Writing an Effective Science Cover Letter

When you’re applying for a job, your cover letter has one purpose. It should convince the hiring manager that your skills and experience might be right for the job and that you are worth further consideration. Therefore, if the application process allows for the submission of a cover letter, you should submit one. In highly competitive fields such as the hard sciences, the cover letter for a scientist job application may be the difference between getting an interview and getting no response at all.

Learn More: How to Write a Cover Letter

A science cover letter includes the typical summary of your experience and qualifications, but it also focuses on your academic credentials, presentations, publications, and research projects on which you may have worked. Internships and fellowships may figure prominently in a cover letter for a scientist position. Here are a few things to consider as you are creating yours:

Learn More: How to List Publications on Resume

Use the format of a standard business letter

Take the time to identify the hiring manager so that you can use the correct name and address in the letter. Phrases like “To Whom It May Concern,” are outdated and don’t demonstrate a sincere interest in the position. When a job has hundreds of applicants, a generic form cover letter gives the hiring manager a reason to eliminate you. Unless it’s specifically prohibited in the posting, call the company to get a specific name from the Human Resources department. Try to get the name of the person who will be doing the initial review of the applications.

Introduce yourself right away

Give an overview of your education, experience, and skills but don’t repeat exactly what is on your resume. Share what you feel are your greatest accomplishments, research projects, or publications. Then go one step further and relate those achievements to the position for which you are applying.

Refer to the job posting or description and describe how you are a good match. For example, if you are applying for a job as a researcher in a laboratory environment, choose an accomplishment that highlights your experience in that setting. If the job description lists a particular piece of equipment, describe your experience with it. Show the employer how you improved safety in the computer science lab, reduced operating expenses, or increased efficiencies.

Explain why you are a great fit

You want to go beyond showing why you are a good fit for the job. You want to show the hiring manager why you are the best choice for the company. To effectively sell yourself as the ideal match for the business, you need to research the company thoroughly. You want to understand the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and you want to develop an understanding of what the business needs you to achieve on its behalf if you are the selected candidate.

You may be able to find the information you need online, but if not, network with your connections to find someone who works there who can give you insight. Tailor your cover letter to the specific position to which you are applying rather than speaking in broader terms about the sciences. Share how your personal and professional goals align with those of the company.

Describe briefly how you, as the ideal candidate for the job, can help the company meet its goals. The employer will be impressed with the time and effort you put into learning about the enterprise. Understanding the organization’s position demonstrates that you are interested in contributing to its success.

Learn More: How to End the Perfect Cover Letter

Proofread carefully

Simple mistakes such as these in your science cover page make it far too easy for a hiring manager to pass over your application in favor of a more careful candidate. Pay special attention to scientific terminology and vocabulary specific to the company or the position. While online proofreading programs can help catch basic errors, don’t rely completely on software to check your spelling and grammar. Some types of errors will make it past those filters. Proofread carefully yourself and have someone else review it as well.

Learn More: How to Write a Resume

Use a professional tone

While some sources may recommend a conversational and casual tone, the sciences tend to be more formal. Strive for a tone that is professional but cordial, expressing confidence and enthusiasm without venturing into hyperbole. The only exception would be if you are applying to work for an employer known for a low-key, casual atmosphere. If you don’t know what the work environment is like, visit the company website and talk with your contacts to learn more. Matching the tone of your letter to that of the company is a good way to stand out from other applicants.

Learn More: Words and Phrases to Never Include in a Cover Letter

Science cover letter samples can be helpful to help you get started. Here is one that may give you some ideas:

January 4, 2021

Charles Thompson

Hiring Manager

Jackson Laboratories

2468 West Forest Avenue

Medon TN 38356

Dear Mr. Thompson:

My name is Leigh Canovan, and I would like to be the next Laboratory Safety Manager at your Medon facility as advertised in your posting dated December 15, 2020. I hold a Master’s degree in Laboratory Sciences and more than 15 years of experience in similar roles. I am competent in all of the equipment listed in the job description. In fact, in my current role, I successfully negotiated a new contract for safety equipment, saving my employer more than $10,000 per year. These skills are a good match for the budget management responsibilities described in the job posting.

Based on my research, I understand that Jackson Laboratories prides itself on the safety of its facilities and has set a goal of having zero lost-time workplace injuries. The job description states that the Laboratory Safety Manager is responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the proper equipment to achieve that goal. Improving laboratory safety is a passion of mine as demonstrated in my success in my current role. We have had no lost-time accidents in our facility for the last five years, and I would take great pride in helping Jackson Laboratories reach similar success.

The job posting also mentions that Jackson Laboratories would like to get involved in researching new innovations in lab safety. I recently co-authored a study on several new types of personal protective equipment, demonstrating my experience and ability to help the company implement such a plan. Also, in 2015, I was the lead researcher in another study on the use of new materials in safety goggles. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about this position. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this more with you in an interview.

Sincerely,

Leigh Canovan

Here is a template to help you get started with your biotech cover letter:

Date

Name of the hiring manager

Title of the hiring manager

Name of the company

Address of the company

City, State, ZIP

Dear prefix and name of the hiring manager:

The first sentence introduces you and gives a direct statement about why you want the job. Briefly outline your education, experiences, and qualifications without repeating word-for-word what is on your resume. Describe an accomplishment that demonstrates why you are the best person for the job.

The second paragraph should show what you have learned from your research on the company. Describe why your own professional goals are aligned with those of the company. Draw from your own experience and describe how it matches what the employer is looking for in the job description. Talk about how you can help the company rather than how the company can help you.

The third paragraph is similar to the second. It should further describe how you are a good match for the company. Close it out with a show of appreciation for the hiring manager’s time and a desire for an interview.

Closing statement,

Signature

A well-done science cover letter can help you stand out in a competitive field of applicants, whether it’s for a full-time job, an internship, a fellowship, or a teaching position. Once you have that interview, get prepared by researching salaries for the position in the current market.

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