有學生問我，申請大學或找工作時該如何撰寫讀書計畫（statements of purpose）、求職信或簡歷。當前，我們很常運用如ChatGPT這樣的AI語言處理工具，來為我們生成一些範本，甚至是將我們的資訊變成條理分明的文檔。然而，我要提醒大家，不要依賴這些AI工具，而是要了解其中的利弊。那麼，我們該如何讓自己的申請文件真正地脫穎而出呢？
Some students have asked me how to write their statements of purpose, cover letters, and resumes for college or job applications. Nowadays, we often use AI language processing tools such as Chat GPT to provide us with templates or even organize our information into complete documents. However, I would caution against solely relying on these AI tools without understanding their pros and cons. So, how can we make our application documents truly stand out from the rest?
從本質上來說，我們應當真誠且專注地量身打造我們的申請資料，以符合所欲申請的學校或職缺。在我們開始寫作前，應深入研究某些課程或職位，並研讀錄取者的範文。在正式動筆之前，先進行研究。在撰寫第一份草稿之前及其後，亦可尋求專業人士或錄取者的建議與範本（例如，在引言中陳述你的目的，於正文裡提供具體原因與例子以說明你將成為有所貢獻的錄取者，並在結論中闡明你將如何為該項目、學校或職位做出貢獻）。接下來是請他人檢閱你的草稿，然後多次修改與編輯。
In essence, we want to be authentic, focused, and tailor our applications to fit the school or job position. Before we even start writing, we should conduct thorough research. Examine the program or position in detail and review examples from successful candidates. Conduct this research before you even begin writing a draft. Before and after crafting your first draft, you can seek the help of professionals or successful candidates for general advice and a structural template (e.g., state your purpose in the intro, provide specific reasons and examples in the body to show how you will be a successful candidate, and explicitly state how you can contribute to the program, school, or position in the conclusion). The next step involves reviewing your draft with others and then revising and editing it multiple times.
為了幫助同學動起來，我附上了一些常春藤聯盟所錄取者的SOP範本、簡歷與求職信。僅將之作為起點。切勿依樣畫葫蘆或只是把它與你的資訊一起丟給ChatGPT。你必須研究你所申請的項目或職缺，並展示出你是此一機會的最佳人選。
To help you begin the process, I have included some sample SOPs, resumes, and cover letters from successful Ivy League candidates. Use these as a starting point only. Do NOT merely copy them or plug them into ChatGPT along with your information. You must research your specific program or job and write in a manner that shows how you are a great fit for that opportunity.
📌 哈佛大學簡歷和求職信指南
Harvard Resume and Cover Letter Guide
https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ocs/files/hes-resume-cover-letter-guide.pdf
📌 50份成功的常春藤申請文章
50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays
http://www.qianmu.org/u/lystu/school/file/0hme5mn180002vc/0hmlotdce00040a.pdf
📌 麻省理工學院職業發展指南
MIT Career Development Guide
https://cdn.uconnectlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/123/2021/07/Career-Handbook-2019.pdf
📌 普林斯頓大學職業發展指南
Princeton University Career Development Guide
https://careerdevelopment.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf1041/files/resume_guide_2020.pdf
留學申請資源包: https://wp.me/p44l9b-2Kx
SOP, Resume, and Cover Letter Guide (留學文件資源包): https://wp.me/p44l9b-3in
留學獎學金 Scholarships: https://wp.me/p44l9b-2SW
需要英文論文編修、留學文件潤稿及商業文件修改等服務的同學，歡迎聯繫我: https://wp.me/p44l9b-TD