The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and show the prospective hiring manager and Search Committee that:
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Your background fits their particular job and department
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You have done your homework on the department
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You can be an asset to the hiring manager
Use the cover letter to expand on points from your resume that you feel are especially noteworthy or relevant.
Always include a cover letter along with a resume.
Prepare an original cover letter for each position - NOT a form letter.
How To Develop A Cover Letter
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Learn about the department
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Research the prospective department; go to the UCB homepage and type in the department name - most departments have their own websites) to see how your skills, abilities, and interests match beyond what you have already learned from the job description.
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Make sure you understand the mission of the department; are you genuinely interested in furthering their mission?
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Be open to waiting for a position in a department that excites you. You are more likely to be hired into positions when you are enthusiastic about the opportunity.
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In your cover letter, show how you are a good fit. Address your cover letter to the Search Committee.
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Use the job posting
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Take a good look at the job responsibilities and qualifications and design your cover letter to match these as much as you can.
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If job postings are vague, draw from your research of jobs with the same classification or other jobs in the same department to infer what skills and abilities might be required.
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Compare your background
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Think about your background in relation to the job responsibilities and qualifications.
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Ask yourself, “What have I done that is the same or similar to what this job entails?”
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Cover Letter Guides & Samples
Download guides and samples in MS Word format or PDF:
