Another entry in the Cover Letter contest; this one nicely captures the phenomenon of "I am going to collaborate with Professors X, Z, and You" in such letters, crossing the line between noting points of mutual research interests to a specific announcement of future collaboration.
Dear Search Committee:
I am writing to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow/Instructor/Assistant Professor at your Liberal Arts College/Large University. I am currently a grad student of Professor X at Prestigious University, working in algebraic geometry. My adviser said that I will probably defend this spring if I get my act together.
I first learned about your Large University/Liberal Arts College when I stood in line next to Professor Big Name at Huge Conference, and she mentioned that my talk looked ``interesting'' and that she even might come to it.
I am passionate about research! Enclosed you will find my research statement. I am certain that Professor Big Name will find my work fascinating, and I have contacted her to let her know that I plan to collaborate with her when I arrive at your institution.
I am also passionate about teaching (but not too passionate if that's not your thing)! I consistently receive above average student evaluations. One student once told me that I am ``the best,'' but unfortunately did not mention this on the evaluations. Her email address is available upon request.
While I did have to check the ``Yes'' box next to your question ``Have you ever been convicted of a felony?'' I just want you to know that I have since returned all of the merchandise.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration! I will check back soon.
Warmest regards,
Alex Awesome
I am writing to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow/Instructor/Assistant Professor at your Liberal Arts College/Large University. I am currently a grad student of Professor X at Prestigious University, working in algebraic geometry. My adviser said that I will probably defend this spring if I get my act together.
I first learned about your Large University/Liberal Arts College when I stood in line next to Professor Big Name at Huge Conference, and she mentioned that my talk looked ``interesting'' and that she even might come to it.
I am passionate about research! Enclosed you will find my research statement. I am certain that Professor Big Name will find my work fascinating, and I have contacted her to let her know that I plan to collaborate with her when I arrive at your institution.
I am also passionate about teaching (but not too passionate if that's not your thing)! I consistently receive above average student evaluations. One student once told me that I am ``the best,'' but unfortunately did not mention this on the evaluations. Her email address is available upon request.
While I did have to check the ``Yes'' box next to your question ``Have you ever been convicted of a felony?'' I just want you to know that I have since returned all of the merchandise.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration! I will check back soon.
Warmest regards,
Alex Awesome
5 comments:
"I am certain that Professor Big Name will find my work fascinating, and I have contacted her to let her know that I plan to collaborate with her when I arrive at your institution."
Dear FSP: Suppose there is both contact with and interest from Professor Big Name to collaborate. How would you rephrase this sentence? Also, is it really that bad to mention interest to collaborate in cover letters?
The criminal record part is hilarious!
I particularly like the felony.
Well they do tell you to tailor your cover letter for each university. At first, I was trying to find the specific people and labs I would collaborate from that university. But then, just leave aside the time it takes to find all these, I faced the issue of politics, and got advised that I should not give specific names because I could never know how the politics would work in that dept. Now, I am just changing the school name and sending the same letter. I do not think that was the "tailoring" I was advised of, but I do not know any other way. I guess they want me to pick the keywords that would relate to a job ad and iterate them, but really, they are either looking for very specific people, or will consider anyone. Ideas would be much appreciated for this problem.
"While I did have to check the ``Yes'' box next to your question ``Have you ever been convicted of a felony?'' I just want you to know that I have since returned all of the merchandise."
The above statement is hilarious. Do people really write something akin to the above in cover letters?
@Anon 1, the wisest thing to do in this situation is to email Professor Big Name and tell him/her you have applied, once your application is in. If they are indeed interested in a collaboration or in hiring you, they'll get in touch with the search committee themselves.
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