博后申请的全程通信记录及网友修改意见
2011年01月17日
来源：丁香园
摘要：
我的博后申请----第一站（University of Michigan)----附全程通信记录。我是第一次申请，一切都是从零开始，摸爬滚打了两三个月，到目前发出50封左右的求职信。十几封给回信的都说没openings，还有30多封石沉大海。到现在总结出来就是：牛学校和牛导师不能兼得！本贴是我博后申请之路上的第一站，最终虽然以失败告终，但也有收获！重要的是收获了信心！我基本详细的贴出了整个与国外老板的详细通信记录，我想对很多战友会很有帮助。只是需要你耐心看完，自己体会。
1. 2010年11月11日 周四下午11:24----发出求职信。这是我自己写的Cover Letter，后来通过各种关系，找了一个在Cornell University的师姐帮着修改了一下。
Dear Dr. xxx,
Here I write you this email to apply for a postdoctoral position in your group.
I am xxx from xxx University, PR China. I will get my Ph.D. degree in xxx in July 2011. I plan to pursue my postdoctoral training in the United States after I got my PhD. drgee. I am particularly interested in your research group , and would like to know if there will be any position from July 2011 in your laboratory.
xxxxxxxx
I hope to have the opportunity to receive postdoctoral training in your group . Please find enclosed my CV (including list of publications，names of two people that are familiar with my work)
My areas of the research fields:xxxxx
I have the following qualifications: xxxxx
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Xxxxxx
2. 2010年11月14日 周日下午11:07—第一次回信，让我很激动,但是他提到通过我的学校能否申请到一些经费，让我觉去他那里的希望不打了，但是第一份回信，还得继续与他联系探讨。
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your email. Are you contemplating a postdoc beginning July of 2011?
What would you be interested I working on in the lab? we have xxxx projects, both mechanistic and translational, as well as projects that relate to xxxx in the CNS in normal aging and in disease states. I have published some on xxx, but do not have much funding for it right now (plan to apply soon). Are there funding opportunities for you through your university for a postdoc position? What particular techniques do you feel particularly proficient at?
xxxxx
3. 2010年11月15日 周一下午3:25---说了一下梦想。对他的信给予回复。
Dear Dr.xxxx,
Thank you for your kind reply! It is at midnight (our time), I got your email. Last night, I wonder around the U-M campus in my dream, although I don’t know what it looks like.
Dr. xxx, I will get my PhD degree in July of 2011 (expected in Jul.). I am contemplating a postdoc beginning just after I get my PhD degree. So I think if every goes well , I can go to United States about from July to August 2011.
I am interested very in your xxx projects on mechanistic research , and projects that relate to xxxx
If possible,would you please give me an overall outlines and progress about your ongoing research? Also,I am interested in the research aim of the project ablout xxx you are planning to apply soon, and when can you get the funding ?
There are very limited postdoc position in my university every year, and my Advisor has no right to recruit postdoc fellows in his lab, and what is important is that I am not interested in the research area in the present university, also as I know, there is limited funding opportunities for the researchers planning to pursue postdoctoral training in my university. You can not get funding unless your Advisor is the top and famous Professor in our university.
I am proficient at Western blotting. Other Expertise include xxxx. I performed all of these techniques myself in my research.
I am pleased to answer any your questions. Please feel free to contact me.
Kindly Regards
xxxxx
4. 2010年11月16日 周二上午1:19----他提出要跟我电面，通过skype。
we should probably interview over skype, if that is available to you, to discuss possible projects. I have a pretty full lab right now, and most people who enter my lab come with some source of funding.
xxxxxx
5. 2010年11月16日 周二上午10:39---我准备安装skype
Dear xxxxx,
I am managing the skype, and when it works ,I will tell you ,and then we make a time point convenient for you to interview over skype. Is it ok?
xxx
6. 010年11月16日 周二下午11:24---安装好skype。介绍了一下时差的问题，确定可能的电面时间。
Dear xxxxx,
I have installed the skype software. I have tried it and it worksn well. My User Name is: alzheimerwang79. You can put me to your acquaintance list.
Do you think when will make a time point convenient for you to this interview over skype ? Would you please name the time conveniet for you for the discussion?
I have confirmed that if It should be 23:00 PM (Nov 16 ,2010) of my time in xxxx, your time is should be about at 11:00 AM (Nov 16 ,2010) at Ann Arbor. It is midnight at 23:00 PM (Nov 16 ,2010) of my time in xxx. Normally, I am online in lab , and I go to dorm for rest after 24:00 PM. I am online in the morning (before AM 12:00 o lock) of your time. It will be convenient for both of us before AM 12:00 o lock of your time.
I am looking fordwards to discussing the possible projects.
Sincerely yours,
xxxxx
7. 2010年11月16日 周二下午11:54---他确定好电面时间。
Lets do it next Monday. I can call as early as 8:30 my time. I will be traveling the next few days
Xxxxx
8. 2010年11月17日 周三上午8:45
Dear xxxx,
It will be ok. Have a good trip.
Regards
xxxx
9. 2010年11月22日 周一下午8:53
Dear xxxx,
I will try to have the skype up an running at 9 am to give you a call. If I am a bit late it will be that I have sought help in getting the Mac computer up and going (Don't use Mac regularly)
xxx
10. 2010年11月22日 周一下午9:19
Dear xxx:
I am online. Do not worry. You can call me when your computer is ok.My computer is a HP computer.
xxxx
11. 2010年11月22日 周一下午10:26---折腾了一晚上，终于电面完成，不过还是很顺利，聊了十分钟。以前跟外国人聊过天，所以不是很紧张。让我写一个研究计划。
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your time. It is nice of you to call me. I hope I can not let you down.
My English is not fluent, it is need to be brushed up. For more details, I am pleased to get your e-mail.
Regards
xxxx
12 . 2010年11月22日 周一下午11:31---吧以前看文献积累的一些东西和问题整理了一下，写了一个很简单的研究计划发给他。Dear xxxx,
Recently, I have a idea about the molecular details of how xxx affects xxx. I do not know if this project is feasible.
Recent xxxx's lab study showed that xxxx
具体就不描述了).
Please find enclosed xxxx's paper.
I will go to dorm for rest right now.
Thnk you for your call. Great to speak to you.
Kindly regards
xxxx
13. 2010年11月25日 周四上午6:34-----最后，还是因为经费问题，没有给我Offer。Dear xxxx,
I appreciate your taking the time to think of some ideas in xxxx. I have looked at my finances and thought of your major interests - I don't think that I will be able to bring you on as post doc for xxx or xxx disease projects. I do appreciate very much your interest and do hope that you can find a post doc in the US that meet your interests in xxx or other diseases.
wishing the best of luck to you!
Xxx
14. 2010年11月25日 周四下午2:53---回信，说明了一下我的失望。继续努力！
Dear Dr.xxx,
Thank you for your time for communicating with me. And also thank you for your sincere! I really appreciate!
The great enthusiasm and passion for research guide my development to be a research scientist. I plan to pursue my postdoctoral training in the United States after I got my PhD. drgee. Because the USA in the science center of the world. As I know, in xxx area, USA is the number 1. So I send several application for a postdoctoral position. You know, compare to other researcher from other country especially from USA, we have no competitiveness as a China PhD. Reaearcher, so I need to send several applications. But this do not mean I have not the Sincerity. I even thought if you offer me position for post doc training, I will not send more applications, and I will bag my luggage go to USA, to your lab the world famous top lab in xxx disease. But it is a pity, my dream comes to nothing.
As Confucius said, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ I will go on persueing my dream.
I really appreciate very much your time and consideration. I am pleased to have the opportunity to your lab in the future. If you think I am qualitified, please contact me, I will be ready to accept your Invitation.
I hope you make a greater success in your future research work.
Thank you again.
Kindly regards
xxx
15. 2010年11月25日 周四下午7:27---经过交流，他对我的评价还是满可以，鼓励我继续寻找。
Dear xxxx,
Keep it up! You have ideas and you have a strong commitment. Your opportunity will come, I am certain. It has been a pleasure to communicate with you.
Sincerely,
xxxxx
16. 2010年11月26日 周五下午2:22
Dearxxxx,
Thank you for your encourage.I will keep my try. Hope have a opportunity to visit your lab some day.
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Lately coming bless!
xxxx
1. 2010年11月11日 周四下午11:24----发出求职信。这是我自己写的Cover Letter，后来通过各种关系，找了一个在Cornell University的师姐帮着修改了一下。
Dear Dr. xxx,
Here I write you this email to apply for a postdoctoral position in your group.
I am xxx from xxx University, PR China. I will get my Ph.D. degree in xxx in July 2011. I plan to pursue my postdoctoral training in the United States after I got my PhD. drgee. I am particularly interested in your research group , and would like to know if there will be any position from July 2011 in your laboratory.
xxxxxxxx
I hope to have the opportunity to receive postdoctoral training in your group . Please find enclosed my CV (including list of publications，names of two people that are familiar with my work)
My areas of the research fields:xxxxx
I have the following qualifications: xxxxx
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Xxxxxx
2. 2010年11月14日 周日下午11:07—第一次回信，让我很激动,但是他提到通过我的学校能否申请到一些经费，让我觉去他那里的希望不打了，但是第一份回信，还得继续与他联系探讨。
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your email. Are you contemplating a postdoc beginning July of 2011?
What would you be interested I working on in the lab? we have xxxx projects, both mechanistic and translational, as well as projects that relate to xxxx in the CNS in normal aging and in disease states. I have published some on xxx, but do not have much funding for it right now (plan to apply soon). Are there funding opportunities for you through your university for a postdoc position? What particular techniques do you feel particularly proficient at?
xxxxx
3. 2010年11月15日 周一下午3:25---说了一下梦想。对他的信给予回复。
Dear Dr.xxxx,
Thank you for your kind reply! It is at midnight (our time), I got your email. Last night, I wonder around the U-M campus in my dream, although I don’t know what it looks like.
Dr. xxx, I will get my PhD degree in July of 2011 (expected in Jul.). I am contemplating a postdoc beginning just after I get my PhD degree. So I think if every goes well , I can go to United States about from July to August 2011.
I am interested very in your xxx projects on mechanistic research , and projects that relate to xxxx
If possible,would you please give me an overall outlines and progress about your ongoing research? Also,I am interested in the research aim of the project ablout xxx you are planning to apply soon, and when can you get the funding ?
There are very limited postdoc position in my university every year, and my Advisor has no right to recruit postdoc fellows in his lab, and what is important is that I am not interested in the research area in the present university, also as I know, there is limited funding opportunities for the researchers planning to pursue postdoctoral training in my university. You can not get funding unless your Advisor is the top and famous Professor in our university.
I am proficient at Western blotting. Other Expertise include xxxx. I performed all of these techniques myself in my research.
I am pleased to answer any your questions. Please feel free to contact me.
Kindly Regards
xxxxx
4. 2010年11月16日 周二上午1:19----他提出要跟我电面，通过skype。
we should probably interview over skype, if that is available to you, to discuss possible projects. I have a pretty full lab right now, and most people who enter my lab come with some source of funding.
xxxxxx
5. 2010年11月16日 周二上午10:39---我准备安装skype
Dear xxxxx,
I am managing the skype, and when it works ,I will tell you ,and then we make a time point convenient for you to interview over skype. Is it ok?
xxx
6. 010年11月16日 周二下午11:24---安装好skype。介绍了一下时差的问题，确定可能的电面时间。
Dear xxxxx,
I have installed the skype software. I have tried it and it worksn well. My User Name is: alzheimerwang79. You can put me to your acquaintance list.
Do you think when will make a time point convenient for you to this interview over skype ? Would you please name the time conveniet for you for the discussion?
I have confirmed that if It should be 23:00 PM (Nov 16 ,2010) of my time in xxxx, your time is should be about at 11:00 AM (Nov 16 ,2010) at Ann Arbor. It is midnight at 23:00 PM (Nov 16 ,2010) of my time in xxx. Normally, I am online in lab , and I go to dorm for rest after 24:00 PM. I am online in the morning (before AM 12:00 o lock) of your time. It will be convenient for both of us before AM 12:00 o lock of your time.
I am looking fordwards to discussing the possible projects.
Sincerely yours,
xxxxx
7. 2010年11月16日 周二下午11:54---他确定好电面时间。
Lets do it next Monday. I can call as early as 8:30 my time. I will be traveling the next few days
Xxxxx
8. 2010年11月17日 周三上午8:45
Dear xxxx,
It will be ok. Have a good trip.
Regards
xxxx
9. 2010年11月22日 周一下午8:53
Dear xxxx,
I will try to have the skype up an running at 9 am to give you a call. If I am a bit late it will be that I have sought help in getting the Mac computer up and going (Don't use Mac regularly)
xxx
10. 2010年11月22日 周一下午9:19
Dear xxx:
I am online. Do not worry. You can call me when your computer is ok.My computer is a HP computer.
xxxx
11. 2010年11月22日 周一下午10:26---折腾了一晚上，终于电面完成，不过还是很顺利，聊了十分钟。以前跟外国人聊过天，所以不是很紧张。让我写一个研究计划。
Dear xxx,
Thank you for your time. It is nice of you to call me. I hope I can not let you down.
My English is not fluent, it is need to be brushed up. For more details, I am pleased to get your e-mail.
Regards
xxxx
12 . 2010年11月22日 周一下午11:31---吧以前看文献积累的一些东西和问题整理了一下，写了一个很简单的研究计划发给他。Dear xxxx,
Recently, I have a idea about the molecular details of how xxx affects xxx. I do not know if this project is feasible.
Recent xxxx's lab study showed that xxxx
具体就不描述了).Please find enclosed xxxx's paper.
I will go to dorm for rest right now.
Thnk you for your call. Great to speak to you.
Kindly regards
xxxx
13. 2010年11月25日 周四上午6:34-----最后，还是因为经费问题，没有给我Offer。Dear xxxx,
I appreciate your taking the time to think of some ideas in xxxx. I have looked at my finances and thought of your major interests - I don't think that I will be able to bring you on as post doc for xxx or xxx disease projects. I do appreciate very much your interest and do hope that you can find a post doc in the US that meet your interests in xxx or other diseases.
wishing the best of luck to you!
Xxx
14. 2010年11月25日 周四下午2:53---回信，说明了一下我的失望。继续努力！
Dear Dr.xxx,
Thank you for your time for communicating with me. And also thank you for your sincere! I really appreciate!
The great enthusiasm and passion for research guide my development to be a research scientist. I plan to pursue my postdoctoral training in the United States after I got my PhD. drgee. Because the USA in the science center of the world. As I know, in xxx area, USA is the number 1. So I send several application for a postdoctoral position. You know, compare to other researcher from other country especially from USA, we have no competitiveness as a China PhD. Reaearcher, so I need to send several applications. But this do not mean I have not the Sincerity. I even thought if you offer me position for post doc training, I will not send more applications, and I will bag my luggage go to USA, to your lab the world famous top lab in xxx disease. But it is a pity, my dream comes to nothing.
As Confucius said, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ I will go on persueing my dream.
I really appreciate very much your time and consideration. I am pleased to have the opportunity to your lab in the future. If you think I am qualitified, please contact me, I will be ready to accept your Invitation.
I hope you make a greater success in your future research work.
Thank you again.
Kindly regards
xxx
15. 2010年11月25日 周四下午7:27---经过交流，他对我的评价还是满可以，鼓励我继续寻找。
Dear xxxx,
Keep it up! You have ideas and you have a strong commitment. Your opportunity will come, I am certain. It has been a pleasure to communicate with you.
Sincerely,
xxxxx
16. 2010年11月26日 周五下午2:22
Dearxxxx,
Thank you for your encourage.I will keep my try. Hope have a opportunity to visit your lab some day.
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Lately coming bless!
xxxx
网友修改意见
初步看了一下您的求职信，建议您有一些地方真得仔细改改，这样也许能增加您获得职位的可能性。
我粗略地改了第一段，也是求职信的门面，最重要的一段。
如下，
#########################
Dear Dr. xxx,
Here I write you this email to apply for a postdoctoral position in your group.
I am xxx from xxx University, PR China. I will get my Ph.D. degree in xxx in July 2011. I plan to pursue my postdoctoral training in the United States after I got my PhD. drgee. I am particularly interested in your research group , and would like to know if there will be any position from July 2011 in your laboratory.
##########################
我改过的地方用红字注明。当然，我水平也很有限，改得也不好，来个抛砖引玉吧。
Dear Dr.（Prof.） xxx,
Here I('m) writ(ing) this email to apply for a postdoctoral position in your (lab).
I am xxx，（a Ph.D student） from （XXX lab at）xxx University, （大学有没有名气？有没有什么特色，尽量要写明，把吸引力突出出来）PR China（我一般用P.R.China）
I will get my Ph.D.（缩写错误） degree (in xxx 删掉，或者挪前面那句去) in July 2011.
I plan to pursue my scientific ideal（你原来那么写就有点露骨了，别忘了你是要打着科研的旗号申请博士后职位。或者你可以写得更义正言辞点，你说你在Ph.D期间对科学研究产生了浓厚兴趣，之后才有了申请博士后的想法） by （taking） postdoctoral training （in the United States，删掉。人家自己当然知道在美国.你现在把这里特别写出来，会让人产生一种错觉，以为你是因为崇美才去申请的。比如你对某本来就在北京的PI说“我打算申请去您在北京的实验室”那多少会让人产生歧义的） after I got（get，时态。还好你前面没有would like，否则就带有虚拟语气表示不可能发生的味道了） my PhD.（缩写错误） drgee（错别字）.
I am particularly （Why?既然前面有“particularly ”这个词，那后面应该给理由。你应该提到你读过他的papers，或者听了他的报告。）interested in your research (group 删).
And I（这给地方如果省略主语I，容易让人产生一种不谦虚的命令式的语气，或者用may I know） would like to know if there will be (你期望得到肯定回答的时候，要用some或者其他有肯定预期的词，但千万不能用any这种有否定韵味的词，特别是配合了你在前面还省略了主语I。比如你问服务员 do you have some coffee?，这表示你想喝点咖啡。如果说do you have any coffee?这表示你有抱怨对方不给你咖啡的意思) a postdoctoral position （available） then (from July 2011 删了)in your laboratory.
读过以上一段，如果我是那个教授，我会认为你还只是个写作水平一般的Average Ph.D而已。因为我还没有看到您的任何特长和吸引力。
好比你要追求女孩（特别是那种条件很好的，出身豪门，世界知名的），
她跟你没有交情，你写了封信磕磕巴巴地表达了3点意思，
第一点，介绍自己的身份合法，比如是单身可以结婚，
第二点，你说得十分露骨十分物质，说你追求她是为了去美国，为了找职位。
第三句，你语气中含有命令和抱怨（尽管这不是你的本意）。
经过几十次实践，结果是，
1. 大多数女孩根本不回信，
2. 少数回信的是为了避免尴尬，给你个台阶下，
3. 几个回信的女孩也十分露骨，直接问你是否有钱。
由此，你得出的结论是，你的挫折不是因为你的信写得不好，而是女孩们太难追了。
申请信的关键还是在于你的吸引力！
比如，你是谁，有什么特长，你怎么想的，掌握技术，到他那里的目的、计划，性格上怎么样，自信与否等等。另外如果给了你机会，那你自己的预期如何？
最好再有针对性地夸夸人家教授的某个得意之处，这才可能有戏。
因此你应该至少再加上一段写明你的科研背景。至少说明你会什么，想做什么，为什么要去这个实验室。并且把你的闪光点，比如单位、技术、文章等等突出出来。
这样才能有可能吸引到人家教授，让他有个选择。
有的地方我可能说得太直白了点，但我这么说也是切实为了你的成功申请着想。
希望你能早日拿到offer。
我粗略地改了第一段，也是求职信的门面，最重要的一段。
如下，
#########################
Dear Dr. xxx,
Here I write you this email to apply for a postdoctoral position in your group.
I am xxx from xxx University, PR China. I will get my Ph.D. degree in xxx in July 2011. I plan to pursue my postdoctoral training in the United States after I got my PhD. drgee. I am particularly interested in your research group , and would like to know if there will be any position from July 2011 in your laboratory.
##########################
我改过的地方用红字注明。当然，我水平也很有限，改得也不好，来个抛砖引玉吧。
Dear Dr.（Prof.） xxx,
Here I('m) writ(ing) this email to apply for a postdoctoral position in your (lab).
I am xxx，（a Ph.D student） from （XXX lab at）xxx University, （大学有没有名气？有没有什么特色，尽量要写明，把吸引力突出出来）PR China（我一般用P.R.China）
I will get my Ph.D.（缩写错误） degree (in xxx 删掉，或者挪前面那句去) in July 2011.
I plan to pursue my scientific ideal（你原来那么写就有点露骨了，别忘了你是要打着科研的旗号申请博士后职位。或者你可以写得更义正言辞点，你说你在Ph.D期间对科学研究产生了浓厚兴趣，之后才有了申请博士后的想法） by （taking） postdoctoral training （in the United States，删掉。人家自己当然知道在美国.你现在把这里特别写出来，会让人产生一种错觉，以为你是因为崇美才去申请的。比如你对某本来就在北京的PI说“我打算申请去您在北京的实验室”那多少会让人产生歧义的） after I got（get，时态。还好你前面没有would like，否则就带有虚拟语气表示不可能发生的味道了） my PhD.（缩写错误） drgee（错别字）.
I am particularly （Why?既然前面有“particularly ”这个词，那后面应该给理由。你应该提到你读过他的papers，或者听了他的报告。）interested in your research (group 删).
And I（这给地方如果省略主语I，容易让人产生一种不谦虚的命令式的语气，或者用may I know） would like to know if there will be (你期望得到肯定回答的时候，要用some或者其他有肯定预期的词，但千万不能用any这种有否定韵味的词，特别是配合了你在前面还省略了主语I。比如你问服务员 do you have some coffee?，这表示你想喝点咖啡。如果说do you have any coffee?这表示你有抱怨对方不给你咖啡的意思) a postdoctoral position （available） then (from July 2011 删了)in your laboratory.
读过以上一段，如果我是那个教授，我会认为你还只是个写作水平一般的Average Ph.D而已。因为我还没有看到您的任何特长和吸引力。
好比你要追求女孩（特别是那种条件很好的，出身豪门，世界知名的），
她跟你没有交情，你写了封信磕磕巴巴地表达了3点意思，
第一点，介绍自己的身份合法，比如是单身可以结婚，
第二点，你说得十分露骨十分物质，说你追求她是为了去美国，为了找职位。
第三句，你语气中含有命令和抱怨（尽管这不是你的本意）。
经过几十次实践，结果是，
1. 大多数女孩根本不回信，
2. 少数回信的是为了避免尴尬，给你个台阶下，
3. 几个回信的女孩也十分露骨，直接问你是否有钱。
由此，你得出的结论是，你的挫折不是因为你的信写得不好，而是女孩们太难追了。
申请信的关键还是在于你的吸引力！
比如，你是谁，有什么特长，你怎么想的，掌握技术，到他那里的目的、计划，性格上怎么样，自信与否等等。另外如果给了你机会，那你自己的预期如何？
最好再有针对性地夸夸人家教授的某个得意之处，这才可能有戏。
因此你应该至少再加上一段写明你的科研背景。至少说明你会什么，想做什么，为什么要去这个实验室。并且把你的闪光点，比如单位、技术、文章等等突出出来。
这样才能有可能吸引到人家教授，让他有个选择。
有的地方我可能说得太直白了点，但我这么说也是切实为了你的成功申请着想。
希望你能早日拿到offer。
上一篇：博士后电话面试的小经历
下一篇：在加拿大的中国人博士后免税攻略
在线咨询了解更多
