Environmental Scientist Cover Letter: Sample & Guide

With a resume that’s cleaner than wind & solar, you should be out there researching green solutions in no time. But for now, that environmental scientist cover letter you’re working on is the elephant in the room.

Time to eliminate any doubt, this is no time for scientific hedging statements. 

This guide will show you an environmental scientist cover letter sample, as well as the best, professional tips and advice on writing an environmental cover letter.

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Environmental Scientist Cover Letter Sample

So that’s what your environmental scientist cover letter should look like, more or less. And we’ll show you how to get there step by step.

Meanwhile, now’s a good time to brush up your resume writing skills if you need to. Check out this article for a great one-two punch: Environmental Science Resume Sample & Writing Guide

Environmental Scientist Cover Letter Template

Here are the best tips for writing a cover letter as an environmental scientist:

1. Format Your Environmental Scientist Cover Letter Correctly

Let’s face it: tackling a massive, global crisis requires a well-thought-out, structured approach.

In that regard, cover letters are no different. Cover letters need a standard layout and clear structure in order to work. Otherwise, they will just fade into obscurity.

Check out these steps to formatting your cover letter:

• Your cover letter spacing should involve leaving a space of 1” on each margin.
• Use 1 or 1.15 line spacing. Increase it to twice that much between the different paragraphs.
• Speaking of paragraphs, your cover letter needs up to 4 of those. 
• Choose an inoffensive cover letter font and set the size to 12 pt.

Read more: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Recommended Word Count

2. Prepare an Elegant Cover Letter Header

As a scientist/researcher, you should know all too well that presentation matters.

You could be hustling out there with the most groundbreaking paper of the 21st century, but if it’s just a jumble of erratically written notes, it won’t resonate with the community.

So, learn how to start a cover letter well:

• In the top left corner, insert the contact information, alongside your full name and job title.
• You may include other stuff like your LinkedIn profile link, but just make sure it’s optimized before you do.
• Then, add your mailing address. Skip a line, write the current date, and skip another line.
• Repeat the basics—name, address, and job title, this time also including the company name—for the hiring manager you will be addressing the cover letter to.

Read more: How to Make a Good Cover Letter Heading

3. Open with an Engaging First Paragraph

With the formalities out of the way, you’re ready to start writing a cover letter opening. And it needs to be a good one. Why?

Well, to put it quite simply—

Among the professions involving the environment, environmental scientists are by far the most numerous.

“Great!” you may think. But it also means there will be tons of other candidates. So, your task is to set yourself apart from the first sentence.

• A personal cover letter salutation like “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]” is typically the way to go. Being too formal turns them off from reading on.
• In the first sentence, let them know exactly what position you’re applying for.
• Then, list a few accomplishments that also relate to the job duties posted in the job ad.

Read more:35+ Expert Tips for a Successful Cover Letter

4. Show You’re the Best Fit for the Job

After garnering their attention in the earlier parts of the cover letter, here’s where you go in for the kill:

• Boast about your biggest achievements.
• Use numbers to quantify those achievements and thus make them more meaningful.
• The job posting will mention the skill they look for in an ideal candidate. If you have it, flaunt it, and mention them properly in the descriptions you provide.

Read more:Can You Talk About the Salary in a Cover Letter?

5. Tell Them Why You Want This Job in Particular

Needless to say, fighting for a healthier and greener environment is a plan that will take decades to implement.

That’s why you can bet your bottom dollar they won’t hire an environmental scientist who’s ready to drop out at the drop of a hat.

• Your final paragraph should explain what makes this job attractive to you. The goal is to convince them you’re not going to be a seasonal hire.
• To sound convincing in that department, poke around their websites, past and current projects, mission statements, and find something that resonates with you.

Read more: How to Sell Yourself on a Cover Letter: Examples and Ideas

6. End the Environmental Scientist Cover Letter by Making Them an Offer

At this stage, you’re on the final stretch. No room for slacking off now.

• When nearing the end, you should ask for an in-person meeting. Don’t pollute their minds with vagueness, and give a specific time frame.
• As an incentive, promise to reveal your secrets about how you could cut costs, streamline processes, and overall improve their performance.

Read more: How to End a Cover Letter

7. Close with a Professional Sign-off

Many people treat this part as an afterthought, but keep in mind that last impressions are just as good as the first ones.

• Finish the cover letter with an appropriate closing statement, such as “Best regards,” or “Sincerely”.
• If you have one, add your digital signature.
• Repeat your contact information once again to make sure they remember where to call.

Pro Tip: The best way to get that call back? Use a postscript! It grabs their attention one last time.

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Thanks for reading! What did you think of this environmental science cover letter sample? Do you have any of your own tips to share? Head to the comments section and let’s chat!

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