Gaining entrance into a competitive PhD program takes more than just a strong educational background. You also need a CV and cover letter that detail your experience, research, and interests.
A generic cover letter risks being discarded before you even get an interview. That’s why you must do your research and create a plan to present the best PhD cover letter possible.
PhD full text-only cover letter example
Dear Dr. Nguyen,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Neuroscience PhD program at Stanford University. As a recent graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and a minor in Computer Science, I am eager to pursue advanced research in computational neuroscience under your guidance.
My undergraduate research experience at the University of Michigan's Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab, under the supervision of Dr. John Smith, has prepared me well for the rigors of graduate study. During my time there, I contributed to a project investigating the neural correlates of decision-making using fMRI techniques. This experience not only honed my technical skills in neuroimaging and data analysis but also deepened my fascination with the intricate workings of the human brain.
Your recent publication in Nature Neuroscience on the application of machine learning algorithms to predict cognitive states from fMRI data particularly resonates with my research interests. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to similar groundbreaking work in your lab, combining my background in cognitive science and computer science to advance our understanding of brain function.
Stanford's interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environment, makes it the ideal place for me to pursue my doctoral studies. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to engage with researchers from diverse fields, including psychology, biology, and computer science, to tackle complex questions about the brain.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and research interests align with the goals of your lab and the Stanford Neuroscience PhD program. Please feel free to contact me at (734) 555-0123 or via email at [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ethan Hall
Sections of a PhD cover letter
Create a cover letter for a PhD program by telling the story of your background through the following segments:
- Cover letter header. List your name, contact details, and the date to make the right first impression.
- Greeting. Make a personal connection by addressing the reader by name if at all possible. This starts building a relationship right away.
- Introduction. Grab the reader’s attention by sharing compelling details about your interest in the program and why you’d be a fit.
- Body. This is the heart of your letter and should include further explanation of your educational background, work history, research experience, and how you align with the program in question.
- Conclusion. Finish by summarizing your qualifications and reiterating your interest. Include a call to action that encourages a response.
- Signature. Sign off with a professional farewell and your name.
Each section of your cover letter comes together to build a cohesive narrative of your background and expertise.
You want to aim for a one-page cover letter. In concise language, showcase your skills and weave them into a story that shows how you’re aligned with the program and its research. You want to do more than just explain your skill set; instead, make it clear why the program resonates with you and your interests.
Need more inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples from the education sector:
If you’re looking for a more general breakdown of every section of a cover letter, check out our article on how to write a cover letter.
Once you’ve crafted your header and addressed the reader, it’s time to start your introduction.
Introduction of a PhD cover letter
To kick off your cover letter with a bang, start by highlighting a major achievement. Use this to set the stage for the rest of your letter and be as specific as possible.
Dear Dr. Nguyen,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Neuroscience PhD program at Stanford University. As a recent graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and a minor in Computer Science, I am eager to pursue advanced research in computational neuroscience under your guidance.
Hello, my name is Ethan, and I am interested in the PhD program at Stanford. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science which I feel makes me a good fit for this program.
Rather than simply a basic introduction, describe a compelling experience that shows your talents in action. For instance, did you write your master’s thesis on a key topic or drive a research project that aligns with this PhD program? The more specific, the better. Concrete, numerical data adds credibility.
You want to make it as obvious as possible that you belong in this program. Give the reader a key reason to read on and invite you to the next steps.
Dear Dr. Nguyen,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Neuroscience PhD program at Stanford University. As a recent graduate from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and a minor in Computer Science, I am eager to pursue advanced research in computational neuroscience under your guidance.
PhD cover letter body
Follow a clear template in the body of your cover letter:
- Highlight your education, research, and experience
- Show how you're a perfect fit for the culture of the program and institution
- Sign off with a conclusion that packs a punch
- Wrap up with a call to action that leaves the reader eager to get in touch
First body paragraph: your suitability for the program (skills & experience)
Start with a flourish by showcasing the education, experience, and key skills that make you a perfect PhD candidate.
Here’s how to weave your qualifications into an engaging narrative for your PhD cover letter:
- Highlight your educational credentials. Regardless of the type of PhD you’re going for, you need to show off your prior education. Share the details of your master’s and bachelor’s programs as well as any honors, awards, or other achievements.
- Emphasize your research skills. Research is a major part of earning a PhD, so document past research contributions. Discuss past research projects, methodologies, and key findings. Share how you hope to contribute to this program.
- Show your career goals. Do you hope to remain in academia as a professor? Lead a research team? Or do you plan to take your expertise into the corporate world? Share a bit about your plans and how you hope to use the knowledge you gain in your PhD program.
- Detail your teaching talents. Many PhD programs include teaching, so be sure to document how you’ve educated students and facilitated discussions.
- Share any relevant skills. What specific skills will this program require? Whether data analysis, writing, or teaching, you’ve got relevant talents to showcase.
- Note your technical prowess. Detail your experience with any relevant technologies or software solutions.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the institution
Once you’ve talked about what you can bring to the program, it’s time to appeal to their mission and goals.
Leverage your excellent research skills to dive into the culture of the institution and the specific PhD program. Then, show how your own values and experiences align with the organization’s ethos.
For example, Stanford University’s Neuroscience PhD Program shares the following goals on their website:
- Developing leaders at every level of society
- Cultivating outstanding faculty researchers and a bright, energetic student population
- Training future neuroscience leaders
- Increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Think about how these statements resonate with you and incorporate them into the body of your cover letter.
My undergraduate research experience at the University of Michigan's Cognitive Neuroimaging Lab, under the supervision of Dr. John Smith, has prepared me well for the rigors of graduate study. During my time there, I contributed to a project investigating the neural correlates of decision-making using fMRI techniques. This experience not only honed my technical skills in neuroimaging and data analysis but also deepened my fascination with the intricate workings of the human brain.
Your recent publication in Nature Neuroscience on the application of machine learning algorithms to predict cognitive states from fMRI data particularly resonates with my research interests. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to similar groundbreaking work in your lab, combining my background in cognitive science and computer science to advance our understanding of brain function.
Stanford's interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environment, makes it the ideal place for me to pursue my doctoral studies. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to engage with researchers from diverse fields, including psychology, biology, and computer science, to tackle complex questions about the brain.
Call to action & conclusion: finish off strong
Now, it’s time to sum up your cover letter with a reiteration of your key points and excitement about the PhD program.
Then, add a call to action for the reader, encouraging them to get in touch to learn more about your candidacy for the program.
Be sure to express your gratitude and appreciation; not only is this simply good manners, it’s another chance to reaffirm your interest in the program.
Sign off with a clear invitation to further engage in the process.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and research interests align with the goals of your lab and the Stanford Neuroscience PhD program. Please feel free to contact me at (734) 555-0123 or via email at [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ethan Hall
Finally, sign off with your name. This is the final touch that leaves a lasting impression.
Optimize for the ATS
While it’s unlikely for a PhD program to use applicant tracking systems (ATS) in their admissions decision, it’s worth understanding the process for your future job search.
An ATS is software used by companies to collect and manage job applications. Advanced systems may include a screening tool to help recruiters and hiring managers filter applications based on which ones best match the job posting.
Review the job listing and pinpoint the important keywords. If they’re relevant to you and your experience, incorporate them into your cover letter.
For example:
- “Research experience”
- “College-level teaching”
- “PhD graduate”
To learn more about applicant tracking systems, check out our article on Resume ATS optimization.
Key takeaways
A well-crafted PhD cover letter highlights your educational credentials, research experience, relevant skills, and passion for the field.
Use each section of the cover letter to showcase your unique strengths and zeal for research. Don’t forget to appeal to the ethos of the organization and show how you’re in alignment.
Kickstart your PhD job search with our cover letter generator and accompanying resume builder. Then supercharge your efforts with Resume.io.
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