your letter with a formal closing like “Sincerely,” followed by your name.

Effective Tips for Filling Out a Job Application Letter as an Undergraduate

When you’re an undergraduate applying for teaching positions, your job application letter needs to strategically showcase your strengths, even in the absence of extensive professional experience. Here’s how to craft a compelling letter:

Highlight Academic Strengths and Relevant Coursework

• Focus on Education : Detail your current studies, major, and any relevant coursework or projects. Highlight how your academic experiences align with the teaching position.

Demonstrate Transferable Skills

• Showcase Key Skills : Emphasize skills such as communication, organization, leadership, and adaptability, acquired through university projects, group assignments, or extracurricular activities.

Include Internship and Volunteer Experience

• Leverage Non-Professional Experience : If you’ve completed internships or volunteer work, especially in educational settings, include these to demonstrate your practical skills and passion for teaching.

Share Your Teaching Philosophy

• Articulate Your Approach to Education : Even as an undergraduate, you can have a vision for how you would approach teaching. Share your ideas about student engagement, learning methodologies, and classroom management.

Tailor the Application to the Job and School

• Customize Your Letter : Research the school or institution and mention specific aspects or programs that resonate with your skills and interests.

Show Enthusiasm for the Profession

• Express Passion for Teaching : Convey your enthusiasm for starting a teaching career. A genuine interest in education and student development can be very compelling.

Use a Clear and Engaging Tone

• Write Clearly and Professionally : Use a tone that is professional yet reflects your personality. Ensure your passion for teaching and working with students comes through.

Proofread for Perfection

• Error-Free Application : Meticulously check your letter for spelling and grammar mistakes. An error-free application shows attention to detail and professionalism.

Be Honest and Authentic

• Stay True to Yourself : Be honest about your level of experience. Focus on your learning journey and how you’re prepared to grow into the role.

Include a Call to Action

• Encourage Further Discussion : Conclude by expressing your willingness to discuss your application in more detail, showing your proactive approach.

Job Application Letter as an Undergraduate Template ( Text Version )

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date] [Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Institution/School Name] [Institution/School Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to express my interest in the [Specific Teaching Position or Role] at [Institution/School Name], as advertised [Where You Found the Job Posting]. As a current undergraduate student at [Your University/College], majoring in [Your Major], I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired to a practical teaching environment. Throughout my academic career, I have been actively involved in [Relevant Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work], where I developed [List Relevant Skills or Experiences, such as Leadership, Communication, or Teamwork]. These experiences have not only enhanced my understanding of [Relevant Subject or Educational Topic] but have also ignited my passion for teaching and education. In addition, I have completed coursework in [List Relevant Courses or Areas of Study], which has provided me with a solid foundation in [Relevant Educational Concepts or Practices]. My academic achievements and dedication to [Relevant Area of Study or Educational Initiative] demonstrate my commitment to and capability for a successful career in education. While I may not possess extensive professional teaching experience, I bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm for learning and teaching, and a strong desire to positively impact students’ educational journeys. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity at [Institution/School Name] because of its [Mention Specific Programs, Initiatives, or Educational Philosophy of the School]. Enclosed with this letter is my resume, which provides further details about my educational background and relevant experiences. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Institution/School Name] and am confident that my skills and aspirations align well with the goals of your educational team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your institution and further my professional development in the field of education. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Attachment: Resume]

Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Job Application Letter as an Undergraduate

When undergraduates apply for teaching positions, certain errors can significantly diminish the impact of their application letters. Being aware of these common mistakes is crucial to ensure your application stands out:

Lacking Specificity and Personalization

• Generic Letters : Avoid sending identical letters to different schools. Tailor each application to the specific school and position to show genuine interest and effort.

Overlooking Key Teaching Skills

• Not Highlighting Relevant Skills : Failing to emphasize skills pertinent to teaching, such as communication, adaptability, and empathy, can weaken your application.

Neglecting to Showcase Academic Achievements

• Underrepresenting Academic Background : Not adequately highlighting your academic strengths, coursework, and projects related to education can miss an opportunity to showcase your potential as a teacher.

Failing to Articulate a Teaching Philosophy

• Vague Teaching Approach : Not discussing your teaching philosophy or approach to education can leave a gap in portraying your readiness for a teaching role.

Poor Structure and Formatting

• Unorganized Presentation : An application letter that is poorly structured and formatted can be difficult to read and may convey a lack of professionalism.

Grammar and Spelling Errors

• Typos and Language Mistakes : Such errors can be a major turnoff, as they suggest a lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your letter multiple times.

Inadequate Research About the School

• Lack of School-Specific Content : Not customizing your letter to reflect knowledge of the school’s values, mission, and programs indicates a lack of thorough research and interest.

Underestimating Extracurricular Experiences

• Downplaying Non-Professional Experience : Not including or undervaluing experiences like internships, volunteer work, or university projects can overlook important opportunities to demonstrate relevant skills and enthusiasm.

Being Overly Modest or Exaggerating Qualifications

• Striking the Wrong Balance : Either being too modest about your abilities or overstating your qualifications can be detrimental. Maintain honesty and confidence in your capabilities.

Missing a Call to Action

• Not Encouraging Further Discussion : Failing to invite the potential employer to discuss your application further can make your letter seem less engaging and proactive.

How Do You Start an Undergraduate Personal Statement?

Begin with a compelling anecdote or personal experience that reflects your passion and motivation for your chosen field. Highlight what drives you and how it relates to your career goals.

How Should a College Student Write a Simple Resume?

Focus on educational achievements, relevant coursework, and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work. Include skills and internships, and maintain a clear, concise format with bullet points for readability.

Crafting a job application letter as an undergraduate involves showcasing your educational accomplishments, relevant experiences, and eagerness to enter the professional world. Emphasizing your unique journey and aspirations, even without extensive work experience, can effectively capture the interest of potential employers. This approach allows undergraduates to present a compelling narrative of their potential and readiness for the opportunities ahead.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a letter to parents informing them about the upcoming parent-teacher conference at school

Compose a letter to students congratulating them on their achievements in the recent science fair.

• Appointments

• Resume Reviews

• Undergraduates
• PhDs & Postdocs
• Faculty & Staff
• Prospective Students
• Online Students
• Career Champions
• I’m Exploring
• Architecture & Design
• Education & Academia
• Engineering
• Fashion, Retail & Consumer Products
• Fellowships & Gap Year
• Fine Arts, Performing Arts, & Music
• Government, Law & Public Policy
• Healthcare & Public Health
• International Relations & NGOs
• Life & Physical Sciences
• Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations
• Media, Journalism & Entertainment
• Non-Profits
• Pre-Health, Pre-Law and Pre-Grad
• Real Estate, Accounting, & Insurance
• Social Work & Human Services
• Sports & Hospitality
• Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
• Sustainability, Energy & Conservation
• Technology, Data & Analytics
• DACA and Undocumented Students
• First Generation and Low Income Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ+ Students
• Transfer Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Explore Careers & Industries
• Make Connections & Network
• Search for a Job or Internship
• Write a Resume/CV
• Write a Cover Letter
• Engage with Employers
• Research Salaries & Negotiate Offers
• Find Funding
• Develop Professional and Leadership Skills
• Apply to Graduate School
• Apply to Health Professions School
• Apply to Law School
• Self-Assessment
• Experiences
• Post-Graduate
• Jobs & Internships
• Career Fairs
• For Employers
• Meet the Team
• Peer Career Advisors
• Career Services Policies
• Walk-Ins & Pop-Ins
• Strategic Plan 2022-2025

Cover letters for faculty job applications

The cover letter serves as an introduction to your application package and answers the following questions: Who are you? When will you defend your dissertation (if you’re currently ABD)? Why are you interested in applying for this assistant professor position? Why are you interested in this institution? What is your dissertation research about? What are your future research plans? What kind of teaching experience do you have? How will you contribute to our department and institution? Why is the school a good fit for you and vice versa? A strong cover letter will be tailored to the institution to which you’re applying. For the humanities and social sciences it is typically 2–3 pages long, and for STEM fields 1–2 pages, but this may vary depending on your specific discipline.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

Sometimes called a “ letter of intent ” or “ letter of interest ,” a cover letter is an introduction to the rest of your job application materials. The purpose of a cover letter is to quickly summarize why you are applying to an organization or for a particular position, and what skills and knowledge you bring that make you the most suitable candidate for that position. The cover letter is often the first impression that a prospective employer will have of you, especially if they do not know you or have not heard about you from their network of contacts. First impressions count, and so getting your cover letter right is a critical step in your job application process. Like all your job application materials, it may take time and focus to write your cover letters well. You will likely have several drafts before you come up with a final version that clearly articulates your skills and your understanding of the employer and the job requirements.

While your CV briefly states your skills, knowledge, experience, and (most importantly) what you have achieved using your abilities, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to create a narrative that shows the path you have taken in your career or education, emphasizing the skills you’ve used along the way, and explaining why the position you are applying to is the next desirable step on this path.

Timeline: Getting Started with Your Cover Letter

Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to have a good CV. Your cover letter expands upon some of the information you include within these documents and describes the role you have played in achieving your academic goals (i.e., showing how your experiences have made you the best candidate for the position).

Step 2: The next step is to find an open position that interests you. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter, as each should be tailored to each job you apply to, but there will certainly be parts of the letter that will stay much the same and be appropriate for multiple jobs. A 1-3 page cover letter might be the norm when applying for a tenure-track faculty position, but you need to check with your own department to find out what the standards are in your field.

Step 3: Go through the job ad and carefully note all of the requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Based on your background research of the employer and the people you have spoken to who know about this employer (whether a business or a university department), try to identify the two or three most important skills that the employer is looking for. You should then try to create a cover letter that illustrates that you have these skills and have used them effectively.

When applying for faculty positions, you will be expected to spend some time in your cover letter talking about your past research experiences and future research goals as well as your teaching—even though you may have covered these in more detail in your research statement and teaching philosophy documents. How much time you need to spend talking about teaching and research will depend on the nature of the position and your field of study. For some humanities and social sciences applications, you will not be asked for a separate research statement, and this information will need to be integrated into the cover letter. Cover letters for scientific positions will generally be shorter, as more (but not all) of the information about research will be covered in the research statement.

Keep in mind that academic letters also need to cover everything that non-academic cover letters address. You need to show that you are not only a good academic, but that you are a good person to work with who is committed to making meaningful contributions at that particular institution. Make sure that you address the requirements of the position as stated in the job ad. Speak to faculty in your department to get a sense of what is expected in cover letters in your discipline. See if any faculty you know have been involved in search committees, and find out what they looked for in cover letters.

Additional Resources

For further tips, tricks, and strategies for writing an academic cover letter, see the resources below:

• The PhD Career Training Platform is an eLearning platform with on-demand, self-paced modules that allow PhDs and postdocs to make informed decisions about their career path and learn successful job search strategies from other PhDs. Select the University of Pennsylvania from the  drop-down menu, log in using your University ID, and click the “Faculty Careers” tab to learn more about application documents for a faculty job search.
• How to Write a Successful Cover Letter
• How to Write a Persuasive Cover Letter
• 6 Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter
• Writing a Compelling Cover Letter for Faculty Roles (video)
• Cover Letters for Research-Intensive Faculty
• Cover Letters for Teaching-Intensive Faculty

Cover Letter Samples

The cover letter samples below were provided by Penn graduates and postdocs after their successful job searches and represent a range of disciplines.

Explore other application documents: