Application Letter Critique

Ng Xiao Wei

Block, Unit No, Street,

Singapore 000000

Mobile: 91234567

Email: xiaowei@gmail.com

19^th February 2013

Assistant Professor Chen Ee Sin

Department of Biochemistry
MD7, #02-03, 8 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597

Dear Dr Chen

Application for Position of Research Assistant

I am writing to express my interest in applying for the position of Research Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry. I am expecting to graduate from National University of Singapore with a 2^nd Upper Class Honours in Bachelor of Science (Life Science), specialising in Molecular & Cell Biology. Before my undergraduate studies at NUS, I have also obtained a Diploma in Biomedical Science. I am keen to start my career with the department at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS because of your laboratory’s significant contributions to epigenetic studies. I would be honoured to be a part of the groundbreaking research of the molecular mechanism behind genomic instability that leads to human diseases.

As a NUS undergraduate, I possess relevant knowledge in the field of genomics and biochemistry. In my second year, I took up an undergraduate research opportunities project (UROP) under Dr Wu Jinlu. During my stay in his lab, I designed and conducted experiments to develop a sensitive detection method for the White Spot Syndrome Virus. This allowed me to hone my skills in genetic studies and effective project management. The experience also required me to managed my time efficiently so that my studies will not be affected. 

Being both a degree and diploma holder, I gained an edge over the rest of the undergraduates as I had more opportunities to acquire essential lab techniques. During my time in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I also obtained a Diploma Plus in Chemistry.  For my final year project, I spent one year working on developing biomarkers for early cancer detection based on epigenetic mechanism. The opportunity enhances my experience in the studies of DNA methylation profile and working with cell culture. More importantly, it had ignited my passion for scientific research.  

During my summer internship at Tropical Marine Science Institute, I was involved in monitoring harmful algae blooms in Singapore. I learnt to be meticulous and developed analytical skills through carrying out nutrient analysis on seawater collected during our field studies. Due to all the opportunities that allowed me to develop my interest in scientific research, I have gained many indispensable lab techniques.

In additional to attaining a strong academic result, I am actively involved in voluntary work with NUS Community Service Club. I spearheaded the programme committee of our Youth Expedition Project to Cambodia. We organized and executed 2 weeks’ worth of activities to facilitate interaction between the locals and our team of 22 for a more rewarding cultural exchange. We also raised SGD$13, 000 for construction of classrooms in Baray Ket. The experience had been enriching and allowed me be a more all rounded team player and enhance my interpersonal skills. 

With my prior experience and my passion for science, I am certain I can perform well as a research assistant in your laboratory. Thank you for your time to review my application. I look forward to a face-to-face interview to discuss my suitability for this position. I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. I can be contacted at 91234567 or xiaowei@gmail.com.

Yours Sincerely,

Xiao Wei

P.S. Here is the job advert for your reference

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

To begin this story, I must let you in on one thing. I was brought up in a strict family. It is not as if I am on bad terms with my family, but to a certain extent I don't feel comfortable confiding in them and hence they know little about my personal life. (I have been working on it, things are much better now.)

So this incident goes 5 to 6 years back. It is what I remember as the worst 'fight' I ever had with my mum. My mum has a long list of rules for me, for the sole reason that I am a girl. There were many times when I feel frustrated about being constantly told what to do.

It was after a 4-days trip to Malaysia for an adventure camp. We came back to Singapore around 4 p.m. and went back to school to unload the logistics. When that was done, my friends suggested dinner. It had been a long day mainly due to all the travelling, but the enthusiasm from the camp had yet to rub off. I really wanted to join them, so I called home. Prior to that, I had texted my Mum the moment we reached Singapore. 

I remembered asking her whether she cooked dinner, and the answer was "no". So I asked her if I could join my friends for dinner. She was unhappy about it. Her reply was something like: "Aren't you suppose to be tired? Come home now." Naturally I said no, I want to join my friends for dinner. At this point, I was hungry, tired and getting a little frustrated.

I cannot remember the exact words she yelled next, but it was roughly about:
1. You are always running off somewhere with your friends 
2. You are tired so you should not stay out. (FYI, I did not tell her I was tired) 
3. Get back home now!

I was really angry about getting reprimanded when my friends were all within earshot. So I did not rebut and I went home. I reached home with a long face (more from exhaustion than anger actually) and that annoyed my Mum further. She repeated her lecture again, and well, I was not in the mood for an arguement. I have to admit, I am really bad with conflicts. I could have come up with an angry retort but I assumed that would make things worse; hence I gave her the cold shoulder and went to bed.

At the point of time, I thought she was being unreasonable and over reacted to a simple dinner request. I felt that it did not make sense for me to travel all the way home to have take-away food. It was disheartening to return home from overseas and get yelled at. I felt that she did not give me a chance to explain fully during the phone call. The next day, I was not mad anymore and I assumed things would be back to normal. When I realised my Mum was bent on ignoring me the whole day, my anger returned. I did not think I had done anything wrong and I was prepared to demonstrate the stubbornness of a Taurean. With that began one entire week of silent treatment on both sides.

Things eventually got better when my Dad stepped in to talk to me in private. So I took the first step to start a conversation with her, and things went back to normal. Although I still did not think I was out of line, I did wonder if I could have handled the situation better. The silent treatment can never solve any conflict.

While it is possible that I may have been on the receiving end of her temper due to a bad day, perhaps I made it worse by my response (or rather, the lack of it). I understand that when tension is high, one should not be too quick to come up with a rebuttal. It may have been better to make up with her the very next day. Perhaps if I had shared more about my friends with her, she would have reacted differently. Still, should I have explained my decision over the phone instead of grudgingly returning home? What should have been the appropriate response when you feel wrongly accused?