Ng Xiao Wei
Block, Unit No, Street,
Singapore 000000
Mobile: 91234567
Email: xiaowei@gmail.com
19th February 2013
Assistant Professor Chen Ee Sin
Department of Biochemistry
MD7, #02-03, 8 Medical Drive,
Singapore 117597
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 2nd 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.
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
Hello Xiaowei,
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your comment on my application earlier on. Here are some of my comments:
_Firstly, your well-structured paragraphs, with clear topic sentences and concise concluding sentence, made your cover letter easily comprehensible and more appealing to your future empolyer.
-minor error, Dear Dr. Chen:
-Secondly, your skills and experiences matches the job positon you are applying for, which make you a well suited candidate for this job.
-For your first paragraph, you have clearly stated the position you are applying for, your academic qualification and some background information on the research lab.
-However, it will be good to add in a sentence which briefly summaries the qualities and skills you have which make you a suitable candidate for the job position.
As for the rest of the paragraphs, you clearly relate the experience to the skills you have. These experiences serves as good suportting evidence for your acquired skills.
-On the whole, I like the way you have structured the cover letter and your future employer will definitely be impressed by your cover letter.
-Hope that my suggestions help and see you around in school.:)
Cheers,
Phyllis
Hello Xiaowei
ReplyDeleteBefore I start giving my comments on your cover letter, thank you for giving comments on mine and also sorry for taking so long to give you comments.
Here are my comments for you:
First paragraph:
- the "2nd" for "2nd Upper Class Honors" I think should either be spelt out (looks nicer) or the 'nd' shouldn't be superscript. [minor issue I think]
Overall:
- Clear and concise, however I think you can add qualities to show why they should consider you on top of your experiences.
Overall Formatting
- If you have a comma after "Yours Sincerely" you should put a ":" after "Dear Dr. Chen". Alternatively you can ommit the comma.
Regards
Hannah