Thread by @payeldas1011

After having talked to students and several professors, here’s my 2-pence on writing a good email to a professor asking about a PhD position:
1. Generic emails containing grammar errors and typos are the biggest red flags. (1/n) @PhDVoice #AcademicChatter @OpenAcademics

2. Don’t mess up the gender; it’s safer to start the email with “Dear Prof./Dr. Last Name, to avoid any confusion. (2/n)

3. Start by introducing yourself- your name, current designation, and why you’re writing the email. The introduction shouldn’t be more than 2 lines. (3/n)

4. The body/middle part is the most challenging section. It needs to be customised based on who you are writing to. Talk about your specific area of interest, past and current research experiences, and how all of it resonates with the group you’re applying to. (4/n)

5. Mention at least 1-2 publications from the group, what you liked in them- it shows genuine interest and the efforts you put in. (5/n)

6. Talk about your acquired technical skills that are relevant to the group; don’t mention every skill in details. CV does that job. (6/n)

7. In conclusion, talk about your immediate future goals and how the research group/institute would help you achieve that. Mention any soft skill you have, like mentoring students, organising seminars etc. And always remember to attach your resume/CV. (7/n)

8. Don’t copy paste emails, especially if you’re writing to multiple people from the same dept. of the same institution. Don’t write very long essays. (8/n)

9. Emailing and getting at least an interview call work only for European countries. Having your own fellowship improves your chances of selection. For US, India, applications are to be made through graduate schools. (9/n)

10. You won’t get a reply back from most people, no matter how good your email is. But a badly written email will definitely ruin your chances. Don’t be disheartened, simply increase your sample size. (10/n)

11. It’s more beneficial to write to groups where your expertise (research experience, kind of question you’re trying to solve, techniques) aligns with them. (11/n)

12. Be honest. Project genuine interest in joining the group. Mention in a line the techniques/concepts that you aren’t aware of, but are willing to learn (from them). (12/n)

13. Publications are a bonus but not a mandate. Your ability to think coherently, ask the right questions, logical thinking, play an even more valuable role. (13/n)