Postdoc Cover Letters

[TiptoeConqueror]

In what ways (if any) should the postdoc cover letter be different than the internship cover letter? I'm struggling to figure out this limbo between training and semi-professional actualized "adult" job.

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[bigdreamer3]

In what ways (if any) should the postdoc cover letter be different than the internship cover letter? I'm struggling to figure out this limbo between training and semi-professional actualized "adult" job.

I've been struggling here as well. I've been approaching it with this in mind: Internship is your last year of generalized training so cover letters outline a wide range of experiences and highlight a few areas you could still use training in order to become a well-rounded clinician. On the other hand, postdoc is all about specialization. So instead of highlighting all of your awesome experiences, you want to highlight the experiences relevant to the area of specialization you're looking at....and then take it one step further and explicitly state how this particular site can fill in the gaps in your knowledge and training for that area. While also highlighting what skills you do have that will add to their program.

....I think?

 

[TiptoeConqueror]

I've been struggling here as well. I've been approaching it with this in mind: Internship is your last year of generalized training so cover letters outline a wide range of experiences and highlight a few areas you could still use training in order to become a well-rounded clinician. On the other hand, postdoc is all about specialization. So instead of highlighting all of your awesome experiences, you want to highlight the experiences relevant to the area of specialization you're looking at....and then take it one step further and explicitly state how this particular site can fill in the gaps in your knowledge and training for that area. While also highlighting what skills you do have that will add to their program.

....I think?

Thanks! That's a good way of looking at it. It's so hard to sum up everything in 1-2 pages. I hope other people weigh in on this, too.

 

[deuce22]

I think clinical specialization is definitely key. Most APA-accredited fellowships/residencies also emphasize training in competency areas that you don't necessarily get until postdoc, particularly clinical supervision, consultation with other professionals, administration/case management, and program evaluation. So I think it's also important to highlight fit between your goals for training in these areas and what each program offers based on the details in their handbook. This could help whoever reads your letter better determine if they can provide you what you are looking for en route to licensure, etc.

 

[ToneTone]

I've been super struggling with this. My training director tore my draft up lol and gave me a lot of pointers but now it leaves me wondering how bad my previous letters were!?

 

[carapox]

I sent in all my materials and one site has emailed me back asking me to write another cover letter that includes my interest in the kind of site it is and what my goals are for the site if I match there. Looking back, all of my cover letters wove the narrative of 'I really like your site and this is the experience that I've had that makes me qualified to work there' but they did lack the personal flair that the internship apps had. This was actually intentional as it was the advice that I received for writing cover letters for fellowship positions. I was actually told to rehash my CV, but tailor it to the site. After submitting my stuff, I found websites that said 'Whatever you do, don't rehash your CV!' I think the truth is that different training directors look for different things.

From what I've made out of everything, I think the most important thing is definitely highlighting relevant qualifying experiences. If you have the space, do add the other stuff, and remember that your letter writers will be writing on your behalf as well.