Tuesday, 19 February 2013


Strathmore Avenue
Blk 49 #12-215
Mobile: +6590765389
Email:rinaftrish@yahoo.com.sg


19th February 2013


Tan Tock Seng Hospital
1 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
Singapore 308433
Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immuonlogy


Dear Sir/Madam


Application for the position of Research Assistant at Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology

I am writing to convey my interest in applying for the position as a Research Assistant at the Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology. I came across this job advertisement through the job search portal, STJOBS. I am currently pursuing my third year, final semester degree programme in Life Sciences at the National University of Singapore and will be expecting to graduate in May 2013.

Being a young and energetic graduate, I am highly interested in embarking my career in the field of clinical research especially in one of Singapore’s largest and prestigious multidisciplinary hospital providing quality medical and developmental care more than 160 years.

Studying Biomedical Science, for nearly 6 years in my polytechnic and university, I have developed and acquired relevant skills that is essential in laboratory based research studies. For instance, I was an intern at the System’s Biology Lab based in the Genome Institute of Singapore where I was assigned to conduct experiments to study the effects on cells after heat shock. In addition, I had first hand experience in carrying out a final year research project to the study the effects of Piper nigrum extracts on breast cancer cells under. Having to prepare many reports and presentations, I have effectively learnt to use Microsoft Excel for data management and representation along with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. These laboratory experiences for a year allowed me to develop my confidence and skills in carrying out research work.

Besides these skills and knowledge, I believe being an effective team player is vital in a workplace. Being an active participant in my institutions activities such as taking part in the Youth Expedition Programme, involving in Polytechnic Open House and charity bazaars, I have developed my skills as an effective communicator and a team player. I manage to develop strong and effective relationships further through my tutoring interest where I had to work with my co-teachers, administrative staff and boss to ensure fun and effective learning among our students.

With my relevant work and interpersonal skills, I will strive to be a valuable member in this research group should I be given the opportunity. Thank you for your time spent on reviewing my application. My resume and testimonials are enclosed for your kind consideration. I will be looking forward for an interview with great anticipation to provide an opportunity to discuss my suitability for this position. I can be contacted at +6590765389 or via my email, rinaftrish@yahoo.com.sg.


Yours Sincerely

Nur Farhanah

3 comments:

  1. Hi Farhanah,

    I felt that your cover letter was both concise and in-depth, as you have stated good examples that clearly highlighted your strengths and qualifications. :)

    I only have a few problems with some sentence structures:

    "Studying Biomedical Science, for nearly 6 years in my polytechnic and university, I have developed and acquired relevant skills that is essential in laboratory based research studies. "
    I feel that it could be better if you break it into 2 sentences: "I have been studying Biomedical Science for 6 years..." and "Thus, I have acquired...research studies."

    2. "Besides these skills and knowledge, I believe being an effective team player is vital in a workplace." The sentence would have a better flow to add the word "that" between believe and being.

    And that's about it. You have a great cover letter and I hope that my comments are useful.

    XR

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  2. Hi Farhanah,

    Thanks for sharing your application letter. I find your points in the cover letter well-matched to the requirements listed in the job advertisement. It was a concise elaboration in your ability to work in laboratory as well as being able to communicate efficiently.

    Apart from that, I would suggest to add in a few more points. I have noticed that you did not emphasize your ability in working independently (requirement point 5). The job may require someone to be less-reliant in certain areas so try to incorporate that in your letter. You could also include your enthusiasm in taking up challenges in life by stepping out of your comfort zone (requirement point 6). Your participation in youth expedition programme (YEP) could be an example of that. By sharing your experiences in YEP would add concreteness to your cover letter.

    Overall, I find the cover letter coherent and clear.

    Good luck in your application!

    Cx

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  3. Hey farhanah,

    I have to say that you have a great cover letter with relevant experience for your application. Please allow me to share some of my points about your cover letter.

    1. For your 3rd paragraph, you have focused on your passion, research skills and relevant experiences which can relate to the job you are applying for. At the end of the paragraph you mentioned about IT skills and soft skills you obtained through your experience, i felt that it might be better for you to separate these 2 points out in another paragraph and allow yourself to elaborate more on that. (esp the soft skills part)

    2. Cixin mentioned about you did not really share about how you can work interdependently in your cover letter. I felt that you might be able to relate this to all your laboratory work that you have done throughout these 6 years as a life science student.

    I hope these helps! Thanks for reading! :D

    Gladys

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