6d • General discussion
Feedback on an academic cover letter
I’m applying for an academic fellowship. I’d be grateful for feedback on my letter of application (kind of cover letter), especially from people outside my field (physics), since the panel is interdisciplinary.
What the fellowship assesses in the letter (3 criteria):
- Preparedness/track record relative to career stage.
- Quality, significance, originality of the proposed research + alignment with the fellowship's bequest
- Why Durham: how persuasive the case is that Durham’s environment (facilities/expertise/groups) is right for the project and aligns with department strategy.
What the cover letter must include:
- A brief outline of the research in simple, non-technical language (≤200 words).
- A statement explaining how the research satisfies the Addison Wheeler bequest: ‘to encourage efforts for increased knowledge of people and their make-up so as to enable them to make better use of their life here on Earth’
- An explanation of why I’m a suitable candidate for the fellowship.
What I’d love feedback on:
- Is the ≤200-word non-technical project outline understandable to a non-specialist?
- Does the letter make a convincing “why me” case quickly?
- Does the “why Durham” paragraph sound specific and persuasive (not generic)?
- Any sentences that feel unclear, too technical, or repetitive?
Thank you.
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Feedback on an academic cover letter
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