Dear Dr. Tang,
I am writing to apply for the position of Research Assistant (Neuro-Oncology Research Lab) offered by National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) which I came across on www.jobstreet.com on the 5th of September 2011.
I am a graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS) with a specialization in Biomedical Sciences. My interest in research grew after my first two years in University and it prompted me to take up an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science (UROPS) in my third year. I learnt many laboratory techniques during the course of my project, including flow cytometry, cell culture and western blotting. I believe that this knowledge would be a vital guide for me to ace in the position offered by your organization.
Also, for my UROPS project, I had the opportunity of working with three other researchers, and teamwork and good communication skills were required out of me. I believe these are crucial skills for researchers as we are all working towards the same goal of broadening knowledge. Furthermore, with a thirst for new knowledge, I asked many questions and learnt a lot from the other researchers who were more experienced than me. The desire to learn is another critical assets I possess which would enable me to achieve great heights in NNI.
During the span of my Final Year Project (FYP), a different set of skills was essential as this time as I had to work independently. Planning ahead was important and so was the ability to think critically on the spot. I had to pick myself up in times when the experiment did not go as planned and to think of ways to improve my experimental set up. Even though I lack a few years of experience in the working world, I strongly believe that what I learnt and developed during my University years would make me someone who could make valuable contributions to NNI.
Thus, with relevant academic background, passion in research, the necessary skills of a researcher and a desire to learn, I believe I would make a delightful addition to the NNI family. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact me at 92XXXXXX. I would really appreciate to have the chance to meet up with you for an interview at a convenient time. Thank you for your precious time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours Sincerely,
Le Minming
Hey Ally
ReplyDeleteFor a research institute, there are a few qualities they are looking for that may differ from other companies, such as persistence, ability to work independently, ability to self-study, etc. You mentioned in your 4th paragraph but could emphasize on such traits that they may consider desirable.=)
Something to add on, I realised you have not put in your name, address, phone no., email, date, and the Dr Tang's address, company, contact details before your opening paragragh.
ReplyDeleteFor your FYP part may be you can elaborate more specifically about what you did/ doing. Perhaps fill in the blank next time when you experienced your FYP.
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteMy opinion regarding your application letter is perhaps to sell yourself as much as possible and not mention any negative traits. Some examples would be to take out the lack of experience in the working world,and the set backs.
Ideally I think it would be best to rephrase them. For instance for the experiments that didn't go as planned, maybe it could go something like " I was challenged to grow critically and analytically in order to overcome certain experimental difficulties". This kind of portrays the positive side instead of the negative side I hope!
Hi Ally,
ReplyDeleteyour application letter, as Cat had mentioned, lack certain portions with regards to formatting!
Also, it will be good if you can highlight your strengths further!
Hi Cat! Thanks for the tip! Forgot about the letter formatting when I was writing oops. Will edit it accordingly :D
ReplyDeleteHi Xinying! Yep I'll definitely update about my FYP once I get started on it haha.
Hi Jon! Ah that's a good point! Will edit and focus on the good stuff haha. Thanks! :)
Hi Calvin! Haha alright, will try to sell myself more :p