Historical Researcher Cover Letter

The applicant found out about a "hidden" job by taking a tour of the Shoah Foundation. The tour-giver mentioned open research positions for which the applicant was a perfect fit. This letter highlights her eagerness and interest in the position. She was so confident in her ability that she included a set of references with her letter. Although this is not usually done, she wanted to provide all of the needed information right away (and she alerted her references to possible inquiries about her).

Sample Historical Researcher Cover Letter

Thomas Dickens 2365 S Mayfield Ave • Chicago, IL 60652 • Cell: (123)-555-1234

March 6, 2010

Paul Smith
2365 S Mayfield Ave
Chicago, IL 60652
Cell: (123)-555-1234

Dear Mr. Smith:

It was a pleasure meeting you on Friday. I would like to join the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation project. My position at UCLA ends in December, and I am eager to win one of the research positions you mentioned at the tour's end. My experience in historical research, teaching, publishing and study qualify me for the position.

Your Needs My Qualifications

M.A. degree in history
Ph.D. Candidate in History, Tulane University, expected in 2005. Coursework focused on war and nationalism in the United States and in modern Europe.
Doctoral research focuses on civilians who faced enemy soldiers during the Civil War, much like the Holocaust survivors themselves.
M.A. in History, plus B.A. in History and English.

Superior research skills
Doctoral research has taken me to more than 15 archives in 9 states. In addition, I have used countless other published, online and microfilm sources.
Awarded national and university funds to conduct research in field of study.

Ability to prioritize many tasks under deadline while displaying excellent attention to detail
Selected as a research assistant for 2 noted professional historians. Completed many tasks while balancing my own coursework.
Conducted independent research for thesis, dissertation, conference presentations and research assistant projects.
Met all self- and institution-imposed deadlines for all research, coursework and publications.

Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication ability
Taught as an adjunct instructor at UCLA for an upper-level history course.
Taught as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate history course at the University of Cincinnati.
Successfully presented 2 papers at History conferences with 2 more papers proposed for 2004.
Copy edited 2 books, one of which was a historical atlas with geographical terminology.
B.A. degree in both History and English demanded ability to write well.

Team player willing to make a commitment to the Foundation
Strong, lifelong interest in Holocaust and its causes and significance. Belief in importance of this project.
Jewish ancestry makes this project even more significant to me.
Demonstrated ability to make long-term commitment to research and writing through achievement of thesis and pending dissertation.

Computer skills
Strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, the Internet and database programs.

My resume/CV provides further details of my accomplishments. I have also attached a sheet of my references for your convenience. I will contact you next week to arrange a meeting so that we may discuss the Foundation's needs in greater detail.

Sincerely,

Thomas Dickens

Enclosures