As there is a high level of competition in getting a good research experience in the United States, it is very important to write a well formulated and grammatically correct email to show the seriousness about your research interest. This should consist of five main components.
Subject: Subject should be short, informative and to the point. (for example: Looking for Research Volunteer Position)
Cover Letter: Formulating a personalized email is an art. This should have salutation, introduction, body, conclusion and signature. Salutation should consist of Greetings or Hello with prefix and the last name format (for example, Hello Dr.Melson). One good thing about writing “Dr” is it is gender neutral and eliminates gender errors. Introduction should include your name, your qualification and what you are looking for. If you have already made a connection or are connected through your coworker, this is the area where you can mention it. (for example: I am Jose Salazar, a medical graduate from Mexico looking to volunteer in research. I came to know about your research efforts through one of your residents, Dr.Singh). In the body of the cover letter, you explain your qualification and strengths for this particular position and how this position is in line with long term goals (for example: I have published 2 research abstracts in ACP national meeting last year and I am looking to expand my research horizon. I am good at literature review and manuscript writing. This volunteer position will benefit me in the long run as I am looking for residency training in the United States). Conclude by summarizing your attachment and your contact information. Add your signature at the end.
Example:
Greetings Dr.Kashyap I am Ahmed Sherif, an international medical graduate from Pakistan currently researching in Name and city of the hospital. My mentor Dr.Melson, hospitalist in Name and city of the hospital mentioned to me about your work and I would like to work with you in cardiovascular research. I have worked on two research papers in Cardiovascular imaging and currently finishing up my third paper for submission. I am well versed with SPSS bio-statistical software which I can contribute to your team. Working with you will help me in strengthening my residency application which I am planning to apply next cycle. I have attached my CV, personal statement and the letter from Dr.Melson in support of my application. You can contact me at my cell phone number or via email. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you Ahmed Sherif, MD
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Write your real, updated and customized CV to the position you are applying for. Take care of the color, fonts and size. Keep it simple and to the point. For example, when you apply to the clinical job you will put your clinical experience before your research experience. Here, you put the relevant publications first followed by your research experience (which you may not have published yet) and then your clinical experience briefly. Make sure you explain your role in each research which will give an idea about how you can benefit their team. You may briefly explain the hobbies you have which may help you to connect with the potential mentor. Avoid unnecessary and lengthy details like where you did your high school or even the languages you know!
Personal Statement: You are the best person to write your passionate personal statement. It should have a story, reasoning, strengths and your relevant experience which led you to seek a research position. You should clearly state what you are looking for and how this research opportunity will benefit your long term residency plans. Being real and writing your own is the key. After your first draft, give it a week or so and re-look. Take the repetition and irrelevant out, edit the grammar. Ask your friend to take a look and you are all set, if the personal statement is within a page.
Letter of Recommendation (LoR): This is an optional but important component. If you have previous research experience, you may get a letter from your mentor. If you do not have any research experience, the letter can be from any clinician mentor whom you worked with highlighting your strengths and weaknesses.
Once you have finalized the five components in place, customize the cover letter to the potential mentor and send it with attached CV, personal statement and LoR. Wait for the reply!
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