Thanks all for your advice. Yes, you're right. Definitely better to use it as an opportunity than lose out. I'll stick to the facts for the application form and use the letter to show how I complement the research interests of the department and target the thing more specifically. Sometimes you just need an outside voice to tell you what should already be obvious!

======= Date Modified 28 Feb 2011 13:33:46 =======
I recently finished my PhD and am applying for all relevant posts that come up. What are your thoughts on the newish online applications? I fill in the application and attach a cv but I'm never sure whether or not to attach a traditional covering letter these days. A lot of the information you would put in a covering letter now has to be included in the supporting info section of the application form. Do other people repeat the information or discard the covering letter altogether?

Any advice would be appreciated

Fantastic news Dr Bakuvia, you've done so well (up)

Fantastic news! Well done! Can't wait to hear the details Dr Alpacalover.

A hot-water bottle. What an investment! Apart from a couple of months in the summer I'm never without mine when I'm at my desk. I really miss it when I go to the library which is always a bit draughty.

I'm telling you: get one, or two: cheap, warm, comforting... what more can I say.

HWB Fan

Hi Chris,

First, so sorry that this has really stressed you out. I can definitely relate to the nerves you describe. Look, it obviously wasn't your best presentation but I think you are probably exaggerating the negatives. As you said yourself, the chair was interested in the material, the script and powerpoint were polished and you were happy with them!!

So, the issue was delivery alone. Are you always this nervous? Did you have time to do a spoken-aloud run-through of the paper before hand? I might be over-stepping the mark here but I noticed your posts on the nocturnal workers thread and you seem to have been up the WHOLE night before getting ready and going in to give this presentation! If this is the case, then no wonder you were in bits. I can hardly make it down the street in the morning if I haven't slept the night before never mind do something as demanding as giving a presentation. I am the kind of person who gets very nervous before these things and I find the only thing that calms me a bit is being well-prepared. I also think you put added pressure on yourself by thinking of this in terms of 'my first presentation as Dr Chris' instead of just another presentation like ones you've done before.


You are not trying to 'kid' anyone. You completed your thesis and passed your viva because you DESERVED to, because you are competent. The sooner you start believing that the better.

I very much doubt that the HOD is avoiding you. It sounds like your self-doubt talking. Learn from this. Prepare your presentations as far in advance as possible (I know this is hard but it definitely helps with nerves) and whatever you do don't let this become an elephant in the room that stops you from giving papers. In fact, I would be inclined to say that the next opportunity you get to do another presentation, grab it. And the sooner the better. Then this experience can be relegated into the category where it properly belongs-- a once off. The embarrassment will pass in a day or two.

Sorry if I sound bossy. I've been there too. Hugs and (gift)

Congratulations Dr Chrisrolinski!!!! Absolutely fantastic news!

Hi Chris, just hoping for the best for you and wondering how today went? Let us know when you get a chance. It's been great following your progress!

Sue, I'm so sorry to hear this. I really feel for you. I hope that you are able to spend some quality time with her. Use us as much as you need in the times ahead. This might be a virtual space but the empathy we feel for you is very real- you're in my thoughts x

Oh Sue, my thoughts are with you (((((((HUG))))))). You will come out the other end of all this. I'm so sorry your dog is unwell, they are such special companions. I hope the treatment will put her on her feet again. Wishing you strength and courage to get through this dificult time x

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Woo-hoo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic! Let me be the first to congratulate you Chrisrolinski. Following your progress has been inspiring. I hope I can get there too. Go celebrate/sleep/do something very well deserved.(gift)

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Aw Jepson I'm really sorry to hear that. Your kids sound wonderful though! It was still right to apply. I think we need to build up a thick skin to see ourselves through this process. If it's any consolation I believe that the market is such at the minute that those of us who haven't finished yet are simply set aside at the very outset. Take heart, watch crap tv and hit the bottle a little if it helps. It won't seem so bad in a couple of days ;-)

I hope you're getting on well on this, your LAST NIGHT of thesis-writing Chris. I really can't wait to hear from you tomorrow that you have submitted. It's so exciting! I wish I was in your position.

You WILL get it done, it is NOT a crappy mess, it will all be over soon. Come on, push-- get that baby out (sprout)

Someone else reading it is not going to feel about it what you do- most people I know who've finished thought their thesis was crap, especially in the final days before submission. This is normal. Do what you can and then let it go.

How about something like: Chapter 1 opens the discussion of ___/ poses the question___/The opening chapter begins by detailing
                                    From____, the discussion turns to___
                                    The line of questioning/analysis so far, invites scrutiny/reappraisal of ____, tackled in Chapter N

Probably not much better than the stock ones you mentioned, sorry. That's always a tricky bit I find, especially if you're a nit-picker like me!