I want to apply for a PhD which I need to send a cover letter. Could you please go over it and let me know how it can be improved. I'm not sure whether the structure is correct and if whether have I provided enough information.
Thanks in advance for your help,
E.T
{Dear Sir/Madam,
Please accept my application for the position of PhD in xx. I have an MSc in xx from yy and a BSc in xx from yy. I have gained solid background and practical skills while obtaining my two previous degrees and a considerable understanding for handling various domain areas in biomedical engineering. Therefore, I am confident that this would ease my learning and contribution on this research project.
I work well in teams; I am reliable and organised, and enthusiastic to learn. I am sure that I will carry over the same enthusiasm and skill in doing this PhD. I know that my academic background will prove to be an effective match for your demands. Therefore, I would like to have the opportunity to develop my abilities, for which I am confident that I have the skills, knowledge and competence.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours Sincerely,
xx
One does not apply for the "position" of PhD but, rather, for admission to a PhD program.
Is this the cover letter for an application packet? If so, the lack of detail is acceptable. If not, then you will need to be much more specific about your experiences, qualifications, and intentions.
Thank you for your reply, yes this is the cover letter and I still have to write a statement of purpose. I am trying to cover lots of points. I would appreciate your comment on that too when I am finished if yu don't mind.
Do have a good weekend.
Kind regards,
E.T
Even for a cover letter, the lack of specifics is a bit of a problem. You have background and practical skills, you say? That tells the reader nothing about you. Everyone has a background, and you must have some skills or you wouldn't have made to the PhD level in the first place.
As for your second paragraph, you say you are reliable, a good team player, etc. These are things anyone can claim to have, and don't relate particularly specifically to the program you are applying to.
So, you might want to highlight one or two key details in each paragraph that show why you are more worthy of being admitted than your competitors are.
Right, either you want a pure cover letter that says nothing other than "here are my materials" or you want to highlight a few specific strengths of your application. The vague comments you have now are untrustworthy.
