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[abecedarian]

So I am trying to finish up an application for a workshop in my (humanities) subfield that I really want to go to late this summer. It is pretty competitive and at a fancy school, but participants are accepted based solely on a letter of purpose. I have no idea what exactly to put in this letter or how to structure it. The call gives no guidance on either length or content.

I've looked around the forums but haven't been able to find anything specific about these kinds of letters. It is kind of like a cover letter, but there are no other supporting documents. It is kind of like a letter of intent, but I didn't even really have to write one of those for grad school. If someone knows of a relevant thread or has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. I'm in my first year at a post-PhD position and want to be able to talk about my new research as well as my dissertation. I just don't know how to put it all together.

A few specifics. I've met the organizers at a conference, but they probably wouldn't remember me. Do I bring that up that anyway? Is it lame to mention who your advisors were if they are big in your field? Is there some way to talk about advisors without sounding like a jerk or a braggart while in a respectable visiting position? I feel like a jerk for worrying about this and like an idiot for over-thinking this letter, but I'm used to applying for grants and jobs that require tons of support materials.

[systeme_d_]

I know exactly what kind of workshop you're talking about, and here's what you need to know.

Your letter of purpose is supposed to be a statement of purpose.  So answer this question: Why do you want to attend this workshop?  How is the topic of the workshop relevant to your current research trajectory?  How will it help you to attain some immediate research goals?

This workshop is not about your advisor or whether you know the organizers.  Avoid mentioning the past (or at least keep it to a minimum), and focus on your (relevant) present and future research projects and goals.

Good luck!

[abecedarian]

Thank you so so much. That is just exactly what I wanted to know.