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Graduate assistant cover letter (text)
Oliver Hudson
San Diego, CA 92111
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
April 26, 2023
Ian Rosen,
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 555-555-5555
E-Mail: example@example.com
Dear Ian Rosen,
I read your listing for the position of graduate assistant and wanted to express my interest in taking on this role. Not only am I enthusiastic about this position, but I have all the qualities you are looking for.
My passion for learning is evident in my qualifications and achievements. I have over four years of experience in academics and administrative support. During this time, I have taken on duties such as project facilitation, curriculum development, mentoring 10 students and leading two weekly seminars to discuss research findings and build ideas to progress projects. Currently, I am pursuing a graduate degree in teaching and have had great success working with students and teachers.
I also have extensive experience with computers and am well-versed in data entry and analysis. I have used these tools to complete research projects, among other tasks, and I can bring extensive knowledge of current technology to the table.
I believe I have a lot to offer if you choose me for this position. My passion for learning is backed up by real experience and qualifications. I would love to meet and discuss this further in an interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration of my candidacy.
Best regards,
Oliver Hudson
How to format a graduate assistant cover letter
Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to make a great first impression and introduce yourself to a hiring manager. It’s a chance to showcase your skills and qualifications, expand on your resume and demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. That’s a lot for one page, but it’s easy to do!
And it all begins with the right cover letter format.
Use the business format for your graduate assistant cover letter
A cover letter is a business letter, so use the standard business letter format for a graduate assistant cover letter.
Use 1 and ¼ inch margins on all sides, single space and left alignment on your one-page document.
As our graduate assistant cover letter example shows, your cover letter must also include:
- A header with your name, city, state, ZIP code and telephone number.
- A greeting, like “Dear Alice Walters,” “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Graduate Assistant Department.”
- A simple closing, like “Best regards” or “Respectfully.”
The best way to ensure your cover letter is formatted correctly and passed most application tracking systems (ATS) is to use a cover letter template. Plug it into our Cover Letter Builder and we’ll do the work for you. You’ll have a professional cover letter for a graduate assistant matching your resume in minutes.
How to write a graduate assistant cover letter
Start with a compelling introduction
Be clear, concise and direct. Your graduate assistant cover letter will be scanned in seconds by hiring managers. Hook them from the start with an elevator pitch. Let them know why you’re interested in the job, what you bring to the table and why your qualifications make you the best person for the job.
Use accomplishments to explain why you’re a great fit for the role
The body of your graduate assistant cover letter should paint an in-depth picture of your career while providing insight into your interests and values. In one or two paragraphs, use action verbs to describe your unique accomplishments and keywords from the job description to explain your hard and soft skills.
Close with a call to action
Like our graduate assistant cover letter examples, use the final paragraph to thank the hiring manager for their time and reiterate your interest in the job. Close by inviting them to contact you to learn more about your qualifications.
Pair your graduate assistant cover letter with a matching resume
Graduate assistant cover letter FAQ
How to write a cover letter for a graduate assistant position who previously had no experience?
When writing a cover letter for a graduate assistant position without prior experience, begin by highlighting your academic achievements and relevant coursework. Focus on transferable skills gained from volunteering or relevant extracurricular activities. Emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to learn. Mention any faculty members in the department whose research aligns with your interests. Finally, show how you can bring value to the position, department and university.
Do I need a graduate assistant cover letter?
Yes. A graduate assistant cover letter plays a vital role in your job application, as a resume only tells part of your story. A cover letter serves as an introduction, highlighting your unique qualities, explaining gaps or career shifts and showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. Moreover, a well-crafted cover letter helps you stand out from other applicants, increasing your chances of being invited for an interview.
How long should a cover letter be?
Your cover letter for a graduate assistant job should be one-half to one-page long and one-half-a page minimum. Aim for about 300-500 words.
Do’s and don’ts for building a graduate assistant cover letter
- Address the recruiter or hiring manager directly.
- Explain what attracted you to the company in one or two sentences.
- Customize your graduate assistant cover letter for the job.
- Include keywords from the job description throughout.
- End with a clear call to action.
- Proofread your cover letter more than once.
- Write a generic graduate assistant cover letter.
- Write more than one page.
- Use generic salutations, like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Regurgitate your graduate assistant resume.
- Rely on automatic grammar or spell-checkers.
- Write a fan letter, even if it is your dream job.
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Graduate Assistant Cover Letter Example
Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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