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Grad Lounge Column Archives |
| How to Write a Letter of Application for a University Position By Elizabeth A. Wilkins |
| Are you a graduate student who would like to work as a tenure-track faculty member, instructor, or adjunct at a university or college? If you answered “yes,” then you need to keep in mind that applying for a job in higher education is different from seeking a position in a PreK–12 setting. The first step to getting hired is to write an appropriate and convincing letter of application. Five key paragraphs usually make up this type of letter: |
Introductory Paragraph |
| • | The first sentence must identify the name of the job to which you are applying. Include the type of position (e.g., tenure-track or adjunct instructor) and other identifying criteria, such as a reference number. |
| • | Mention where you saw the position advertised (e.g., newspaper, Chronicle of Higher Education, or the job site of a professional organization). |
| • | Describe in 1–2 sentences why the position is a good fit for you. For example, explain how your experience as a public or private school teacher aligns well with the job description and/or how the institution fits well with your philosophy or past education. |
| • | End the paragraph with a transition sentence that tells the reader you next will elaborate on your teaching, research, scholarship, and service to detail how your skill set fits well with the position advertised. |
| Teaching Paragraph |
| • | Describe your teaching experiences. Be sure to include the grade levels and names of courses you have taught, as well as the length of time you have taught them, and the type of students you have instructed. This description should highlight your skills and experiences that align with the position advertised. |
| • | Strongly consider including 2–3 sentences about the pedagogical approach you typically use in the classroom (e.g., instructional methods, ability to differentiate lessons). |
| • | Conclude this paragraph with a succinct sentence that defines how your teaching experience fits well with the job description. |
| Research and Scholarship Paragraph |
| • | In this paragraph, elaborate on your research and scholarship: thesis or dissertation topic, action research completed in your classroom, or collaborative research projects with colleagues. |
| • | List the names of conferences where you have presented your work and the focus of each of those presentations. Local venues, such as regional workshops as well as biennial Convo workshops should be included. |
| • | Add 2–3 sentences that describe the foci of your current research and plans for future research projects and/or articles. |
| • | This section is also the place to mention articles you have submitted to various journals, including KDP’s New Teacher Advocate, Record, or The Educational Forum. |
| • | Conclude this paragraph with a sentence that relates how your research/scholarship adds to your credentials for the job you seek. |
| Service Paragraph |
| • | Describe your service to the field of education (e.g., membership in KDP, committee work, school and district service-related activities). |
| • | Mention how your work has impacted student learning, preservice, and/or inservice professional development. |
| • | Include 2–3 sentences that illustrate your future service goals (consider opportunities at the state, regional, and national levels). |
| • | Conclude this paragraph with a sentence that describes how your service fits with the job description. |
| Closing Paragraph |
| • | Your closing statements should concisely explain that your teaching, research/scholarship, and service experience make you well prepared for the advertised position. |
| • | Follow with how you believe you can contribute to the department and college at large. |
| • | Conclude with a statement that you are forwarding all required information for consideration (e.g., letters of recommendation and transcripts) and that you look forward to hearing from them. |
| This five-paragraph letter gives the search committee a clear idea of your strengths and how your experience and skills as a professional educator fit the position advertised. It is your first impression. Therefore, a strong letter of application fortifies your chances of being considered for the position and getting a job interview!
Elizabeth A. Wilkins Associate Professor Department of Teaching and Learning Northern Illinois University |
