Academic Advisor Cover Letter Sample and Writing Tips

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When you're applying for a job as an academic advisor, your cover letter should clearly point out to employers the key assets in your background that most qualify you for the job. 

Carefully review the job advertisement (and similar ads) and compile a list of the required and preferred skills, knowledge, personal qualities, and education/training.

Take the time to match your qualifications to the job, so you can show the employer why you're a strong candidate for the position.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Key Qualifications

For an academic advisor job, common qualifications will often include counseling training/skills, writing skills, program/event planning, presentation skills, an advanced degree in a discipline related to the area of advising, experience in higher education, and problem solving skills. Incorporate statements into your letter about as many of the key qualifications as possible.

Related Skills

To highlight your skills, reference the asset and where the employer can find evidence in your background that you have successfully applied that strength.

  • For example, you could show program planning skills by stating:
    I created a new program providing early intervention for students experiencing academic difficulty that enhanced retention.
  • To show writing skills, you could say:
    I have honed my writing skills while drafting medical school recommendations for pre-med students in my role with the Health Professions Committee. 
  • To demonstrate counseling skills, you might write:
    Strong counseling skills enabled me to help struggling students to identify and address obstacles to their achievement.
  • To show presentation skills, you could say:
    I developed and delivered well-received workshops on time management, test taking, note taking, and planning for registration.

Your Interest in the Job

Express a high level of interest in the job. If competing candidates are similarly qualified, the most eager candidate will often get preference.

  • For example, you might say:
    I am highly interested in pursuing the Academic Advisor position due to my passion for helping non-traditional students succeed at the community college level.

Sample Cover Letter for an Academic Advisor Position

This is a cover letter example for an academic advisor position. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Screenshot of an academic advisor cover letter example
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Academic Advisor Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Alison Applicant 
123 Main Street 
Anytown, CA 12345 
555-555-5555 
alison.applicant@email.com

December 17, 2020

Perry Lee Director, Human Resources 
Columbia State Community College 
123 Business Rd. 
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I read with interest your posting for an Academic Advisor in the Student Academic Success Center at Columbia State Community College. I know that this is the correct position for me as I feel that my experience and education fit the type of person you are looking for to fill this position.

I am a firm believer that education is an investment in oneself, having recently completed my MS in Adult Education through Buffalo State College's online program. I hereby enclose my resume and other required materials for your review.

I look forward to speaking with you further about what I may offer Columbia State Community College as an Academic Advisor in the Student Academic Success Center.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Alison Applicant

Before You Apply

Check the details. Your contact information must be complete and accurate, with multiple ways for the employment office and search committee to reach you. While those details may be included in the resume or CV, you want them to be easily accessible on every piece of correspondence.

Mention the job you applied for. Include the position number, job posting number, or another specific position reference. It is an important element that will allow the human resources office to sort and classify your application properly. You don't want your application sorted into the wrong place. You also want to ensure that they don't think it is a general application for any position.

Carefully proofread your letter. Be sure to proofread and check spelling and grammar in your cover letter. You can be sure that someone in the human resources office or on the search committee will notice any mistakes.