Resume Cover Letter Writing - Guide to Cover Letter Writing

COVER LETTER

A cover letter is one of important elements of the pack of documents which a student should prepare when applying for any educational program. It is addressed to people in the admissions office of the educational establishment and to the head of the department you are planning to study at. Cover letter is always taken into account when deciding whether to accept an applicant or not.

The main problem with a cover letter - it should be brief enough, and at the same time quite comprehensive. It should not contain your autobiography and monotonous grateful sentences addressing the representatives of the department who agreed to consider your application.

The qualities you have to pinpoint in a cover letter are, at the first place, cleverness (as intellect is essential for academic activity) and erudition. Also it is important to show that you are able to convey you idea concisely and orderly. You should show the reader that you are interested in the education process as such, as well as in the major you have chosen. Though you might have elaborated upon these things in an admission letter and the statement of purpose, it is not a problem to repeat yourself stating briefly your interest to the branch of science related to your specialization. If you are changing your major it should also be indicated, and you may say what the knowledge obtained by you in the past is likely to help you become proficient in the new major.

In your cover letter, you may say what your possible contributions to the university you are entering are. This advice is especially topical for those applying for master or PhD programmes. You may briefly state that you have had certain scientific experience, but there is no need to elaborate upon it, as you have already written that in your CV, statement of purpose and/or admission letter.

The standard volume of a cover letter is one page. As far as the style of a cover letter is concerned, it is crucial to remember that it is a formal document. Without using too complex language constructions, you should still aim to make the letter sound official. No contractions should be used - that is, for instance, write "I am", not "I'm".