Choose a font that is not too big, not too small, not in color, definitely not comic sans
and NOT IN CAPS -- 12-point Arial or Helvetica are easy to read and look professional.
Avoid slang, attempts at humor, and ending sentences with an exclamation point!
Step #2: Create a draft of your Cover Letter
Address your potential future employer properly – Dear “Dr. (insert surname here).” If
you start with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern,” your application could
be dismissed as generic and untailored for the position. If you cannot find the time to
use the investigator’s name then you will be dismissed as not taking initiative and your
letter will likely go to the recycling bin. If you do not invest the time to learn about the
PI and their research, then the PI is unlikely to invest their time to read your application.
Paragraph #1:
o First sentence -- state why you are writing the letter. Get right to the point — “I
am applying for the postdoctoral position available in your laboratory that was
recently advertised (where).”
o Second sentence – give your current position, place of work and mentor. If you
are not immediately available for the position (still need to finish thesis, for
example), it is useful to mention when you will be able to start. End the first
paragraph with just one or two concise sentences that hint at why you are the
ideal candidate for this position (techniques or model systems).
Paragraph #2 – Further elaborate on why you should be considered for a postdoc in this
particular laboratory. Customize your letter and outline how your skills match or
complement those of the Principal Investigator. Use the keywords that you identified in
the job description or from the publications from the Principal Investigator’s laboratory.
Failure to be specific to that Principal Investigator’s work makes you look uninterested
and lack initiative -- who would want to hire someone like that? Also identify areas
that you want to learn from the Principal Investigator’s laboratory.
Paragraph #3 – Highlight a few key achievements -- your most important paper or two, a
grant or fellowship, or other notable honors (an award-winning presentation at a
conference, for example). If you have experience training others in a technique, mention
that. But keep it brief – you are highlighting what should be provided in your CV. (make
sure you include your CV).
Paragraph #4 – Thank the investigator for taking the time to read your CV and for
considering you for this position. Be sure to provide your contact information and state
that you look forward to hearing from him or her. The cover letter should be 1- 1 ½ pages
max.