Postdoc Cover Letter

[EPPP123]

Does anyone have resources for a sample cover letters for Postdocs? Searches here and more broadly are coming up empty. I'm not speaking to the formal APPIC postdoc application process, but a more general submission for a postdoctoral position; a cover letter to accompany a CV, writing sample, and whatnot.

I'd be especially interested in letters that speak to a less traditional path to a postdoc (2nd/later-life career, taking a break from the field, promoting life experiences in addition to formal training, seeking a postdoc to meet licensure criteria in a new state, etc.)

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[singasongofjoy]

Not sure how much they speak to less traditional path- I worked for a few years before returning to school but still in the field- but if you pm me I'm happy to share a couple of examples.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I wouldn't put in anything about second career, life experiences, and taking a break from the field in a cover letter applying for a job. Psychology was a second/third career for me and I had a gap between internship and postdoc. I talked about this during interview if it came up. I always make my cover letters short and sweet as most people are too busy to read something that is long-winded.

Dear person I am trying to impress,
I am very interested in this position because it sounds great for this and this reason. I feel that I would be a good fit for this and this reason. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting with you to talk about this great opportunity more.
Sincerely,
Person desperately needing a postdoc for licensure and income, Ph.D.​

 

[ItsNotMe_ItsYou]

Does anyone have resources for a sample cover letters for Postdocs? Searches here and more broadly are coming up empty.

Thank you so much for asking this question! I was surprised to learn how little information is out there. It has been difficult turning off the doctoral student cover letter mindset. The general consensus has been quite similar to what @smalltownpsych mentioned. Short and sweet.

Youtube had some helpful videos on writing that perfect cover letter. Things to do, things not to do.

Best of luck! If you're still stuck, maybe we can trade resources or help each other out.