How to write a microbiologist cover letter (with example)

Updated 18 January 2023

A cover letter is one component of an application for a microbiologist position. The letter allows you to expand upon the information in your CV and show you're the best candidate for the job. If you're a microbiologist looking for a new job, learning more about writing a great cover letter is likely to increase your chances of securing an attractive job opportunity. In this article, we discuss a microbiologist cover letter, show you how to write one and provide an example microbiology cover letter, which you may use as inspiration.

What is a microbiologist cover letter?

A microbiologist cover letter is a formal document that employers may require you to submit as a part of your microbiology job application. The cover letter is an extension of your CV, allowing you to discuss your skills, experience and career aspirations in more detail. A successful cover letter discusses the following topics:

Work experience

When hiring microbiologists, the hiring manager's goal is to ensure they find suitable candidates whose work experience relates to the role. You may use your cover letter to convince them that you've handled responsibilities similar to the ones the employer expects you to perform. In the letter, clarify the statements you briefly mentioned in the CV. For example, if you listed knowledge of microbes in your CV's skills section, you may elaborate on this competency in the letter, explaining that you specialise in fungi or viruses and discussing how you chose that specialisation.

Relevant professional accomplishments

As a microbiologist, you may have experience conducting research, working in a lab, publishing scientific works or even teaching students. If the scientific or academic community recognised your efforts, mention this in the letter. Explaining your career achievements helps you position yourself as a unique and suitable candidate.

Reason for applying

The cover letter may also help you express your motivation and reason for applying. Employers like to know why candidates want to work at their companies, as this may expose how much they already know about the organisation's goals and history. For example, demonstrating that you want to explore specific microbiology areas in which the company specialises might help you make a better impression. This is because it shows you're a considerate person aware of the company's focus in the industry.

Your call to action

Lastly, remember to encourage the hiring team to contact you. For example, you may thank them for their time reading your application. Mention that you're available if they have questions about your application or want to invite you to a job interview.

How to write a microbiologist cover letter

Learning how to write a cover letter is a skill you're likely to use at least a few times throughout your career. Here are the steps to take to create a successful cover letter as a microbiologist:

1. Review the job description

Before writing your cover letter, familiarise yourself with the job description. By reviewing the employer's expectations and requirements, it's easier to understand what the hiring manager expects to see in your job application and how they envision a perfect candidate. Reviewing the description also gives you a good idea of which of your accomplishments or competencies to discuss in the letter, which is especially useful if you have a strong skill set and an impressive career background.

2. Format your letter

Next, format your letter. Think of the sections you want to include, like header, introduction, letter body and signature. Choose a simple and easy-to-read font that accompanies the one you used for your CV. Increasing the letter's readability demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail, which might shape the hiring manager's perception of you as a microbiologist, scientist or researcher.

3. Create a letter header

Leading the page, include a letter header. Use it to write your name, phone number, email address and city, mirroring the information from your CV. If you have a profile on a professional networking platform or your website, you may link to it in a separate line. Having a website helps you demonstrate the results of your experiments and give recruiters easy access to any scientific works you've published.

In a separate paragraph, include the letter's date, followed by a line of space and the recruiter's information. Depending on how much you know about them, you may use their title and full name or just their surname. Then, mention the company's name, address and postal code.

4. Introduce yourself

In the first paragraph, introduce yourself, state your reason for applying and include the position for which you're applying, like a biomedical scientist or microbiologist. You may also communicate to the hiring manager how you knew about an open position at the organisation. To encourage them to read through the entire letter, include one accomplishment or fact about yourself that's highly relevant to the role. For example, if the role is highly lab-oriented, you may mention how many years of lab experience you have.

5. Emphasise your accomplishments and strengths

In the body of your letter, write more about your accomplishments and strengths. Remember that the cover letter serves to provide additional information that you've not included in the CV, so make sure not to repeat yourself. Instead of simply listing your competencies, which you already did in the CV, explain how each key skill you have relates to your success in a lab or how they help you concentrate while conducting research or writing scientific papers.

6. Explain why you're the right fit

Next, explain to the hiring manager how your experience, strengths and aspirations relate to the open role at the organisation. Your goal for this paragraph is to convince them that your goals as a microbiologist align with what the employer expects you to accomplish. For example, if the role requires you to spend most of your day examining and analysing fungi, it's helpful if you're interested in specialising in this area of microbiology.

7. Conclude your letter

To conclude your letter, write your call to action. You may re-state how interested in the opportunity you are and thank the hiring team. This shows that you're grateful for their consideration.

8. Include a salutation and signature

Lastly, include a formal salutation, like Respectfully or Regards. Then, include your signature. If you're submitting a physical copy of the letter, make sure to sign the letter manually.

Example cover letter for a microbiologist

Reviewing example cover letters is a great way to know how to structure yours. Here's an example cover letter for a microbiologist, which may inspire you to develop a successful job application:

Marcus Cooper
+44 7654 9876543 | johnsmith@email.co.uk | London

November 2022

Water Company

Dear Ms Jones,

My name is John Smith and I'm applying for the water quality microbiologist position at Water Company. I first heard about this opening through the company's website and I think I'm the right fit for the job thanks to my skills and over five years of experience working as a microbiologist in a laboratory.

In my previous roles, I was responsible for designing and implementing testing methods for analysing the microbiological properties of water. I'm familiar with all modern testing and lab equipment, which I've used throughout my entire career. I also received the title of employee of the month three times in the last year, which was my previous employer's way of recognising my contributions to their water testing standards.

I'm the right person for the role at Water Company because, besides a strong lab work ethic, I also have the qualities necessary for teaching and educating others. In the past, I'd spent several semesters as a university lecturer and helped my employers organise on-the-job training for the microbiology team. Teaching is something I truly enjoy and I'd love to use my teaching experience to lead a group of microbiologists, which is a part of the role to which I'm applying.

I'd love to tell you more about my work and accomplishments during a job interview. I really appreciate your taking the time to review my application. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me by phone or email, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Sincerely,

Marcus Cooper

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