As a Careers Consultant for LSE Anthropology students, one of the most frequent questions I receive is how to effectively communicate the unique skills gained from an anthropology degree in job applications. Whether you’re applying for roles directly related to anthropology or venturing into new fields, your anthropological training provides a wealth of valuable skills that employers seek. Here’s how to translate these skills into a compelling CV and cover letter. 

1. Identify your key skills 

Anthropology students develop a range of transferable skills that are highly valued across various industries. Key skills include: 

For further insight into this, visit the Application Tools section at Anthropology Career Readiness Network and LSE Careers Skills Audit tool. 

2. Tailor your CV to highlight these skills 

Your CV should be tailored to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you are applying for. It’s essential to submit a unique CV for each application, ensuring it is specifically aligned with the requirements of that role. To tailor your CV effectively, address as many points from the job description as possible, ensuring that your skills and achievements reflect the language and key terms used in the job advert and description. 

Here’s a breakdown of how to do this: 

Education 

Include relevant coursework, projects, and any fieldwork experience. Highlight specific skills or knowledge areas that are pertinent to the job. 

Example: 

MSc Social Anthropology, LSE, Sept 2023 – Sept 2024 

• Researched social aspects of kinship systems and analysed ethnographic examples, writing a 4,000-word essay for ‘The Anthropology of Kinship, Sex and Gender’ module. 

Work experience, Volunteering & Extra-curricular 

When listing your work experience, volunteering and extra-curricular activities, focus on achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your key skills and attributes, again matching the job description. Use bullet points to make this information clear and easy to read. 

Example: 

Research Assistant, LSE Department of Anthropology, May 2023 – Sept 2024 

• Conducted qualitative research for a study on urban migration patterns, including in-depth interviews and participant observation. 

• Analysed data and compiled findings into comprehensive reports, contributing to published articles. 

• Collaborated with a diverse team of 3 researchers, demonstrating strong cultural sensitivity and teamwork. 

Skills & Interests 

Example: 

• Statistical software packages including eViews, Minitab and Stata 

• Proficient in all major Microsoft Office applications, including complex formulae in Excel 

• Languages: Mandarin (Native), Italian (Intermediate) 

• Travelling: Backpacked through Mediterranean Europe for nine weeks, developing budgeting and increasing global awareness. 

Please note, that there are many other sections you can add to your CV, such as Awards, Certificates and so much more. There is no one way to format a CV, it will can and should be, adapted for each role, so you may find that your headings change! 

For more information on CV’s, please visit LSE Careers CV resources.  

3. Crafting a compelling Cover Letter 

Your cover letter is your opportunity to expand on the skills and experiences listed in your CV but also to show your motivation for wanting to work at that specific organisation. Here’s how to structure it: 

Introduction 

Start with a strong opening that introduces yourself and explains why you’re interested in the role. 

Example: 

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], 

I am writing to express my interest in the consultant role at TB4 Consultancy. As an Anthropology graduate from LSE with a passion for people systems, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. 

Body 

Why the organisation 

This is your opportunity to showcase your motivation for wanting to work there specifically, as well as show how much research you have done. I would recommend that you read through their website, read or listen to any testimonials from current staff, and if possible, speak to people who work there. In this section, the ‘why’ can be anything, from the type of clients they work for, the personal development opportunities they provide or their values.  

Example: 

My reasons for applying to TB4 Consultancy are as follows: First, the range of clients TB4 works with is considerably broader than many of the other major consultancy firms that I have been researching. I recently read an article on www.top-consultant.com about the innovative work you have done both in the public and private sectors relating to people systems and information security, an area I’m very interested in. Secondly, having attended your recent presentation at LSE and having spoken with Aysha Bowen, I was impressed by the enthusiasm with which she talked about her work, specifically the Landsdale project and the many opportunities at TB4 for ambitious graduates, such as the ‘Reaching Excellence’ mentoring scheme. 

Why the role 

Here, it is important to show that you have read and understood the requirement of the job. You cannot cover everything in the job description, so choose the skills and attributes that are most important to the role (the order of the bullet points will be a good indication of this!).  

Example:

I believe that I have the skills to succeed in this role, specifically having developed strong client relationship-building abilities during my time as analyst with Gander Willis and as a volunteer with the Peace Way Foundation. At Gander Willis, I gained valuable experience working on complex projects, including the design and implementation of a company-specific information system, which successfully reduced administration time for the organisation by 25%.  

As a volunteer with the Peace Way Foundation in Bangkok, I developed cultural awareness and relationship management skills by working in a dynamic international environment—qualities that are highly relevant to the collaborative and client-focused nature of this role.  

Furthermore, my undergraduate studies at the University of Calloway helped refine my research, presentation, and data analysis skills, enabling me to effectively approach challenges and communicate solutions—key attributes that I believe align perfectly with the requirements of this role. 

Why you 

In this section, you can provide specific examples of how your anthropological skills make you a strong candidate for the role. Focus on experiences that showcase your ability to apply these skills in practical settings. 

Example: 

During my time at LSE, studying MSc Social Anthropology, I gained extensive experience in qualitative research and ethnographic study. As a Research Assistant, I conducted in-depth interviews and participant observation for a project on urban migration patterns. This experience honed my analytical thinking and cultural sensitivity, as I navigated complex social dynamics and synthesised diverse data sets to draw meaningful conclusions. 

In addition to my research skills, I have a proven track record of effective communication. I presented my findings at academic conferences and collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating my ability to convey complex ideas clearly and work well with others. 

Conclusion 

End with a strong closing that reiterates your enthusiasm for the role and invites further discussion. 

Example: 

I am excited about the prospect of bringing my skills in qualitative research, ethnographic study, and cultural sensitivity to TB4 Consultancy. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name] 

For more information on Cover Letters, please visit LSE Careers Cover Letter resources.