Imagine capturing past epochs and fascinating stories for posterity - and that's exactly what you want to do in your career as a historian? Then you've come to the right place to prepare yourself well for your application! Whether it's about your resume, practical tips, a convincing cover letter, or the perfect letter - we have the necessary tools and useful advice for your journey into the world of history. Let's make sure together that your application as a historian is as exciting as the stories you will tell through your profession.

Word for word to the new job: This template will help you write your cover letter for the historian application

Feel free to be inspired by our template for the Historian application cover letter. This template assists you with phrasing for your cover letter in the field of history. However, make sure to consider the specific requirements of the company's job description. Connect your past competencies and experiences with the demanded skills and qualities mentioned in the job posting. It is important that the recruiter recognizes that you are both academically qualified and genuinely interested in the advertised position. This way, you will surely receive an invitation to an interview.

Dear [Name of recipient],

History has always been more than just a passion for me; it has become my vocation. Throughout my studies and my professional career so far, I have been able to delve deeply into various historical epochs and gain extensive knowledge. I find the interactions between societal developments and political structures particularly fascinating. I see exploring and conveying these connections in an understandable way as my main task.

In my previous role at [current workplace/institution], I have gained valuable experience in conducting and presenting historical research projects. In doing so, I have been able to continuously expand my analytical skills, my structured work approach, and my presentation skills. Actively engaging with source materials and developing new scholarly insights brings me great joy.

I particularly appreciate your institution/your company for [specific reason for interest in the institution/company]. This focus aligns perfectly with my interests and abilities. I am convinced that with my knowledge and experiences, I can make a valuable contribution to your projects.

I am very excited about the opportunity to further illustrate my suitability and motivation to you in a personal conversation.

Yours sincerely

[Your Name]

Do you like the template? You are welcome to use it as a basis for your application as a historian and customize it. Don't forget to fill in your personal details and the complete addressee, as well as note the date. If you know the name of the contact person, it is always beneficial to address them directly, for example, with: Dear Mr. Schmidt.

Get involved: How to personalize the sample cover letter for the open position

It is important to adapt the displayed template for your cover letter as a historian to your personal and professional circumstances. Every experience and project you have completed should be presented in a way that fits exactly with the position you are applying for. Customized information increases your chances of making a positive impression.

• Research and analyze historical documents: Thoroughly search and interpret archives, manuscripts, and digital sources.
• Publication of scholarly works: Developing and publishing articles and books that offer new insights and interpretations.
• Teaching and giving lectures: Sharing knowledge through teaching in schools and universities or through lectures at conferences and in public settings.
• Project coordination: Managing and organizing research projects including coordinating staff and resources.
• Monument conservation and museum curation: Collaborating with museums and monument conservation organizations to preserve historical sites and curate exhibitions.
• Consulting and expert work: Advising governments, organizations, and businesses on historical matters and preparing expert opinions.
• Archive management: Structuring and maintaining archives, including digitizing and cataloging historical documents.
• Public relations and outreach: Developing programs and events to arouse and promote public interest in history.

In summary, it is important to highlight the adaptation of the template to your individual strengths and experiences and emphasize which specific skills from the list you will bring to the new role. A tailored presentation of your qualifications and your passion for the profession will set you apart from other applicants.

These industries hire historians

If you have decided on a career as a historian, you have a variety of opportunities available to you. The profession of a historian is anything but monotonous and offers diverse and exciting perspectives. Let's take a closer look at some of these industries where your skills and knowledge as a historian are in demand.

• Education: You can teach at schools, universities, or in adult education and pass on your enthusiasm for history to others.
• Museums and Archives: Here, you work on the collection, conservation, and exhibition of historical artifacts and documents.
• Research: Research institutes and think tanks seek historians to conduct in-depth analyses on various historical topics.
• Journalism and Publishing: Writing and editing work for historical magazines, newspapers, or book publishers offer an exciting challenge.
• Cultural Management: In this industry, you plan and organize cultural events and projects that deal with historical themes.
• Public Service: Historians can work in various government and administrative offices to manage and analyze historical data and information.
• Tourism: You can work as a tour guide or in the planning of cultural-historical tours to bring history closer to people.
• Consulting: Some companies need historians to document their company history and carry out public relations activities.

As you can see, a career as a historian opens up numerous paths in various industries. Whether you are interested in education, research, or culture, your skills and knowledge are needed in many places. Take advantage of the variety of options to find your ideal career path.

Shine with a well-structured resume in the application

The profession of a historian requires a variety of specific qualifications and experiences that should be clearly and precisely presented in the resume. A clear and structured resume will help you convincingly demonstrate your suitability for the job.

• Educational Background: Start with your highest educational qualification and list relevant academic achievements, courses, and projects that demonstrate your knowledge in history.
• Work Experience: Provide detailed information about your previous job positions and internships in the field of historical research, museum work, or related fields. Highlight activities that showcase your analytical and research skills.
• Research Skills: Present publications, research projects, and presentations that you have been involved in. This demonstrates your ability to conduct thorough historical research and communicate its results.
• Methodological Skills: List specific methodological and technical skills, such as handling historical archives, database research, or digital anthropology. These skills are often crucial for practical work.
• Soft Skills: Mention soft skills like analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail, which are essential for the daily work of a historian.
• Language Skills: Good language skills are often a plus, as historical sources are not always available in one's native language. Specify the languages you are proficient in and describe your level.

A well-structured resume that covers aspects such as education, work experience, research skills, methodological skills, and soft skills is essential to successfully apply as a historian. By clearly presenting your qualifications and strengths, you can demonstrate to potential employers your suitability for this demanding and multifaceted professional world.

Prepare your application for historians and impress with professional design - use our customizable application templates for Word, InDesign, and more: