Application letter

Question

dear readersI have written 2 application letters for some professors in some unis would you plaese help me to improve them?1)  Dear Professor Hello,This mail comes from ....... I received my bachelor’s degree  in biology from shahid beheshty university with a high grade and I have  recently finished my M.Sc in Plant development with GPA of 18.55 out of 20; since  in my studying period I developed a love for Genetics and cell biology  activities and researches, at the moment I am looking for a PhD or M.Sc  position in genetics. I found your research area highly interesting and  challengeable. It would be an honor to be a member of your team and work with  you closely I believe studying in such a university, which is more  equipped than universities in my country, helps me obtain much more skills and  experience. At the moment I am  working as a biological research leader in four school of my country. I have  experience in gene transformation, tissue culture, and cytogenetic. Also my M.Sc thesis  was about cryopreservation of an endemic medical plant under supervision of  Prof.A..... and Dr.A......, head of biotechnology Lab in Iran Botanic  Gaerden. Their email addresses and phone numbers are available in my CV. Enclosed please find a copy of my curriculum vitae. It will be  greatly appreciated if you please consider my application and tell me that  whether or not I have any chance to be admitted in your lab as an M.Sc or Ph.D candidate.  I believe that I posses all requirements to be a valuable asset to your lab as an  M.Sc or Ph.D. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to  contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. Best regards,2)  Dear professor Hello,I am writing to apply for the research assistants in your  projects. I studied biology from 2001-2005 at shahid beheshty university where  I received my bachelor’s degree with a high grade and I have recently  received my Msc. Degree in plant  development from kharazmy university with grade A. As an experience I had a chance to do my final project in  “Iran Botanic Garden” where I enhanced my theoretical knowledge with practical  experience.In my studying period I have  done lots of lectures and also lots of researches, I also developed a  love for Genetics and cell biology activities and researches which led me meet  my interest in this field and attend some genetic workshops. As your Institute  has important activities in this area I would like to be given the opportunity  to be a part or its prestigious research group. Furthermore I am an open-minded  and friendly person who is interested in international aspects and  intercultural relations also like to handle challenging tasks and to take the  responsibility for it. Therefore, I would enjoy studying at your university  which has a high proportion of international studentsTo strengthen my eager and ability in research activities and  to gain more practical experience and to apply my theoretical knowledge I have  gained in university into practical experience, I also did 2 years of teaching  as a biological project leader in some schools in my country.In this period of time I learned systematic researching,  analytical thinking, selecting more information and correct evaluation of my  knowledge, more over my students and I succeeded in some competitions.I eagerly would like to continue my education in genetics and  cell  biology in your country because. I am sure that knowledge,  experience and skills which benefit from PhD. Program will not only contribute  to my future career but also offering me points of view in my flexibility and  creativity for future researches. Besides having known about your research  courses, I am sure that your Institute would be the appropriate Institute for  me to continue my studies.I have also received my IELTS from the University of Sidney  in my trip to Australia and my GRE grade will be prepared in 50 days.Enclosed please find a copy of my curriculum vitae. Please  feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. Thanks  for your considering my application and looking forward to your positive reply  that means a lot for me.Yours sincerely

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Hello there

I have had a look at both your letters and they have a lot of content that needs to be reorganised.

To help you I have taken letter one and rewritten it so you can use it as a template.

When sending a letter to a university you need to address it correctly with the following details:

University Name

Professor's full name

Faculty name

Address

State/Suburb/ Post Code

City

For example:

University of Nebraska

Professor James Martin-Smith

Faculty of Science and Development

P.O. Box 4593

Middleworth 2745

NEBRASKA USA

Dear Professor Martin-Smith,

Re: Research position

I wish to apply for the above position that was advertised on the 13th February 2010 on the University of Nebraska's website.

The reason I have submitted my application for your consideration is that, I regard myself as a highly motivated and capable individual who is actively seeking opportunities to develop his professional career in this field as well as build upon my existing knowledge and experience base.

Academically I hold two degrees, a Bachelor of Biology from the University of Shahid Bhesty and I have recently completed my Masters of Science in Plant Development with a grade point average (GPA) of 18.55 out of 20.

I am currently employed as the Biological Research Leader with the University of (type in the name of the institution) ,with a focus on gene transformation, tissue culture and cytogenic research. It is a position that I have held for period of two years.

My research thesis focussed on cryopreservation of an endemic medical plant and was supervised by Professors Brown and Tyler who head the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Iran Botanic Garden.

I have continued to pursue my professional interest and knowledge in the field of genetics and cell biology by reading a wide range of current articles which have included your findings and research in this area of science that I found very interesting and informative.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for considering my application and I have attached a current copy of my resume for your perusal.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. A. Ashid

MSc , BS

This is what is called a covering letter or letter of introduction that needs to follow a certain order so that it makes sense to the person that is reading and assessing your application.

Ideally a covering letter/letter of introduction for a position should not exceed one page. If it does, it will require editing and some thinking as to how to reorganise the content and information which should ALWAYS be current and relevant to the position that you are applying for.

The trick is to make your letter and resume standout from other applicants.

The rules are for this type of letter:

Physical Address details

1. The name of the institution

2. The name of the person whom the letter is to be addressed to.

3. The name of the faculty or department

4. The address of the institution

5. The name of the suburb or locality

6. State and postal code (zip code)

7. The country name.

Letter contents

Use of the correct saluation.

What is the letter about so it is important to refer to the position name and where applicable the position number.

Write where you found the job position and from what source, a newspaper, a website, do not duplicate the information you only need to state one source not several.

Write why you are applying for the position.

Write what qualifications your hold.

Current employment details and position.

Provide information as to what you have achieved professionally to support your application to improve your chances of being seen as a suitable candidate who might be granted an interview.

Thank the reader for taking the time to read your application and sign off by stating that you look forward to a response. This indicates a keen interest and desire for the position.

Use the correct final salutation with your name. If you have professional qualifications include them under your name.

I make no representation or guarantees about the success of your application if you follow the guidelines that I have provided, but I wish you all the very best with it.

Cheers

Chris

Application letter

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