When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for biology
Explore additional biology cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Biology Research Assistant
- Emphasising Specialised Achievements: Highlighting the innovation in fungal detection methods showcases specialised expertise, crucial for roles in fungal molecular biology.
- Highlighting Research Publications: Mentioning publication as the lead author underscores authority in the field, enhancing credibility for research-focused positions.
- Showcasing Global Engagement: Presenting at international conferences illustrates the ability to communicate research effectively, an essential skill for expanding a research department's collaboration and visibility.
- Demonstrating Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Experience with cross-disciplinary teams emphasises versatility and the ability to work across fields like immunology and molecular biology, essential in cutting-edge research environments.
Biology Tutor
- Florence Knight effectively highlights her specialisation in SEN education, which is crucial for the role of an A-Level Biology Tutor with SEN focus, demonstrating her ability to tailor her teaching methods to enhance the learning experience for students with special needs.
- Her cover letter emphasises a notable achievement of increasing student grades by 25%, with a focus on mentoring and tailored study plans, showcasing her tangible impact on student success – a vital aspect for a tutoring role.
- By mentioning her "Outstanding Tutor Recognition," Florence underlines her proven track record of student success and her ability to foster a positive and motivating learning environment, which is essential for any academic coaching role.
- Her passion for "Biology Education" and making it engaging for diverse learners underscores her commitment and enthusiasm for the subject, essential for inspiring A-Level Biology students.
By Role
Biology Teacher
- Emphasise achievements in improving student performance, such as the 20% increase in exam pass rates at Portsmouth High School, to demonstrate effectiveness in boosting academic results.
- Highlight the ability to foster student engagement through enthusiastic teaching approaches and extracurricular activities, evidenced by the 25% increase in student interest at Brighton College.
- Showcase leadership and collaboration skills by detailing involvement in cross-disciplinary programs, curriculum development, and mentoring, which contribute to overall departmental success and innovation.
- Include relevant educational qualifications like the Master of Education in Biological Sciences to establish a strong foundation in both teaching and subject-specific expertise.
Biology Lab Technician
- Highlighting Experience and Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasises the candidate's experience, showcasing quantifiable achievements such as improving lab safety compliance by 25% and enhancing lab efficiency by 20%.
- Specific Skills and Competencies: The letter points out essential skills like EH&S compliance, lab safety protocols, and inventory management, which are critical for the role of a Biology Lab Technician.
- Relevant Education and Training: The mention of a Master of Biological Sciences and specialised courses in Chemical Safety and Advanced Laboratory Techniques positions the candidate as well-qualified for the role.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Demonstrating leadership through managing a team of student employees and collaborating on research projects indicates the candidate's ability to work effectively as both a leader and a team player in laboratory settings.
Marine Biology Consultant
- Highlighting specific certifications like Offshore Survival (BOSIET) emphasises readiness for the unique challenges of offshore project environments, an essential aspect of marine environmental consulting roles.
- Demonstrating proficiency in environmental impact assessments and marine mammal mitigation shows expertise in crucial areas that directly affect project compliance and success in the industry.
- Mentioning the development and implementation of innovative technologies, such as low-power marine monitoring tools, underscores adaptability and commitment to advancing industry standards.
- Discussing successful leadership in managing offshore surveys and complex projects showcases strong project management skills and the ability to meet challenging client requirements effectively.
Molecular Biology Scientist
- Highlighting Research Achievements: The cover letter effectively underscores the applicant's contributions to high-impact research, such as the development of revolutionary vitamin B12 binding proteins, which is crucial for roles focused on biochemistry and microbiology.
- Emphasising Collaborative Efforts: Demonstrating experience in cross-functional and multidisciplinary teamwork, the letter shows the candidate's ability to secure funding and enhance project impact, which is valuable for research environments that thrive on collaboration.
- Presenting Credentials and Continuous Learning: Mentioning completed courses in advanced protein purification and molecular biology analysis illustrates commitment to staying updated with specialised skills, an essential quality for roles in cutting-edge scientific fields.
- Showcasing Communication Skills: The applicant's experience in presenting at international conferences and authoring peer-reviewed articles highlights their capacity to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively, a key competency for a research scientist.
Biology Department Head
- Highlighting a strong track record of improving student performance, evidenced by a 92% success rate in exams and specific student achievements at Newcastle High School for Girls, strengthens credibility and showcases effectiveness as an educator.
- Emphasising experience in curriculum development and innovative teaching methods—such as leading a curriculum redesign and developing a ‘Green Sciences’ curriculum—demonstrates the ability to enhance educational structures and student engagement.
- Showcasing leadership and collaboration skills through mentoring new teachers, running student-led clubs, and spearheading cross-departmental STEM projects, illustrates a capacity to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Incorporating passion areas, such as environmental conservation and inclusive education, aligns personal values with professional goals, enhancing the authenticity and commitment displayed throughout the cover letter.
Environmental Biology Specialist
- Highlight Strategic Leadership and Achievements: Emphasise how you led initiatives that significantly improved student performance, like the 20% increase in A-Level top grades, showcasing your ability to drive academic success.
- Incorporate Interdisciplinary Approach: Demonstrate your capability to develop integrative curriculum projects, such as combining Biology with Environmental Science, to illustrate how you foster comprehensive learning experiences.
- Emphasise Advanced Technological Skills: Reflect on your experience with virtual labs and advanced teaching technologies, illustrating your proficiency in utilising digital tools to enhance student interaction and engagement.
- Include Student Mentoring & Engagement Strategies: Highlight your mentoring and extracurricular activities, which led to increased student participation and interest, to convey your dedication to holistic student development.
Biology Field Researcher
- Highlight relevant experience: Elsie’s cover letter effectively underscores her experience in genomics and bioinformatics, proving her capability in roles demanding DNA-sequencing and computational analysis skills.
- Emphasise accomplishments: The document showcases Elsie's achievements, such as significantly reducing analysis time and enhancing database accuracy, which are crucial in a data-intensive field like bioinformatics.
- Mention published work: Including her contributions to published studies in genomic chaos gives her credibility and presents her as a thought leader in the industry.
- Incorporate educational background: Elsie’s advanced degrees in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology from respected universities add weight to her qualifications for the role.
Wildlife Biology Manager
- Certifications and Courses: Highlighting specialised certifications such as the Advanced Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitat Conservation Professional Certificate demonstrates expertise and dedication to the field.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Including specific metrics, such as a 30% growth in client programs and project completion rates, showcases the candidate's effectiveness and ability to deliver tangible results.
- Diverse Skills: A comprehensive skill set that includes regulatory negotiation, project management, and financial analysis indicates a well-rounded ability to manage complex environmental projects.
- Proven Leadership: Examples of mentoring and leading teams to improved productivity and satisfaction reflect strong leadership qualities essential for a managerial role.
Biology Data Analyst
- Highlighting Research Impact: The cover letter effectively showcases track record of publishing in high-impact journals and the recognition gained, which is crucial for a research-focused role.
- Emphasising Collaborative and Leadership Roles: Mentorship of PhD students and leadership in organising conferences establishes leadership skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrating Technical Proficiency: The inclusion of relevant technical skills like machine learning, algebraic geometry, and programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB, is key for a role in data science and applied topology.
- Quantifying Achievements: The use of specific metrics, such as percentage improvements and efficiency gains, provides tangible evidence of achievements and contributions to past roles.
Cell Biology Technician
- Highlighting specific achievements, such as optimising protein analysis methods and increasing processing efficiency by 20%, demonstrates a proven track record of impactful work, which is crucial for roles in research settings.
- The cover letter effectively details collaborations and contributions to published research, underscoring an ability to work within academic and scientific communities, vital for a Research Technician position.
- Emphasising safety compliance innovations showcases a commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient working environment, which is essential for lab-based roles.
- Listing advanced courses, such as those completed at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, highlights a dedication to continued professional development and staying updated with cutting-edge laboratory techniques.
Biology Curriculum Developer
- Specialised Certifications: Highlighting certifications such as "Instructional Design for STEM Learning" from the University of Cambridge can demonstrate your specialised expertise in STEM curriculum design, a key requirement for this role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasising measurable successes like a 30% increase in student engagement or content delivery 20% faster than planned can effectively showcase your impact and capabilities.
- Collaboration and Project Leadership: Focusing on experiences where you led cross-functional teams and managed project timelines using agile methodologies can underline your leadership and collaboration skills, which are vital in curriculum design.
- Passion for Education and Science: Demonstrating a passion for making science accessible and engaging, through projects like developing an interactive science quiz platform, helps present you as a dedicated and innovative professional in science education.
Biology Quality Assurance Specialist
- Highlighting specialised experience: The cover letter effectively outlines experience with specific companies like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer, showcasing expertise in high-profile pharmaceutical environments.
- Emphasising tangible achievements: Concrete metrics, such as improving operational efficiency by 15% or reducing quality deviations by 10%, provide evidence of positive impact in previous roles.
- Certifications and continued learning: Mention of advanced GMP compliance training and quality risk management courses signals a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Passion alignment: Sections detailing interests in healthcare innovation, technical writing, and environmental sustainability align personal passions with professional responsibilities, enhancing the personal connection to the role.
Biology Project Coordinator
- Highlight Multicultural Collaboration: Emphasise your experience working in diverse, multicultural teams, as this is crucial for roles involving international educational projects and student engagement from varied backgrounds.
- Showcase Proven Success in Student Improvement: Provide concrete examples of how your efforts led to student success, such as improved exam performance or increased university acceptance rates, to demonstrate your direct impact on educational outcomes.
- Detail Innovative Course Development: Highlight your achievements in developing biology courses and academic products that significantly boosted enrolment and students' satisfaction, reflecting your ability to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
- Emphasise Language Skills: Mention fluency in Mandarin and English, especially when applying to roles that require bilingual communication, as it shows an ability to effectively engage with a broader student base and international stakeholders.
Biology Content Writer
- Highlight the unique combination of scientific and linguistic skills, crucial for a junior grant writer role in biotechnology, by emphasising experience in scientific writing and proficiency in turning complex R&D concepts into persuasive narratives.
- Emphasise the impact and success of past projects, such as a 30% increase in funding success rate and role in securing large-scale grants, to showcase effectiveness in grant writing.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of funding landscapes and project viability improvement, essential for crafting successful grant proposals, through specific experiences and achievements.
- Include relevant education and courses, such as a Master of Science in Biotechnology and Advanced Grant Proposal Writing, to illustrate a strong foundation in both the technical and practical aspects of grant writing in the life sciences field.
Developmental Biology Professor
- The cover letter effectively highlights Daniel's leadership skills by emphasising his role in leading a research team and mentoring students, which are crucial competencies for a professor role.
- It strategically showcases Daniel's past experience in securing substantial external research funding, demonstrating his capability to support the institutional financial goals through successful grant applications.
- His achievements in developing innovative microscopy techniques and collaborating on international research projects are underscored, reinforcing his profile as a pioneer in developmental cell biology.
- The letter points out Daniel's teaching excellence, evidenced by awards and student satisfaction metrics, aligning well with the academic expectations for an assistant professor position.
Biology Lab Manager
- Highlighting Significant Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements such as a 30% increase in lab efficiency and a 20% reduction in repair costs. These quantitative results demonstrate the candidate's impact and value to potential employers.
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: With roles that progressively increased in responsibility, from Biology Lab Supervisor to Lab Manager, the candidate's career trajectory is clearly outlined, underscoring their readiness for advanced management roles in biological research.
- Coursework and Continuous Learning: By referencing courses like "Laboratory Safety and Management" and "Advanced Biological Techniques," the candidate demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional development and staying current with industry advancements.
- Interpersonal and Multilingual Skills: The inclusion of language skills in English and French, alongside a passion for cross-cultural collaboration, indicates the candidate's ability to work effectively in diverse teams and environments, which is invaluable in research and academic settings.
Biology Sales Representative
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively outlines Oscar's extensive experience in biotechnology sales, emphasising his achievements in increasing sales and client engagement, which are crucial for the role of a Sales Representative in this field.
- Showcasing Key Skills and Achievements: By mentioning skills like CRM implementation and achievements such as "Top Sales Performer 2020," the letter demonstrates Oscar's competence in strategic sales techniques and customer relationship management, aligning with the role's demands.
- Mentioning Targeted Educational Background: The letter includes Oscars's educational background in prestigious institutions relevant to biotechnology, reinforcing his expertise and suitability for the position.
- Emphasising Industry-Specific Certifications: By listing certifications like "3D Cell Culture and Applications" from Harvard University, the letter highlights Oscar's commitment to professional development and specialised knowledge crucial for biotechnology sales.
Biology Department Administrator
- Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights key achievements such as reducing departmental operating expenses by 10% and enhancing event participation by 25%, which demonstrate the candidate's capacity for financial management and engagement, crucial for a Department Administrator role.
- Technical Skills: It clearly lists proficiency in essential tools like Microsoft Office and data reporting, which are indispensable for operational and administrative tasks expected in the role.
- Relevant Experience: The inclusion of specific experiences from previous roles, like managing budgets over £1 million and coordinating hiring processes, showcases Oliver's direct experience in similar settings, adding credibility to their application.
- Professional Development: By mentioning courses like 'Advanced Excel for Business', the letter demonstrates ongoing professional development and a commitment to staying updated with industry-relevant skills.
Biology cover letter example
Sophia Brooks
Brighton and Hove
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Laboratory Technician position at your esteemed organization. I have thoroughly researched your company and am impressed by your commitment to innovation and excellence in biotechnology, which aligns perfectly with my professional values and career aspirations.
During my tenure as a Senior Laboratory Technician at GlaxoSmithKline, I implemented strategic quality control procedures that reduced sample contamination rates by 25%. This initiative not only improved the integrity of our research but also demonstrated my proactive approach and keen attention to detail, critical skills that I believe would greatly benefit your team.
I am keen to discuss how my experience and skills can contribute to the exciting projects at your company. I am confident in my ability to drive results and am eager to bring my expertise to your team. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Sophia Brooks
Laboratory Technician
Why this cover letter hits the mark:
- Highlight relevant industry experience: Clearly articulate any past positions or roles that align directly with the job you are applying for. In the provided letter, mentioning experience at GlaxoSmithKline ties directly into the lab technician role.
- Emphasize key achievements: Quantifying accomplishments, such as reducing sample contamination rates by 25%, showcases initiative and effectiveness in past roles.
- Connect with the company's values: Indicating an understanding of and alignment with the company's mission, like their commitment to innovation and excellence, demonstrates that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in contributing.
- Demonstrate a proactive mindset: Highlighting actions taken, such as implementing strategic procedures, shows foresight and the ability to bring positive change to a new role.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
When writing your cover letter for a UK employer, it’s important to keep several things in mind. First, you need to conduct a thorough research, which includes reading up on the company’s website, recent news, and their presence on social media. Understanding the company’s latest achievements and its overall mission will allow you to tailor your letter to their specific needs.
Next, focus on the company’s core values. Whether they value teamwork, innovation, or community involvement, highlighting how your own experience aligns with these principles is essential.
Finally, don’t forget to match your skills to the job’s requirements. Study the job description carefully and pick out the most important qualifications or competencies. Then, provide evidence of how you meet those criteria with concrete examples from your past work experience.
How to format a biology cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your biology cover letter salutation
In a world of AI and instant prompts, taking the extra time to personalise your cover letter truly makes a difference.
Address the hiring manager directly with a customised greeting (e.g., 'Dear Mr Bond', 'Dear Ms Penny').
You can often find their name on LinkedIn (under the job listing or by searching) or in the ‘About’ or ‘Meet the Team’ section of the company's website. If in doubt, you can also contact the reception for assistance.
If you can't find the name, rather than using 'Dear Sir or Madam', opt for something more personal, such as 'Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager'.
How to write your biology cover letter intro
A great option to begin your cover letter is by showing recruiters you've done your homework or research.
If the company has won an award or made headlines, congratulate them in your opening sentence, or express how impressed you are.
Provide this achievement as a reason why you admire the company, ensuring your tone remains genuine, sincere, and authentic.
Cover Letter Intro
As an ardent advocate for environmental sustainability with a deep appreciation for the innovative research conducted by [Company Name], I am drawn to your commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a collaborative culture. With a robust background in biology and a keen interest in your pioneering projects, I am eager to contribute to your esteemed team.
RIGHT
How to write your biology cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as a Senior Research Associate at Cambridge Biotech, I led a groundbreaking project that resulted in a 30% improvement in the efficiency of our cell culture processes. This achievement not only increased productivity but also reduced costs by £50,000 annually. My role involved streamlining workflows by implementing an advanced bioinformatics tool to predict cell growth patterns, which significantly enhanced our experimental accuracy by 25%. These innovations were pivotal in accelerating our research milestones and underscored my ability to devise efficient solutions and apply meticulous analytical skills to complex biological challenges.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
I am immensely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed institution with my background and passion for biology. I am keen to bring my skills and experiences to your team and am eager to discuss in further detail how I can support your objectives. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you very much for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your distinguished institution.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
