If you have any questions from watching this video, please don't hesitate to get in touch by leaving a comment down below. I will do my best to reply to every comment! Cheers, Raj
Hi Raj! I found your videos through the school website, and they have been really inspiring and helpful! I just have one question about something I saw in some other article: do I really have to explain a gap year on my CV in the cover letter? I took one between my bachelor and my master just to clear my thoughts. I did work a little as a freelancer/intern during that time, but not for the whole year. Thank you very much!
Hi Alice - good question! You definitely don't have to (nor should you) explain the gap year on either your cover letter or your CV... both are really introductory marketing-type documents to get you the interview - so emphasise skills relevant to the job description. If they're curious about that year, they'll ask you at interview so you'll want to think of a way to describe that year - clearing your thoughts is perfectly fine of course and I'd also add what you learnt over the course of that year - again emphasising skill - so the focus is always on how they benefit. I hope that makes sense, Alice? Definitely shout if not :-) Raj
Yes, absolutely Darren... always start with what attracts you to them (gives them a reason to get invested in you) and then build a connection to yourself.... to show how you fit in their context. Then fully flesh out maybe the top 2 skills they mention. A personal statement, much like a cover letter is about satisfying them you'd be a good person to interview, so it's a marketing document rather than a full account of yourself. The best of luck Darren :-) Raj
Dear Raj Thanks for all of your career advice videos. I really find these videos very useful. I would like to know how should I write my cover letter and CV targeting jobs in academia such as Research Fellow and Associate Lecturer position. I would appreciate if you make a video as well on this topic. Many thanks.
Dear Blueeye, I'm super glad you're finding the videos helpful - that's great! Targeting roles in academia - if they're research-based, I'd recommend putting extra weight on your communication of science; be that conferences, poster presentations or publications, since such activities drive interest, collaborations and reputation - serving to potentially bring more inward investment into a department, and widening research opportunities. I'd also focus your cover letter on showing an understanding of what that research group is focused on right now, referencing publications they've recently written and how you might be able to fit in. I hope this helps and good luck! Raj
@@UCLCareersTV Dear Raj Many thanks for your reply. Its would be helpful in my future applications. But, I would still request you to make a video on "searching jobs in academia in early stage of the career". Cheers.
Hi Jorge! I'm 50/50 on bullet points. They can work well in some cases (if you use 2 or 3 in the middle of the body of your text, and use them to focus on skills the employer wants to see), but they can also be sub-optimal in some cases; if you use too many, or if the role you're going for involves a lot of writing, e.g. for law, copywriting, editing, policy writing etc - since bullet points might disrupt the readers' ability to see your writing style. They can be good though - so if they feel right to you, then go for it!
Hi Jorge, on your point of the ending, perhaps my favourite is "I look forward to hearing more about how we can work together." For me it gives a professional sense, without being overly obsequious as many closings can be. All the best! P.S I'm also going to feature your bullet point question in a video due out on December 2nd!
Hi Leonardo - great question. The PhD equivalent statement would vary in a few different ways; (i) The opening sentences would cite specific research being done in the department you’re applying to, in order to communicate your familiarity with the department’s work and research focus - and then drawing a parallel with your own research; methodologies, techniques etc, from your Master’s/Bachelor’s (ii) It would be good to mention any instances where you’ve presented your work; whether in poster presentations, seminars or perhaps even at conferences or departmental events; academic departments look for those candidates who might open up collaborations and communications - as this might lead to novel research and funding opportunities, down the line. (iii) You would talk in some detail about the research area/areas that interest you. You don’t necessarily need to narrow it down all that much; but you should give an indication that you have some ideas - and how they might fit into the existing research being done in that academic department (iv) You would give some indication as to what you want to use the PhD for… is it to potentially do further research, or open up collaborations with industry etc. Taken together, they would be looking to determine (a) you can do the research (b) you are an independent thinker and problem solver (c) you can and will collaborate. I hope that makes sense, and good luck!
If you have any questions from watching this video, please don't hesitate to get in touch by leaving a comment down below. I will do my best to reply to every comment! Cheers, Raj
so useful thank you!!
Thanks Raj! Such a helpful video!
p.s. where is your jumper from? It's so cool!
Aww thanks Lily! I got it from Idioma... it's one of my favourite jumpers and I totally recommend it :-D
Thank you! This has been extremely helpful! What is the best way to wrap everything up in the closing paragraph?
thats what i was wondering too.
Hi Raj! I found your videos through the school website, and they have been really inspiring and helpful! I just have one question about something I saw in some other article: do I really have to explain a gap year on my CV in the cover letter? I took one between my bachelor and my master just to clear my thoughts. I did work a little as a freelancer/intern during that time, but not for the whole year. Thank you very much!
Hi Alice - good question! You definitely don't have to (nor should you) explain the gap year on either your cover letter or your CV... both are really introductory marketing-type documents to get you the interview - so emphasise skills relevant to the job description. If they're curious about that year, they'll ask you at interview so you'll want to think of a way to describe that year - clearing your thoughts is perfectly fine of course and I'd also add what you learnt over the course of that year - again emphasising skill - so the focus is always on how they benefit. I hope that makes sense, Alice? Definitely shout if not :-) Raj
Thank you!
Hi Raj, are you still at UCL? I need you advice and guidance if poss. I’m applying for an internal post 😮
Do we use the same concept when writing a personal statement for a job/ placement ?
Yes, absolutely Darren... always start with what attracts you to them (gives them a reason to get invested in you) and then build a connection to yourself.... to show how you fit in their context. Then fully flesh out maybe the top 2 skills they mention. A personal statement, much like a cover letter is about satisfying them you'd be a good person to interview, so it's a marketing document rather than a full account of yourself. The best of luck Darren :-) Raj
Dear Raj
Thanks for all of your career advice videos. I really find these videos very useful. I would like to know how should I write my cover letter and CV targeting jobs in academia such as Research Fellow and Associate Lecturer position. I would appreciate if you make a video as well on this topic.
Many thanks.
Dear Blueeye,
I'm super glad you're finding the videos helpful - that's great! Targeting roles in academia - if they're research-based, I'd recommend putting extra weight on your communication of science; be that conferences, poster presentations or publications, since such activities drive interest, collaborations and reputation - serving to potentially bring more inward investment into a department, and widening research opportunities. I'd also focus your cover letter on showing an understanding of what that research group is focused on right now, referencing publications they've recently written and how you might be able to fit in. I hope this helps and good luck! Raj
@@UCLCareersTV Dear Raj
Many thanks for your reply. Its would be helpful in my future applications. But, I would still request you to make a video on "searching jobs in academia in early stage of the career". Cheers.
How recommended is it to use bullet points in cover letters?
Furthermore, it would have been nice to get to see the whole cover letter... how you conclude and how you end it and say good bye :)
Hi Jorge! I'm 50/50 on bullet points. They can work well in some cases (if you use 2 or 3 in the middle of the body of your text, and use them to focus on skills the employer wants to see), but they can also be sub-optimal in some cases; if you use too many, or if the role you're going for involves a lot of writing, e.g. for law, copywriting, editing, policy writing etc - since bullet points might disrupt the readers' ability to see your writing style. They can be good though - so if they feel right to you, then go for it!
Hi Jorge, on your point of the ending, perhaps my favourite is "I look forward to hearing more about how we can work together." For me it gives a professional sense, without being overly obsequious as many closings can be. All the best! P.S I'm also going to feature your bullet point question in a video due out on December 2nd!
how different is this cover letter where the example is for a job to a cover letter meant for a PhD and a statement of academic purpose? thanks
Hi Leonardo - great question. The PhD equivalent statement would vary in a few different ways; (i) The opening sentences would cite specific research being done in the department you’re applying to, in order to communicate your familiarity with the department’s work and research focus - and then drawing a parallel with your own research; methodologies, techniques etc, from your Master’s/Bachelor’s (ii) It would be good to mention any instances where you’ve presented your work; whether in poster presentations, seminars or perhaps even at conferences or departmental events; academic departments look for those candidates who might open up collaborations and communications - as this might lead to novel research and funding opportunities, down the line. (iii) You would talk in some detail about the research area/areas that interest you. You don’t necessarily need to narrow it down all that much; but you should give an indication that you have some ideas - and how they might fit into the existing research being done in that academic department (iv) You would give some indication as to what you want to use the PhD for… is it to potentially do further research, or open up collaborations with industry etc. Taken together, they would be looking to determine (a) you can do the research (b) you are an independent thinker and problem solver (c) you can and will collaborate. I hope that makes sense, and good luck!
This is a good starting place for more information, Leonardo; www.findaphd.com/advice/finding/phd-personal-statement.aspx
@@UCLCareersTV sweet, thanks!