#3 - Application Letter (for teaching)

Dear Human Resource Manager:

I am writing in response to the opening for a Teacher in a Junior College through the Ministry of Education. I read on your website of your call for more degree holders to join the vocation, and I believe that I have to necessary credentials as well as aptitude for this job. I will receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering (Honours) and already have 7 months’ experience as a relief teacher in Seng Kang Primary School, in addition to 2 years’ experience as a private tutor.

I am familiar with what is required in the teaching profession and I believe that I have the skills required. To start, my education path in Engineering has provided me with the opportunity to hone my mathematical, scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills during my four years of pursuing my degree. In my final year for my Final Year Project, I had to design my own experiments, set my own high expectations and ensure that the project was completed on time within a year. Being in charge of my own learning process made me a responsible, professional individual with good time-management skills.

Being able to impart knowledge efficiently in front of a class of 40 pupils is also something that I am adept at. I am also flexible enough to recognize when pupils require more time to understand a concept. Often, the absent teachers who I covered for during my stint as a relief teacher told me they were amazed that I made the effort to ensure that everyone understood the lesson and was on the same track. A Professional Communications module I took in university has also taught me to be a better communicator, a skill which I find especially useful when corresponding with students, parents, and fellow teachers.

I am delighted to offer my skills and abilities as a teacher. I am confident that I would be able to impart my knowledge to your students effectively.  I look forward to meeting you to discuss this position further. I intend to call you then to answer any questions that you may have. I would also be glad to provide you with any additional information you may require. I can be reached at 6123 4567. Thank you very much for your kind attention and consideration.

Sincerely,

Kirstie Lee

#2: Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

Conflict, I’m sure, needs no introduction because it is no stranger to everyone. Since everyone has surely at least encountered conflict once before in his/her lifetime, it is puzzling that not many know how to resolve, or better yet, avoid them. Indeed, conflicts in any type of relationships are inevitable; as long as two parties (or more) have different opinions and perceptions, disagreements and misunderstandings arise. These take place between friends and family, in a relationship, even in the workplace.

Take John and Jane Doe’s case, for instance.

It was John and Jane’s first wedding anniversary and Jane was really excited. She had spent weeks planning every single detail of the surprise dinner she would be throwing for him, and had checked with him beforehand to ensure he kept that night free. That morning, as she kissed John off to work, she said, “I’ll be waiting for you!”

John nodded distractedly and drove off. He was a doctor working in the A&E department, and like most Singaporean men nowadays, his work was very consuming. In fact, his mind was already on last night’s cases and how he would follow them up. Needless to say, he had already forgotten his wife’s bright smile and cheery words. Unfortunately, that night he had to tend to an emergency case that came in just as he was about to leave, and he ended up reaching home only in the wee hours of the night.

“Where were you the whole night? I tried to contact you but your phone was switched off!” Jane started ranting at John immediately as he stepped into the hall. John, who was already exhausted, quickly felt his temper rising and shouted back, “I had to work overtime! These things happen and you just can’t expect life to always be the way you want!” Jane, who interpreted John’s defensive words as, “You shouldn’t be upset because I have good reasons for being late. Anyway my work is more important than you, and you are too demanding/needy”, grew angry and stormed upstairs. And hence the cold war starts.

Maybe the conflict arises from the fact that men and women hears and interprets the same words differently. When Jane confronted John, what she actually felt could be worry that something has happened to John, especially when she was unable to reach him (oh the woes of short battery life), yet her tone and body language could have led John to believe that she thought there was no excuse for being late, and hence is accusing John of being irresponsible. On the other hand, John does not hear her worry, but picks up her disapproval instead. So he becomes defensive instead. How should they resolve the issue, or even better, what can they do to avoid the argument in the first place?

Food for thought: Conflict stems from misunderstandings due to different opinions, perceptions and beliefs. Since gender gives rise to different perspectives and expectations, do they also play a role in giving rise to conflicts?