Hello!

Sorry if this has been posted before - I did do a search for similar topics but couldn't find anything similar.

I'm in the process of finalising my covering letter and CV for a studentship I applied for previously and got down to the last two for. Although I wasn't successful, it turned out the application for funding wasn't either, and the supervisor (having now obtained funding) has invited me to apply again.

Unfortunately though, not much has changed for me in terms of relevant achievements that relate to the topic (although I can tweak employment here and there). I don't feel too concerned about this, as the studentship was only advertised about six months ago (first time round). However, it feels lazy to simply submit a nigh identical covering letter and CV to the same supervisors that reviewed it previously.

Might any of you have had similar experiences and might offer some advice? I would be very, very grateful :-)!

I applied for my PhD two years in a row, the first year I heard nothing back, the second I got the PhD.

I only just tweaked the cover letter and CV the second time. I doubt they even keep a record of previous applications anyway, so I'm sure you will be fine.

They are asking you back because they liked you - your CV doesn't matter too much at this point anyway!

I also applied for my PhD twice, I was top candidate the first time but didn't get the competitive funding, and the supervisor emailed me to encourage me to apply again the second time round and it was successful. The fact that the supervisor has told you to apply I think is a good sign! Just update the CV and covering letter but they can't expect it to change much in 6 months so don't worry too much! Perhaps work on your interview skills if you get offered an interview as that's one thing where you can always improve and read the relevant literature =) Good luck!

I completely forgot to login and say thanks - thank you! I ended up tweaking a few bits here and there but it was good to know that I wouldn't 'lose points' having not done much in the field over the last couple of months.

Had an email from one of the supervisors tonight saying I should get my invite to interview in the next couple of days, so hurrah! Now just time to do what you said, Caro, and get some serious reading done 😀.

Thanks again!