Application Letter Critique

Hi everyone, this is the link to the job position that i am applying for.

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/careers/careers.html#career

This is my application letter.

Sharlene Tan Yanying

7 Kent Ridge Road

Singapore 119119

94738921

sharlene_91@gmail.com

20 February 2013

Department of Statistics Singapore

100 High Street #05-01

The Treasury

Singapore 179434

To: The Hiring Manager of Statistics Singapore

Application for position one of Management Executive Officer (Statistical)

I am writing to express my interest for the Management Executive Officer position in Department of Statistics Singapore. I am expecting to graduate from National University of Singapore (NUS) with a 2^nd Class Honours degree in Statistics and Applied Probability (specializing in finance). I would like to start off my career with Statistics Singapore as it is well known to be professional in dealing with national statistics and also for the top notch services that it provides.

At NUS, I have undergone an all rounded education experience that combined the analytical, theoretical and research skills in the science arena as well as the creativity in the arts education. I have also become competent in the various computer packages for statistical work and my familiarity would serve good use in managing statistical database and information confidently and accurately. I have also been trained in statistical research and analysis of data during my course of my study in NUS. Thus, I consider the studying of Statistics and applied probability to be highly applicable and relevant for the above post, and am confident to carry out my duties efficiently and effectively

During my summer vacation, I was attached to a company as a surveyor to do data collection and conduct surveys in public. That job experience gave me a new insight of how actual data analysis was being conducted, and I believe that I am equipped with the fundamental skills of data collection, processing and compilation. I am confident that I am a well suited candidate who will contribute positively to the company.

Thank you for taking time to review my application and would appreciate an interview with you at your convenience.  I can be reached in confidence at the above telephone number or by email at sharlene_91@gmail.com and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Faithfully,

Sharlene Tan (Ms.)

Resolving interpersonal conflict

The Dilemma

All five of us could never contain our excitement whenever we were on the topic of graduation trip. However, our discussions were never fruitful; the destination was an issue. The failure to come to a common consensus on the destination was impeding us all from realizing our holiday dreams. Two friends were involved in hampering the whole decision making process, namely A and B.

It has always been A’s dreams to venture to Japan. In college, she never fail to integrate Japan and “Arashi”, her favourite Japanese band, into our daily conversations. She loved Japan and was at the level of beseeching us to explore Japan with her. On the other hand, B favoured Japan’s neighbour, Korea more. Like A, she always shared with us how the dynamic Korean culture intrigues her and she was well known for being the Korea enthusiast. Due to their dominant characters, none of them were willing to compromise and the five of us were constantly stuck in this stage of planning. Voting was never the way out to relief C,D and I from the agony of being trapped in between the two conflicting people. Even if one of them were to be out casted, neither of them would step back and go with the majority.

This compelled C, D and I to step in and take charge. Since all three of us were more keen towards Korea, we approached A and verbalized our thoughts and opinions. The disappointment in A’s face left all of us speechless. We had made several attempts beforehand to convince A to change her mind but to no avail.On a serious tone, A suggested that we carry on with our holiday plans without her and assured us that she did not mind forgoing the trip. All of us pondered for a long while before agreeing on the least ideal decision, which was to proceed with our trip without A.

Things went awry when A learnt about our confirmed air tickets. She was in an upheaval state and refused to speak to any of us for months. Our initially strong friendships turned sour and we were all regretful for what had happened.

I came to a realization that all five of us should shoulder the blame for failing to consider one another’s feelings, especially those from A. Although she gave us the assurance that she did not mind giving the trip a miss, but I am certain now that she secretly hoped that we did not exclude her at that point of time. All we cared was to prioritize our own interests first and that self-centred mentality destroyed the solid relationship we were building on then. Through the years, I have always been wondering if there exists a perfect solution out of that predicament then.

In your opinion, what do you think would be the most ideal way to solve this interpersonal conflict, being fully aware that both parties were determined not to give in?