system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
What in the seven circles of hell is supposed to be in a cover letter? (RA)

Applying for jobs as a Research Assistant (UK uni pay grade 5) in psychiatry, and psychology.

For the life of me, every time I discuss this with my mates we always agree to disagree on the content and length.

Edit: My gratitude to all the amazing people that replied!! This has been really helpful and now my understanding is so much clearer. Hope it also helps other lost souls out there.

Upgraded from the seven circles of hell to the awaiting responses purgatory...
gpt
It should be the narrative of how your credentials and experience fit with the specifics of the job description--especially, why you are applying for 1) this job  and 2) at this institution.

The CV tells them what you've done. The cover letter tells them why you are a good fit.