how to write a cover letter for fellowship

A Compelling Cover Letter for a Fellowship Position

Winning a fellowship is a huge accomplishment, whether from your university or from an outside source. Because they are so highly competitive, students can place such an achievement on their resumes/CVs, later on, will always have an edge.

Applying for a fellowship is much like applying for a job. You will need a strong resume that is accompanied by a cover letter. That cover letter for a fellowship is a critical piece of your application packet because it is your personal introduction and encapsulation of your major achievements during your academic career thus far. 

As well, you want to show that you have clear career goals and how this fellowship will help in their achievement. To help with this, we have included a sample letter and some writing tips.

Cover Letter Sample For Fellowship in .docx Format

Here is a sample cover letter from a student who is seeking a fellowship to undertake a special project through an academic department at their university.

Download example (Word version)

Cover Letter Example For Fellowship – Plain Text

Dear Selection Committee Members,

My name is Elaine Ninja and I am writing to apply for a research fellowship from The Social Justice Foundation. I learned about this fellowship opportunity from Dr. Grant Mason, as he and I were discussing my upcoming sabbatical. It is my hope that you will find the project I am planning valuable enough to provide me with the fellowship that I am requesting. 

I am currently taking a sabbatical from my positions as a civil rights attorney and instructor at Wellburgh university in order to pursue a year-long social justice project. During this time, I will be partnering with Dr. Mason to create a legal advocacy program for at-risk populations who are unfairly targeted for punitive civil and other non-criminal legal actions. We will specifically focus on eviction actions and unfair employment actions. 

I am pursuing this, because my final research project as a law student at Wellburgh showed that minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, single parents, and the disabled are often targeted by punitive and retaliatory legal action by employers, landlords, and other entities. These actions are often taken after the target has taken some action to report illegal behavior or protect their rights. This project will establish a legal advocacy program to help those who are impacted respond to such actions.

My intention is to use the funds provided to cover my expenses during this undertaking. However, I will supplement any rewards received with a small monthly stipend I receive for teaching two undergraduate courses.

I have attached my CV, two letters of recommendation, and a more detailed description of this project. Please contact me with any questions. 

Thank you for considering me for this tremendous opportunity.

Regards, Elaine Ninja

Fellowship Cover Letter Writing Tips

It’s no secret that academic jobs and fellowships in particular are highly competitive. Nature Magazine reports that most early-career researchers need to file at least 15 applications to land a single offer. Moreover, job seekers who submit more applications end up getting a higher number of on-site interviews. What this data means for you is that you’d have to get a good dozen of customized cover letters ready. Below are several actionable tips to help you churn out those sample fellowship cover letters with high confidence! 

Review The Requirements

While many grants and scholarships are intended for a wide range of students, that’s not the case with a fellowship. These are often rewarded to students or other academic professionals who are pursuing very specific academic or research goals. In the case of the example above, the applicant is conducting a project with the support of their university and employer. 

The best way to be sure you qualify is to read the materials associated with the fellowship and get to know the purpose of the organization offering the award. This way you only go after options that you have a high chance of receiving.

Be Detailed-Oriented

Your CV and transcripts will only show what you have done so far. You are pursuing the fellowship to achieve future goals. This is your chance to introduce these goals and explain your intentions. Thus your letter should contain enough detail to help the reader fully understand your plans and concrete steps you intend to take to lead the project to successful completion. 

Write as a Colleague, Not a Student

If you are applying for a fellowship, you are a degreed professional. Chances are you work in the field and may be in charge of undergraduate students in your department even if you are just a postdoctoral employee . You have established your competence in your academic discipline and should write your cover letter accordingly. Be confident in the value of your research and academic pursuits. Refer to yourself using proper titles. Show respect and gratitude for consideration, but don’t fawn. Avoid seeming as if you are asking for permission to pursue your planned course of action.

Final Tip: Show a Community Benefit

While there is nothing wrong with pursuing graduate education for career purposes, consider the perspective of the selection committee. In many cases, this group consists of individuals with a stake in your field, the university, and the community at large. They want to know that funding you is something that will be worthwhile to them and their goals. Use your letter to show how your education or research will be helpful to your school, local community, or your colleagues.

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How to write a cover letter for a fellowship.

Graduate and postgraduate students often must pursue a fellowship for financial support to conduct their research or to complete training or internships necessary for school and their career. A cover letter is typically the first thing the recipient reads in your fellowship application, so it needs to be convincing and well-written.

Start a new document on your computer and choose a cover letter template if one is available. Make a header that includes your name (in larger and bolder font), followed by your address, phone number, email address and website (if applicable).

Type a formal salutation that addresses the recipient by name. This may mean you have to do extra research to find out who will be considering your letter and application. It is considered bad form to open a cover letter with a generic salutation, and your goal is to establish a personal connection with the individual who will be deciding on whether or not to grant your fellowship.

Type two to three sentences for the first paragraph to explain who you are, which university or organization you are a student or member of and what type of fellowship you are applying for.

Type five to seven sentences as your middle paragraph. This section should explain the work your or your organization is performing, its purpose and its benefits, and a short history of the work you have accomplished so far. In a polite but direct tone, provide a budget estimate of how much you will need granted in your fellowship to cover program costs as well as living expenses. Also provide information about your living situation, including housing, transportation and location. Explain that a more thorough summary of your project is contained in your fellowship proposal.

Type two to four sentences as your closing paragraph. Indicate that your resume (if required) and fellowship proposal are enclosed, and specify the method with which you would prefer to be contacted to discuss the opportunity further. Thank the recipient for his consideration and time.

• Be clear in explaining your needs, but in a polite tone that cannot be taken as desperate. It is important that your fellowship cover letter convince the recipient of your responsibility and professionalism.

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Kara Page has been a freelance writer and editor since 2007. She maintains several blogs on travel, music, food and more. She is also a contributing writer for Suite101 and has articles published on eHow and Answerbag. Page holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas.

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Writing the Perfect Cover Letter for a Fellowship Application

The cover letter is one of the most important documents in your fellowship application. It’s your chance to make a great first impression and explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Crafting a compelling cover letter that stands out from the competition is key to making your application stand out from the rest. Here are some tips on how to write an effective cover letter for a fellowship application.

Explain Your Qualifications Your cover letter should explain why you are qualified for the position and how you can contribute to the organization. Make sure to include any relevant experience, such as prior work or volunteer experience, that makes you well-suited for this particular fellowship. Also, be sure to mention any awards or honors that you have received as they demonstrate your commitment and dedication to your field.

Highlight Your Personal Characteristics Your cover letter should also highlight personal characteristics that make you an ideal candidate for the fellowship, such as enthusiasm, leadership skills, or ability to collaborate with others. For example, if you have taken on a leadership role in past projects or organizations, explain what strategies you used and how they were successful. If there was something unique about your approach that made it successful, be sure to mention it in your cover letter!

Be Concise And Professional Keep in mind that most hiring managers will be reading hundreds of applications so try to keep your cover letter concise yet comprehensive. Make sure all of your points are clearly stated and easy to understand; avoid using technical language unless it is necessary for the job description. Additionally, be sure to proofread carefully before submitting – typos can give off a negative impression about your attention to detail! Lastly, use a professional tone throughout; avoid using slang or overly casual language as this could reflect poorly on you as an applicant.

Conclusion: A well-crafted cover letter can go a long way in helping you secure an interview for a fellowship opportunity. Be sure to include relevant qualifications and experiences while highlighting personal characteristics that pertain directly to the position at hand. Keep it concise yet comprehensive and use professional language throughout – these tips will help ensure that your application stands out amongst other candidates competing for the same position! Good luck!

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10 Cover Letter Tips for Residents and Fellows

Thanks to the digital revolution, the way we search for jobs has changed drastically over the years, and that’s good news for residents and fellows. But one crucial element of job-hunting has not changed, and that’s the need for a well-written, engaging cover letter that grabs the attention of the person reading it.

Whether you’re working with a recruiter or contacting employers directly, your cover letter—electronic or printed—can mean the difference between scoring an interview or being promptly relegated to the “no way” pile.

Here are some of our favorite tips for writing a healthcare cover letter that helps you stand out (in a good way).

1. Address Your Cover Letter to a Real Person

Take the time to find out the name of the healthcare recruiter or hiring manager who will be reading your letter.

You might do this by tapping into your network, searching by the email address (if one is provided), or contacting the organization directly. Never address your letter “To whom it may concern.”

2. Watch the Length

Respect the time of the hiring manager by keeping your cover letter short. A well-written, direct, and concise letter of a few paragraphs is ideal. A cover letter should never be more than a page long.

3. Write a Personalized Cover Letter for Each Job Application

Your cover letter should demonstrate your unique interest in the position, so make sure you craft a personalized letter for each posting.

How has your experience as a medical student, resident, and/or fellow helped prepare you for this specific role? Show how your qualifications align with their job requirements.

4. Do Your Research

Conduct research about the hospital or medical practice by talking to your network, looking in the news or press releases section of their website, and browsing their social media accounts.

Learn about recent developments within the organization and include that in the cover letter if it’s relevant. This is an ideal way to convey to the hiring manager that you’re familiar with their mission, values, and culture.

5. Tell a Story

Your story should be something that makes you stand out. If you’re seeking your first job after your residency or fellowship, you can discuss things like what inspired you to become a doctor or why you’re passionate about your specialty.

You could also share a story about an important challenge or achievement in medical school, your residency, or your fellowship, particularly as it relates to the position you’re applying for.

6. Don’t Mention Salary

Unless the job posting specifically asks you to reveal your salary or benefits requirements in the letter, don’t bring it up at all—yet. With physician unemployment so low and healthcare recruiters struggling to find qualified candidates to fill positions, you’ll want to keep your options open, if possible, and wait until the salary negotiation stage.

7. Market Yourself as a Long-Term Employee

As the healthcare industry begins to shift toward value-based care, employers are looking for team members who are committed to their long-term goals and growth. So unless you’re seeking a locum tenens job, you’ll want to show your desire to stick around.

One way to do this is by highlighting your desire to be in that particular city, state, or region. If you have family nearby or grew up in the area, make sure to mention that—it can help them understand your commitment to the job and the community.

8. Enhance or Clarify Your Resume or CV—Don’t Repeat It

Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond the details of your CV. It shouldn’t be an exhaustive, play-by-play summary of the information that’s already in that document.

Use your cover letter to highlight skills that you would bring to the role, such as empathy, communication, and leadership. Share details about relevant knowledge you acquired during your residency or fellowship, such as proficiency in billing and coding. And if you have gaps in your education or work history, you can explain those in your cover letter.

9. Proofread … and Proofread Again

Simple typos are unprofessional, so read it over several times, then ask someone you trust to be a second set of eyes. A colleague, mentor, or program director can be an excellent resource for proofreading and providing feedback.

10. Always Include a Cover Letter

Even if it’s not required, always send a cover letter or note with your application materials. It can help set you apart from the mass of other residents or fellows applying for the position. It’s a chance to showcase your communication skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for the role.

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