Hi,

I am in my last year of my undergraduate degree and I am currently applying for PhD's. I have been using this website for a while now and there has been some great advice so I was hoping for some help!

I am applying for a PhD at Edinburgh and they are asking for me to send a covering letter, a personal statement (outlining my reasons for applying, suitability, experience, motivation to do a phd and career aspirations), a cv and references. I really need some help with the cover letter.

I am not sure what to write on it as I have covered most of what I would normally write in a cover letter in the personal statement. I dont want to seem to be repeating myself. Any advice on what I should include in this letter?

Thanks!

There will be templates online. Its a little tricky on email rather than a letter though. THe usual things are to put the reference of the role you are applying for (or PhD opportunity) and say where you found it (e.g. findaphd or something similar), and a bit of padding (hopefully others can help you with this) and then something like "I have attached the application, CV and references which I hope convey how excited I am by this opportunity and explain why I feel I am suitable for this role" or somethign a lot better!

======= Date Modified 10 Jan 2010 06:27:05 =======
I've always done short covering letters - for my PhD and for jobs and am normally successful. IMO cover letters are just introductions to the package of info that you're submitting. So I only do about 3 pars, something like:

i) I wish to apply to undertake a PhD at xxx, as advertised in the xxxx (or however else you found out). Please find attached blah blah blah...

ii) I am confident I have the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to undertake these studies. Then go through these, but in an overview eg I possess considerable quantitative skills in xx field, gained through (previous studies, work etc). Keep this really high level - remember, just an overview to get their interest and let them see you're a contender.

iii) Enthuse about the institution, how much you'd like to do a PhD there. Mention if you already have support from a potential supervisor. Say something to convince them of your commitment - try and make this really strong. When I did mine, I stated that my commitment was evidenced by working full-time while studying and still achieving a distinction average, working in the industry etc etc. Try and make this personal - it will help them remember you and make you stand out. Promote yourself; don't be afraid to gush a bit about the uni. Applications always sound a bit over the top.

Then contact details. Keep the letter to a page.

Good luck!

Thats great- I finished it today to hopefully I'll hear something back from them soon!

Thanks for your help.

Hi

Thanks for the insight. I look forward to reading more about your businesses!

Apart from that, you also can ref more resources at: http://jobsapplication.net/follow-up-application-letter/

Best rgs

======= Date Modified 12 Sep 2011 08:57:02 =======
I guess you should use search box to find some templates or suggestions or tips.
Some samples can be found at http://coverlettersamples.biz
Hope this helps!