Hi,

I'm applying for a PhD that requires a CV, cover letter and 2 referees. I just need a bit of help with the kind of detail included in the covering letter. I've already searched the forum and found some hints with info such as saying why you're suitable, qualifications, what motivates you etc. But I was wondering should I be including evidence of papers i've read relevant to the topic, a mini review of the area if you like (references included)? I obviously want to appear interested in the area but don't want to include irrelevant information that supervisors might be put off by. Any help most appreciated.
Many thanks.

Wouldn't bother. Use your covering letter to sell yourself - practical experience, your strengths, attributes, what you could bring to the lab... that kind of thing. They will take it as given you have at least read some of the papers!

Thanks a lot for your reply. I kind of thought that I shouldn't go on too much, especially as they don't ask for a proposal. I'll focus more on my skills and relevant experience. Handily my project was in the same area so hopefully that'll help. If I get to the interview stage will they ask about my knowledge of the area then?
Thanks again.

They may do. More likely they will ask you about whatever they have planned; how you feel about studying there. You'll probably get a couple of technical questions (if it's science) or opinions to ascertain your academic level. Watch out for the left-field question - you won't be expecting it and they normally sneak one in!
Uppermost, DO NOT BULLSHIT! Don't big yourself up, pretend you know all about something and make out you are the only viable option for this post. Remember, they want the person first, not the brain power

No problems with bigging myself up, I sometimes have to remind myself I'm actually capable of studying/working at this level! I do really really want to research in this area so hopefully that will come across.

May be a silly question but how long are cover letters supposed to be, or is it a little bit like asking how long's a piece of string? Another thing is my undergraduate project was in a completely different area (I've had a bit of a change of direction), but my Msc project is very relevant. Should i gloss over my undergrad project and just focus on the MSc or is it best to explain my change of research interests?
Sorry for all the questions!

A cover letter is typically one side of typed A4. Seems obivious but make it professional; the correct format, etc. It shows attention to detail. Don't gloss over your first project, use it as a way of demonstrating your versatility.

I think you should try to personalise your letter, make it interesting for those who read it, don’t just state your qualifications and motivation. Add some personal detail/s, don’t make the letter a copy of your Academic CV.
From my experience, before you start writing it, make sure you’re convinced that PhD is right, even perfect for you… One time I wrote a very convincing cover letter (I was inspired and maybe a little desperate because I didn’t have a job at the moment) and I got an almost instantaneous invitation to an interview. The next moment I realised I didn’t even want the job. It was a good exercise though. Good luck!

Hi,
when I write covering letters In the first few sentences I explain (briefly) who I am, where I saw the PhD advertised what Im currently doing and what I want to do in the future.

Then in the next paragraph I explain why I want to do the PhD and try to relate it to a previous project I have done and explain what i would get out of doing it and why at that Particular uni.


Then in the next paragraph I describe my skills which would make me a good applicant.

Then I finnish by saying I hope on looking at my letter and CV they would find me suitable and I hope to hear form them soon.

This kind of thing has worked for PhD applications for me in the past so I just stuck to it.


I hope this helps

Thanks everyone for your advice. I sort of know what i'm going to write now. I'm only applying for PhD's I have a strong interest in rather than just do a PhD because i'm not sure what else to do so hopefully that'll stand me in good stead.

Thanks again.

Ooh just wanted to ask too, should I mention voluntary work i've done with regards to research? I only have a bit (few days mammal trapping/6 weeks wildlife work abroad) and it's not directly relevant to the PhD but gave me new skills/techniques etc. I don't want to look like i'm dragging it out because the only paid work i've ever done is temp office/supermarket stuff!

Cheers

Yea you can but I would try and tie it in with my generic skills which are useful for PhD students. I did 3 months summer work in a lab (technician) at GSK which had nothing to with any of the PhDs I applied for but I said it had given me time management and organisational skills. I dont know what you did for the work experience but if you had to keep records or something I would put it as an example of good record keeping skills alongside any labnote book you kept. Something like that.

Is that helpful?

Sorry I just saw your question about the 2 different research projects. I did two totally different projects for my masters and MSc too the only thing they had in common was that I used molecular Biology techniques. So what I used to do is talk about whichever one was more relevant to the PhD I was applying for and then when I spoke about my practical skills I would say I have a good working knowledge of Molecular Biology techniques xyz and gained form undergraduate and masters project. But I always kept both on my Cv so they would see both but only one in the covering letter. I dont think you really need to explain why you changed area My undergraduate degree and masters were kind of related but I ended up doing totally different projects I never expalined and it seemed to be fine I wasnt asked why at the interviews I went to either.

Hope this helps.

Thanks shanghaichica, your advice was really helpful. I've written it now so fingers crossed!

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