When you apply for an academic job, your cover letter helps a hiring committee interpret ... it shows that you have social capital beyond your home department. Address your letter to the person ...

If you are a fit for the job ad’s basic qualifications, it’s not unusual for readers to spend the most time on your cover letter, as it should be the narrative that explains the rest of your materials ...

‘Tis the season of the academic job search ... surprisingly, given the cover letter short shrift. Our lack of attention is by no means a measure of the importance of the job letter.