Do's and don'ts of writing PhD application emails

With this post i want to cover the basics of writing appropriate application emails. It is one of the most important steps for finding a position since (even though it may sound generic to you) the first impression really matters a lot.
So here we go...

  • Don't start with "Dear Professor"! Addressing the professor without the name gives the impression that this is a mass email that you are sending to everyone. Additionally, in Germany it's not common to address all faculty as professors  it's better to double check on the web. Dr. is also an honorable title, feel free to use it.
  • Do start with "Dear Prof./Professor XYZ" or "Dear Dr. ABC"

  • Don't avoid explaining why you are applying to this specific group or position. Similar to the first point, the lack of personalization makes your application look weaker.
  • Do acquire some information on the promising research topics. Having a dream project can sound a little nerdy, but it isn't. Your PhD thesis will determine, more or less,  what you will be doing in the next ten years. Suffering in a field in which you have no interest will only give you white hair or make you bald. So do show your enthusiasm in your email.

  • Don't send anything without proper proofreading! Even though you are applying to a position in Germany, you are most probably more fluent in English. Over 90% of applications that are passing my desk are written in English and good language skills are one of the major criteria of acceptance. As an example, "I'm excellent in reading and writing" doesn't go well with "I'm interesting in electrochemistry"
  • Do stick to a formal but normal language. If you're reading this post you are most probably applying to a position in natural sciences or engineering. Thus, you'll be reporting on objective findings in your future position. You're expected to write readable and understandable texts without any Kafka metaphors  Keep it simple and avoid excessive use of fancy words if your mother tongue is not English. 

  • Don't fly too high with your skills! Most probably you are a fellow with high potential but it is very rare that a candidate can have a "solid background" in all possible fields. 
  • Do highlight your application-relevant strengths and experience.

No comments:

Post a Comment