Blog post #3: Application Letter Critique

Job Advertisement from Health Sciences Authority Website:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/careers/job_families/science_officer.html
As accessed on 5 September 2010.

Position: Scientific Officer

Job Scope

You work in a laboratory providing forensic and other tests for criminal and drug investigations, food safety, industrial and environmental health, and infectious diseases in the blood.

You must have an analytical mind and be meticulous in recording your findings as they may be used in court. You may even be called on to testify as an expert witness. Your duties are to:

•Test and evaluate products, samples or devices

•Prepare reports based on the results of your analysis

•Present your research or latest findings at scientific conferences

Entry Requirements

Honours degree (Second Upper) or higher qualifications in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biological Sciences or Biotechnology

Career Opportunities

You can rise through the ranks to become Senior Scientist, Consultant, Senior Consultant or Principal Scientist. You can also lead a team of Junior Scientists.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send us your resume to hsa_hr@hsa.gov.sg

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Application Letter: 

Block 333 Yishun Street 22

#03-567

Singapore 760333

5 September 2010

Mr Henry Tan

Human Resource Manager

Health Sciences Authority (HSA

11 Outram Road

Singapore 169078

Dear Mr Tan,

I recently graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Life Sciences Degree (Specialisation in Biomedical Science) and minor in Forensic Science. I was searching for a job in the field of science and criminal justice and found that the position of Scientific Officer advertised in HSA’s website on 2nd July 2010 greatly interests me.

The NUS-HSA collaborated forensic minor programme has equipped me with fundamental principles and concepts of the application of science to forensic investigations and criminal justice. Along with the degree, I have become trained to be critical in my analysis and meticulous in research and laboratory work. Thus, I believe this makes me an excellent candidate for the position.

My non-academic activities have supplied me with many transferable skills and qualities that I am able to apply to the job:

• Taking care of pet dog and regular visits to the animal shelter has taught me responsibility and commitment. I have become a more observant and meticulous person as communicating with animals requires patience and alertness as we understand them through many verbal and non-verbal cues that unfamiliar people do not or misinterpret

• Representing my junior college in several events such as college ambassador to help promote my JC in my alma mater and presenting findings of aromatherapy in at MOE Excel Day have given me great exposure to giving open presentations. NUS’s Professional Communications module has also trained me to become a more proficient public speaker.

HSA is well recognized for its authoritative work in safeguarding the nation’s health and safety. I have a strong passion in forensic science. Together with my capabilities, I believe I make a good team player in your team of dedicated professionals from different scientific disciplines. My enclosed resume provides further details about my background.

I would welcome the opportunity of having a personal interview with you at your convenience. I will be calling up on 17 September 2010 to answer any questions that you may have and to inquire about the application outcome. Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Yeo Mei Ling Joanna