Sorry for the double-post. I have one more application question, if y'all will indulge me:
Do cover letters for UK positions follow the same basic format as those for the US? My letters usually run about 1-1/2 pages, with a clear statement on both research and teaching. This seems a little wordy now, since much of the material is covered on the application form, but I'm not sure where to cut. Should I cut it? Leave it alone? (Is this a staple/paperclips question that doesn't matter anyway?)
Most of the letters I see here - for a social science field - are less than one page (maybe more for chair positions, but even there I have seen many of less than a page). My covering letters, after the usual pleasantries about my interest in the post, concentrate on summarising how I meet the 'essential' and 'desirable' criteria for the job. For example, if an essential criterion is a strong research agenda in X, I might say that I have y publications in internationally ranked journals in the current REF period, and am currently part of a team of researchers looking at (interesting niche in X). If another essential is the ability to teach Topic A, then I will mention how I have taught A at both undergraduate and masters level for n years. My aim in the cover letter is to draw the search committees attention to the key areas of my application that would make me someone they would at least wish to interview. I have no more than four short paragraphs, including the standard opening about interest in the job.
