How to become a professor (in Engineering)? CV and cover letter for application.

These are notes from a workshop on writing CV and cover letters (CL).

First, think from institution’s point of view: (1) They have spent great effort on creating the position, so the applicants are expected to customize the materials and show excitement for this particular institution. (2) Due to its large volume, the applications will be quickly skimmed and carefully read only when the applicant is seriously under consideration, so the materials are expected to be accessible to the general audience. In addition, the screening process will be in the order of CL, then CV, then research statement. So a certain level of redundancy is expected.

CV

The CV should demonstrate one’s strongest qualifications and the supporting details. Particularly, the following four aspects of the experiences shall be tailored based on the institution:

1. Research: Include short introduction and key results. The research interests should be explained using a short narrative of research and brief conclusion with future program of research, which align with the department.
2. Teaching: Typically teahcing assistant experience. It should be supported by statistical summary of evaluation and highlights of contributions to the course.
3. Grant
4. Professional

In addition, care should be taken for the following items:

1. Include the dissertation title and advisor’s name(s).
2. Awards: explain the abroad ones if necessary.
3. Publication: Differentiate between accepted, in press, submitted, under review, in progress.
4. Service and membership: List only those to whom contributed. Do not list those obtain by simply paying registration fees.
5. Reference info.: Include names, titles, institutions and contact info. for people who can provide info. on one’s espertise, grant, collaboration.

Some tips for writing the CV:

1. Clear and concise.
2. Learn from CV’s of peers and people slightly ahead of you.
3. Balance the heading and the contents.
4. Always tailor for institutional fit.
5. Show instead of tell, i.e. provide supporting details.
6. Present oneself as a future colleague, not a student.

Cover letter

Answer two questions: (1) What is one’s strength as future faculty, particularly in productivity, fundability, leadership; (2) What is one’s strength for the particular position: show the fit.

There are four essentials in CL:

1. Reputation: advisor, institution, contribution. This can be done in a short paragraph and serve as opening.
2. Fundability: research vision, past funding future ideas.
3. Productivity: funding, publication, patents.
4. Fit: research focus of the position, institutional culture, department colleagues. This serves as the closing.

These essentials can be demonstrated in CL using the following structure:

1. Opening: What position, where you currently are, area of expertise, strength.
2. Body: Research vision, relevancy, fundability, accomplishments to date and highlighted contributions. Teaching and advising experience.
3. Closing: Enthusiasm for position, colleagues, department and institution.

A good practice is to start writing a CL even if one is not applying for a position soon. This helps one to identify the areas and interest, articulated in daily networking, and be prepared for (unexpected) interviews.