I've been in my field for about 15 years ; PhD Cover letter for Irish Uni?

Hiya,

I'm an older student wishing to go back to school and get my PhD. I've been in my field for about 15 years and as a result, have loads of experience and a good number of publications. The particular PhD post I'm after, asks only that the applicant submit a CV (no school application form) and the person specification given is quite sparse. Because of this, I'm quite anxious for my cover letter to shine brightly on my behalf.

I have a good cover letter that I work off of/tweak for employment purposes--but am not sure if it's right for a PhD program. I have published (as a co-author) in the field that the PhD is in. Also, very different from graduate programs in the States-programs here are entirely research-based rather than part reserch-part classroom.

Please can you tell me if there is a specific format I should follow? How much detail should I give about the relevant research I've done? How much should I talk about my research activities that aren't directly related to this line of research and finally, should I at all mention my none-research work?

I'm an American living in England and the program is in Ireland. I'm not sure if that's totally relevant--but seemed like it ought be mentioned...

I know this quesiton isn't totally stream-lined--but I really really want this and am getting a bit muddled even writing to you about it.

Please tell me how I can make this clearer if I'm not making any sense.

Thanks so so much for even looking at this:
Shaari
If it would make things easier-I'm happy to post my CV.

Hello!
Please post that CV only if it does not appear anywhere else on the Internet.

Sounds like you have a fascinating life right now!

I think you should google: graduate school statement of purpose samples

...and really enjoy reading them, with all their different styles. Find a style that inspires you.

I think the most important thing is to show them that you have very detailed plans for what kind of things you want to accomplish, and that you're very serious about your work. Use reference to your publications to explain what you are all about, and let them share your crystal clear vision for the future.

We're here to help!