Get Results This Year With a Science Cover Letter

Updated February 29, 20241.2k

Scientists possess great knowledge acquired from research. Learn how to highlight your expertise and show it off to a hiring manager in a cover letter.

Science Cover Letter Example

There are many career paths and potential jobs within the scientific field. You must know exactly what your hiring manager is looking for so you can write a cover letter that appeals to them. Here’s how to use a science cover letter to improve your chances of getting a new job.

Science Cover Letter Example

What should a professional cover letter look like in the scientific field? Here’s a great cover letter sample for you to start with.

Dear Mr. Smith,

My parents always tell me they knew I loved science before I could even properly talk, as I would run my own “experiments” with help from my big brother in the backyard. As an adult, I turned this drive into a love for laboratory science and eventually attended the University of Phoenix. I am pleased to apply for the research scientist position at Company Name.

For over six years, I’ve been in the field of climate research, mainly focusing on microplastics and mitigating their negative impact on animal and plant life. I love working within a team and discussing what projects I’m currently working on. I have had many scientific breakthroughs at lunch breaks, and I’m excited to see how becoming part of a new team could benefit your company.

Your research projects in this field interest me, and I hope to be able to discuss how I could contribute. I look forward to speaking with you. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mirian Teague

Although this cover letter may seem short, it’s a great starting point.

Tips for Writing Your Science Cover Letter Using This Example

Begin writing your cover letter by including a header with your contact information: phone number, email address and professional social media links, such as your LinkedIn profile. Use the correct salutation; instead of a generic opening like “To Whom It May Concern,” start with the hiring manager's full name. From there, you can begin writing the rest of the cover letter.

First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a hook and list your best achievements

From the first sentence, you want to hook the recruiter and keep them reading your cover letter. This applicant discusses that her love of science started when she was very young and then discusses what she did with that love, mentioning where she majored. This first paragraph should ensure that the recruiter is already interested in you, immediately thinking that you might be the best person for this job.

Second paragraph: Give more information about how you’re the best fit for the job

In the second paragraph, go over your qualifications and achievements. Here, the applicant mentions that she’s been in this field for more than six years and discusses her work in microplastics and her strong ability to work alongside a team. Remember to look at the job posting and highlight key terms and phrases so you can include these in your cover letter.

Third paragraph: Call to action

Finally, in the third paragraph, you should remind the hiring manager what sets you apart from other job seekers, then end with a call to action asking for a job interview. This applicant directly states that she believes she could help with this company’s research, letting the recruiter know she can expand on this information during an interview.

FAQ: Science Cover Letters

Do I really need a cover letter to get a science job?

It’s always a good idea to add a cover letter to your job application, even if the job ad doesn’t say you need one. This helps you express more about your work history and skills. You can use the ResumeNerd cover letter builder to make it easier. Remember to proofread your cover letter thoroughly. Grammatical errors and typos can negatively impact an otherwise effective cover letter.

How long should my cover letter be to get a science job?

You should try to keep your cover letter between half a page and three-quarters of a page. This gives you enough space to go over everything in the job description, but it isn’t so long that a hiring manager might just choose to skip over it. Avoid going over an entire page, even if you have a lot of experience and knowledge in your field. ResumeNerd cover letter templates are built for one-page cover letters and a letter longer than that might not be as effective.

Does this cover letter example work if I don’t have a lot of experience?

If you don’t have much experience in your field, you can still write a good cover letter. Instead of focusing on your past experiences and achievements, focus on your skills and education. You can also provide information about metrics regarding your academic experience, such as being at the top of your class or providing help in an internship.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.