Intercultural conflict, or improper physical contact? Friendly guy or pervert?

Personally I have no experience with intercultural conflicts, or at least I think I don't...

A few years ago, I joined a conference made up of people from different countries. There were people from Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Norway, Finland, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and many more that I can't even remember now. We all stayed together in a small boutique hotel (in fact, I think we took up most of the rooms there). We ate together, conferenced, and even slept together. As you could see, this could potentially be a situation where intercultural conflicts could arise.

One night, my korean room mate and I heard a knock on our door, and it was a Pakistani guy asking if we would like to play cards. We invited him into our room without much thought, thinking that more people will be coming. We talked and laughed about different things but soon, this guy got very touchy-feely. He started rubbing our feet and we got extremely uncomfortable about it. I 'ran away' to another friend's room while my Korean friend went to the lobby. It was a very bad experience for us both. However, to this day, I do not know if this is a way men from his culture show friendliness and affection.

We did not see him or confront him about it after that, but we simply told other participants. Later, quite long after the conference ended, I received a phone call from the head organiser, asking me to recount the tale of what happened that night. I wonder what happened to him after that...

My personal statement

My interest in pursuing a career in human resource sparked when I was working as a telephone receptionist in the NUS student service centre. I discovered that I had the patience and passion for giving quality customer service and I found that I gain satisfaction from working with people, listening to them, and interacting with them. Hence, I also realised that my strengths lie in the business of people as I am a highly rational person but with a natural empathy for people, and it is in this field that I would be able to succeed.

I am a fresh graduate from the National University of Singapore. My degree is a life sciences degree, and I believe that studying life sciences had been useful for the career path I have chosen. This particular field of study has honed my eye for details, my writing skills, my patience in reading long journal papers, and most of all, my analytical ability. They would be highly useful for a career in human resources as I would require the patience and analytical ability when working with people. However, the most important ability that I have honed throughout my undergraduate career is the ability to continuously learn new things, and the patience and enthusiasm in learning. This is of utmost importance as I am embarking on a career that is different from my course of study.

Putting my studies in university aside, I have also been actively involved in co-curricular activities. From my first year of studies to my final year, I have only been involved in one particular organisation, which is NUSSU Volunteer Action Committee (NVAC). This shows that I am a highly loyal and committed individual. Throughout my involvement in the organisation, I have taken up many different portfolios including Project Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Welfare Director and have also tried my hands in marketing. I have successfully recruited and retained volunteers when I held the position of Volunteer Welfare Director. The other portfolios I held gave me different types of experiences and insights into working with people of diverse backgrounds, mindsets and abilities, and I love the challenges that each posed.

As such, my job as a telephone receptionist, my undergraduate study and my involvements in NVAC has not only deepened my passion in a career in human resource, but has also prepared me adequately for the challenges in this field.

Application cover leter - recruitment trainee

Hi all,

The URL to the job advertisement is http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Job.asp?R=JDBS144307601

As there is no address (resumes are to be sent via email), I could not include the recipient’s address.

_______________________________________________________

Lee You Tze (Ms)
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX
Singapore 119081

7 September 2009

Application for the Post of Recruitment Trainee

I am writing with interest in applying for the post of recruitment trainee as advertised in www.jobsdb.com.sg. I believe I am suited for this position as I possess a keen interest in human resources, zeal for learning as well as the relevant qualifications and skills.

I am a fresh graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Life Sciences. Although I graduated from a life sciences program, I am highly interested in pursuing a career in human resources management because I enjoy working and communicating with people. Hence, during my study at NUS, I took modules in management and human resources from the NUS Business School.

Besides that, I have also gained valuable customer service experiences while working in the NUS Student Service Centre. I work very well in a team and am very self-driven when working independently or when working in a team. I have also gained leadership and event organisation experiences as core members of management committees and have successfully recruited and retained volunteers as a Volunteer Welfare Director.

Recruit Express is a leading human resources recruitment agency and has won accolades in this field. Being a dynamic company providing top notch staffing solutions and value-added services, Recruit Express ensures a stimulating and challenging working environment.

I am confident that I will be able to contribute to your company as I am a meticulous, motivated and highly organised person. I have the passion in providing quality customer service and bringing out the best in people.

I have included a letter of reference from my previous employee as well as a copy of my resume for your kind consideration. I will be glad to attend an interview with you at any convenient time and am contactable at 82827562 or yuzi918@gmail.com. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

Best regards,
Lee You Tze (Ms)