How to craft a job-winning cover letter as a chemist
Chemists are responsible for researching and developing new substances, chemical processes, and more in a wide variety of industries. Earning a job as a chemist requires you to write and send a compelling cover letter to employers that convinces them you are the best candidate for the position.
In this guide, we teach you how to craft a job-winning chemist cover letter in 5 easy steps. Continue reading to learn all about:
- How to create a chemist cover letter header and headline
- Why it is essential to personalize your chemist cover letter
- Ways to make your chemist cover letter introduction compelling
- What to say when describing your skills and accomplishments as a chemist
- How to persuasively conclude your chemist cover letter
1. How to create an effective chemist cover letter header and headline
Before you begin writing the paragraphs of your cover letter that inform the employer of all your key qualifications, your first key step is to create your cover letter header and cover letter headline.
A header should always come first and be placed at the top of the page, typically aligned to the left. In this header, you will include your name and contact information, as well as include a letter address to the employer and their company.
Here is an example of a well-formatted chemist cover letter header
Jack Jones, Chemist
(123) 456-7890 | jackjones@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jackjones
To: Harold Cleaning Supply Development Co.
Chemistry Department
1234 Street Address
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Next, you will write your cover letter headline. Headlines serve as title statements that help to hook the employer’s attention and compel them to continue reading.
You should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, and a powerful adjective or verb when writing a cover letter headline.
Here is an example of a great headline from a chemist's cover letter
My 4-Step Approach to Safe Lab Practices as a Chemist & How I Will Use It to Improve Your Lab
2. How to personalize your chemist cover letter
Writing a cover letter can be daunting, especially when you are debating how to make it unique and stand out to employers.
Where most job applicants fail in the cover letter writing process is by making their letters too generalized. To truly impress an employer, your letter should be personalized to them and their exact wants and needs.
This requires you to do some research about the company before applying. Think of it like you are developing a new product for the company — what information do you need to include that will make your letter highly relevant and specific to them?
Oftentimes, this will include references to the company’s values, goals, and current projects.
Additionally, you should take the time to identify which staff member at the company is responsible for hiring and onboarding new employees. Once you discover this, include a personalized greeting on your cover letter that addresses this specific person by name.
Here are 3 examples of personalized chemist cover letter greetings
- Dear Head Chemist Mike Miller,
- Dear Mr. Mike Miller,
- Dear Lab Hiring Manager Paula Jean,
3. How to make your chemist cover letter introduction compelling
With your header and headline out of the way, you can now write your cover letter introduction.
You should always strive to make your cover letter introduction as concise and compelling as possible. Important information to include in your introduction can include:
- A summary of your professional history in chemistry
- Any key specializations you possess, such as chemical engineering or product development
- A statement on why you are a great fit for the role
Here is an example of a compelling introduction from a chemist's cover letter
Dear Head Chemist Mike Miller,
I am with 8+ years of specialized experience in cosmetics development and designing improved production processes. As an expert in developing hypoallergenic products safe for 99% of people, I know I can provide your company with the expertise needed to expand your product range and attract a wider variety of customers.
4. How to properly describe your skills and accomplishments as a chemist
Once you have introduced yourself and your top qualifications in your introductory paragraph, you will then dive into the specifics of your best skills and achievements as a chemist.
To describe your best skills and achievements, it is essential to include information that is highly relevant to the position you are applying for, provides contextual details that give the employer a sense of the real-life value you offer, and quantifies achievements through specific data and statistics.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a chemist cover letter
- Lab & substance safety protocols
- Handling dangerous substances
- Research and experimentation methodologies
- Collecting and analyzing research findings
- Documenting and writing reports on experiments
- Communicating clearly with other research departments
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter
In my time as a chemist at [Former Employer], I developed 9 new formulas for lipstick products that could be worn for an average of 45% more time compared to competing lipstick formulas. Additionally, I focused on safe product development which led the company to win three awards for hypoallergenic products.
5. How to persuasively conclude your chemist cover letter
Finally, the last step to writing a chemist cover letter is to create a persuasive conclusion.
To do so, your conclusion must reiterate your excitement for the role, as well as how the employer can get in contact with you. You want to encourage the employer to contact you promptly by listing a time and date when you plan to follow up as well.
Don’t forget to include a professional and formal sign-off before signing your name at the end!
Here is an example of a persuasive conclusion from a chemist's cover letter
I am grateful for your time in considering me for this role and hope to hear from you in the next week regarding my application. You may contact me any day of the week between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (123) 456-7890. As I am incredibly excited about this opportunity, I plan to follow up next Monday afternoon about the position if I have yet to hear back.
Many Thanks,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
