Geologist Cover Letter Example and Template

Written by

Updated June 6, 2025

Geologists are scientists who study the physical nature of Earth, including its processes, materials and climate. They can find work in a variety of places, such as private companies, academic institutions and government agencies. If you want a scientific job with opportunities to work in the field, then becoming a geologist may be the right path for you.In this article, we explain how to write a geologist cover letter and provide a sample letter to help guide you. Before you begin, it can be helpful to review a few job descriptions. You can also look at resume samples before creating a resume that coordinates with your cover letter. Once your application materials are ready, upload a resume file or build an Indeed resume to start applying for geologist jobs.

Brittany Sattler
955-555-0105
brittany.sattler@email.com
Marengo, Ind.May 1, 2023Dear Hiring Manager,I'm writing to apply for the position of Geologist with Rock Science Foundation. As a geologist with three years of experience, I believe I would make an excellent addition to your team. I am especially interested in your work in educating children about geology and related topics, as I think it's vital for the next generation to have a strong understanding of science.I graduated from State University with a bachelor's degree in geology. I then earned a master's in geological sciences from J. Smart University. During my time as a student, I had many opportunities to work with children which inspired my goal to use my degree to educate young people alongside conducting research. In pursuit of this goal, I took a few education courses that improved my understanding of teaching children.Professionally, I have spent the last three years working as a Geologist at a geological research institution. Working with a team of five, I conducted research in laboratory settings and in the field. I gained experience with a variety of geological equipment, including GPS and 3D modeling software. I have also become very proficient with creating reports and presentations of findings, and have presented at multiple conferences with my team. My time at this institution has been rewarding and educational, but I am eager to move forward with my professional goals.Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I am available by phone or via email if you have any questions about my qualifications or application. I would also love to set up an in-person meeting at your earliest convenience. Thank you again for this opportunity to apply for a position with Rock Science Foundation.Sincerely,Brittany Sattler

Download Cover Letter Template With Example

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

What to include in a geologist cover letter

Here are examples of information you might include in your geologist cover letter:

Introduction

It's a good idea to start your cover letter by introducing yourself to the hiring manager. Tell them the position for which you're applying and how many years of experience you have as a geologist or in similar work. This can give the hiring manager a quick sense of your qualifications, which can encourage them to keep reading. In this paragraph, you can also show your enthusiasm for the position or explain why you're applying.Related: How To Become a Geologist

Academic credentials

The applicant's academic credentials are an important part of a geologist cover letter. Review the job description carefully to ensure that you have the proper qualifications, as some geologist jobs may only require a bachelor's degree while others may require a master's or even a doctorate. Along with noting the degrees you hold, you can also mention specific coursework if it's especially relevant to the position. If you're applying for a position with a research focus, this is also a suitable area to talk about your research experience.Related: 10 Careers To Pursue With a Geology Degree

Work experience

Along with your academic credentials, it's important to write about your professional experience in your cover letter. When writing about previous jobs, provide information like job titles, length of employment and your typical responsibilities. You can focus more on your academic credentials if you have limited work experience in geology. You can also write about transferrable skills from other, non-geological positions you've held.Related: How To Write a Geologist Resume (With Example)

Skills

Use your cover letter to expand on skills you may have listed in your resume, supported by examples where possible. Write about both hard skills, like geological software you can use, and soft skills, like communication. This can show the hiring manager that you have a range of abilities, which can be important for a geologist. When trying to decide which skills to write about, it's a good idea to read the job description and highlight the skills it mentions.Here are examples of geologist skills you might include in your cover letter:

Fieldwork
Research
3D modeling software
Technical drawing
Report preparation
Communication
Time management
Analysis
Organization
Teamwork

Professional goals

Consider writing about some of your professional goals in your cover letter. This can be especially useful if you can tie any of them to the job description or the company's goals or values. For example, if you're applying to work with a nonprofit organization that focuses on climate change, you could talk about your goals related to researching climate change and influencing government regulations. The hiring manager may consider you a more appealing candidate if you can show that your goals align with the company.Related: 8 Careers in Geoscience (Plus Salaries)

Call to action

Finish your cover letter by thanking the reader for their time and consideration, then providing a call to action. In a cover letter, a call to action typically encourages the hiring manager to contact the applicant to discuss their application. You can do this by indicating that you're available to answer questions by phone or via email. You can also tell them you're interested in setting up an in-person interview to talk further.Related: Career Paths You Can Take With a Geology Degree

Tips for writing an effective geologist cover letter

Here are some tips that can help you craft a strong cover letter:

Research the company

Before writing your cover letter, do some research into the company that posted the position. Browse their website, follow their social media and search online for articles or blog posts about them. Learning about the company can help with both determining if the position is right for you and finding specific information to include in your cover letter. If possible, you might even read employee testimonials or talk to current and past employees who can tell you about the work environment.Related: Cover Letter Template (With Tips and Examples)

Reference the job description

In your cover letter, try to reference the job description as much as possible. This shows that you've read the description and understand the position. When reading the description, look for keywords that indicate which skills, experience and other qualifications seem to have the most value for that position. You can then highlight those important aspects by using those keywords in your cover letter, such as specifically mentioning your experience with technical drawing or 3D modeling software.Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (Plus Tips and Examples)

Personalize each letter

It's a good idea to personalize each cover letter, as many hiring managers prefer a custom letter to a more general one. You can write a letter with a few standard sections, such as the header, conclusion and basic information about your qualifications. Customize that base letter for each application by naming the company in your introduction and adding details about why you're applying. You can also personalize a letter by choosing to highlight different skills or experiences based on the job description.Related: 7 Powerful Ways To Start a Cover Letter (With Examples)

Show your personality

It's always a good idea for your cover letter to be professional, but you can also show your personality. Depending on where you're applying and their company culture, a cover letter with personality may actually be preferable to one that's completely formal. For example, while you may want to make a cover letter for a government agency more formal, certain private companies may appreciate seeing your personality. One way to show this is through an enthusiastic tone.Related: Cover Letter Basics (With Tips and Template)

Ask for outside opinions

Once you've finished a draft of your cover letter, consider asking for outside opinions from friends, colleagues or mentors. It can help to get another perspective on your letter to ensure that it makes sense, has good writing and is free of typos or other errors. They can also advise you to add more information or point out places where you could be more concise with your writing. This outside perspective can help simulate the way a hiring manager might read the letter and what they might notice or have questions about.Related: 7 Key Elements of a Successful Cover Letter

The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers