letter of application - are there some good templates? (Dec/04/2009 )

I am currently writing my letter of application - wonderin how detailed this should be??

should I additionally list all the techniques I am able to do??

thx

Hi moljul, It would be more easier for people to answer this if you could give more details about the job you are applying!

gogreen on Dec 4 2009, 07:51 AM said:

classical post-doctoral research position in a university/lab!!

If this is not your first post doc, you should provide details of the projects you worked on before...I feel that instead of listing the techniques known, giving a brief idea of the work which subtly points out the techniques involved would be a better way to go! The application is best kept precise and to the target, if you could elicit an interest on the other end, you will be given a chance to go to details.

If that is your first post doc, focus more on the technical side

In any case, Rewrite your CV to suit the requirements for the lab and focus more on the experiences that the new employer might find interesting.


all the best!!

moljul on Dec 4 2009, 04:24 AM said:

tailor the letter to the institute and job post.

it need only be one page in a proper format (e.g., letter head from your present institution, your current institutional address on the top right, then the dept. address of the institution on the left, dear whomever followed by position title followed by the body of the letter.

state what is enclosed in the application package you are providing them (e.g., CV).

state your degree and where it was obtained and in what field and whether or not you have been published in any international scholarly scientific journals.

state your strengths with respect to the job post...this should be knowledge/expertise in the field and not techniques. unless you have specifically developed a novel technique that others have not. otherwise it is irrelevant because the lab will teach you how they do things once you arrive and if considered, you will then discuss your research experience in a formal interview (in person or by phone).

state any experience that specifically tailors you to their work and how you might also compliment their current research.

close the letter out with a courteous statement about how you hope to hear from them regarding your qualifications and thank them for even considering your application.

when we screen applicants this is what we like to know and why. in a nutshell:
1.where you received your degree -> quality of school means you have been vetted to a certain standard already
2.what did you study -> is it relevant to the lab you now want to work in
3.were you productive as measured by publication record -> window into your potential for independence and success
4.were you first author -> excellent evidence of independence, writing skill, project planning and productivity
5.will you fit into the group such that the transition is smooth for both parties -> will there be a relatively large learning curve

-eldon-

eldon on Dec 12 2009, 06:21 AM said:

moljul on Dec 4 2009, 04:24 AM said:

I am currently writing my letter of application - wonderin how detailed this should be??

should I additionally list all the techniques I am able to do??

thx

tailor the letter to the institute and job post.

it need only be one page in a proper format (e.g., letter head from your present institution, your current institutional address on the top right, then the dept. address of the institution on the left, dear whomever followed by position title followed by the body of the letter.

state what is enclosed in the application package you are providing them (e.g., CV).

state your degree and where it was obtained and in what field and whether or not you have been published in any international scholarly scientific journals.

state your strengths with respect to the job post...this should be knowledge/expertise in the field and not techniques. unless you have specifically developed a novel technique that others have not. otherwise it is irrelevant because the lab will teach you how they do things once you arrive and if considered, you will then discuss your research experience in a formal interview (in person or by phone).

state any experience that specifically tailors you to their work and how you might also compliment their current research.

close the letter out with a courteous statement about how you hope to hear from them regarding your qualifications and thank them for even considering your application.

when we screen applicants this is what we like to know and why. in a nutshell:
1.where you received your degree -> quality of school means you have been vetted to a certain standard already
2.what did you study -> is it relevant to the lab you now want to work in
3.were you productive as measured by publication record -> window into your potential for independence and success
4.were you first author -> excellent evidence of independence, writing skill, project planning and productivity
5.will you fit into the group such that the transition is smooth for both parties -> will there be a relatively large learning curve

thank you eldon!!

-moljul-