Comments about each part of this job package appear in the right margins of the document. A final comment and grade appear on the last page.
Analysis, Cover Letter of Application, Résumé, and Follow-up Letter
The following job posting was taken from my current employer's intranet.
Job Description: Associate Engineer IV-0012614
This position is located in the Bangor or Bremerton, WA area. Under limited supervision, installs, builds, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, and modifies components, parts, equipment, and systems. Performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity and may assist in planning such assignments. Receives technical advice from supervisor or engineer and work is reviewed for technical adequacy (or conformity with instructions). May be assisted by lower level technicians and have frequent contact with professionals and others within the establishment.
- Builds, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs equipment.
- Performs preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems.
• Reads blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling equipment.
• Constructs components, subunits of equipment, or prototype models to meet engineering requirements. Troubleshoots and corrects malfunctions using specialized test and diagnostic equipment. Redesigns as necessary.
• Conducts tests requiring selection and/or modification of a variety of critical test equipment and test procedures.
• Sets up and operates equipment and records data, and measures and records problems of significant complexity that sometimes require resolution at a higher level.
• Prepares operating and malfunction reports. Records and evaluates data and reports findings.
Qualifications
AS Degree plus six years of related experience. In lieu of a degree,10 years of related experience. Must be proficient with ATFP sustainment activities which includes but not limited to Giant Voice, access control systems, C4I operations centers, barriers, gates, cameras, servers patch panels, and other security related equipment.
Must be a US citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. SECRET Clearance.
Extensive local travel may be required
Reliable Transportation required
Valid U.S. drivers license required
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce.
Recruiter: Donna F Jones Hiring Manager: Donald Richards
Security Clearance
US - DOD Clearance Secret
Site Locations
WA08-USA-WA-1400 Farragut Ave, Bldg 922
SBG: AERO Band: 02
Job Posting Analysis
For the analysis of the job posting, each paragraph begins with a copy of the requirement text from the posting. The requirement is reflected in bold italicized font followed by a few sentences outlining my relative experience.
- Builds, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs equipment. For 15 years I have built, maintained, and repaired a variety of electro-mechanical equipment. While serving in the United States Navy for five years as an electronics technician, I performed the required functions on air search radars, surface search radars, SHF datalink equipment, satellite navigation equipment and the associated ancillary equipment. During my first seven years with Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc., I performed the required functions on a SHF datalink communications system.
Performs preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems. I have performed regularly scheduled preventative maintenance on numerous electronic systems. I maintained a Field Calibration Activity (FCA) for four years. My duties at the FCA included calibrating electronic test equipment. As a field engineer with Honeywell, I set up and performed calibration of electronic systems.
Reads blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling equipment. I am very capable at interpreting blueprints, wiring diagrams, and schematic diagrams. I have been assigned to numerous Alteration Installation Teams (AIT) which required me to adhere to Field Change Bulletins (FCB) and other engineering instructions.
Constructs components, subunits of equipment, or prototype models to meet engineering requirements. Troubleshoots and corrects malfunctions using specialized test and diagnostic equipment. Redesigns as necessary. While employed as a Production Operator by Tracor Applied Sciences, I assisted in building numerous prototypes of communications suites. I then used special purpose test equipment to test the systems. During testing of a drop in communication package, I discovered an error in the blueprints and provided a recommended solution back to the engineering department. The solution was accepted and incorporated into the revised blueprints.
Conducts tests requiring selection and/or modification of a variety of critical test equipment and test procedures. I have conducted several environmental tests on various components of a SHF datalink communications system. This required very precise setup and calibration of the test equipment and the configuration of the system.
Sets up and operates equipment and records data, and measures and records problems of significant complexity that sometimes require resolution at a higher level. While conducting environmental testing on various electronic components, I was required to record data based on certain measurements and tolerances. When I found the measurements to be out of tolerance, I reported the data to the engineering department
Prepares operating and malfunction reports. Records and evaluates data and reports findings. In my current role as Fleet Support Supervisor, I prepare operating and malfunction reports. I evaluate data and report findings provided to me by associate engineers. I confer with the Engineering Supervisor often to discuss resolutions to any reported problems.
- AS Degree plus six years of related experience. In lieu of a degree, 10 years of related experience. I have 25 years of related experience.
- Must be proficient with ATFP sustainment activities which includes but not limited to Giant Voice, access control systems, C4I operations centers, barriers, gates, cameras, servers patch panels, and other security related equipment. I was assigned to a team that conducted prototyping and evaluating Honeywell's S-Gate system. The S-Gate system was an early predecessor to the Anti-terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) system. The S-Gate system employed the same type of activities on access control systems, barriers, gates, cameras, servers, and other security related equipment as the ATFP system.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen. I am a U.S. Citizen
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. SECRET Clearance. I have held a U.S. SECRET clearance for a total of 15 years and continuously for the past 5 years.
- Extensive local travel may be required. I am willing to travel. I am very familiar with both Honeywell's travel policies and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
- Reliable Transportation required. I have reliable transportation.
- Valid U.S. drivers license required. I hold a valid Maryland state driver's license.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ms. Donna Smith
Recruiter
Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc.
7000 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Dear Ms. Smith,
Subject: Job Posting for Associate Engineer IV-00126146
I found the job posting for Associate Engineer IV on the Honeywell Intranet . I am very interested in applying for this position. You will find my career path and experience is well suited for this position.
I have 12 years experience building, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing a varied range of electronic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical equipment. As part of this experience, I have performed regularly scheduled preventative maintenance on numerous electronic systems. I am very capable at interpreting blueprints, wiring diagrams, and schematic diagrams. I maintained a Field Calibration Activity (FCA) for four years. A portion of my duties at the FCA was to calibrate electronic test equipment. As a field engineer with Honeywell, I have set up and performed calibration of electronic systems. I assisted in building numerous prototypes of communications suites.
I was assigned to a team that conducted prototyping and evaluating Honeywell's S-Gate system. The S-Gate system was an early predecessor to the Anti-terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) system. The S-Gate system employed the same type of activities on access control systems, barriers, gates, cameras, servers, and other security related equipment as the ATFP system.
I am a U.S. Citizen and have held a U.S. Secret Clearance for the past 15 years. I look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you during the interview process.
The enclosed resume will give you details of my work experience and qualifications. Thank you for your time. I can be reached at (240) 555-2222.
Sincerely,
Enclosure
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
112 A Street
California, MD 20619
Home: (301) 555-1111 Office: (301) 555-2222 Cell: (240) 555-3333
Summary of Qualifications
A seasoned field engineer with 25 years of proven technical skills coupled with exceptional supervisory and managerial abilities. Focused on customer satisfaction and team success. Extremely accurate, thorough, and effective in all areas of responsibility. Broad background in electronics working with radar, communication, secure voice, satellite navigation, security systems, and support systems. Proficient in the use and calibration of various commercial test equipment. Recognized numerous times for technical abilities, superior performance, and customer satisfaction.
Work Experience
Honeywell Technology Solutions Incorporated: 1995- Present
Lexington Park, MD
Field Engineer IV: Currently assigned to the LAMPS MK III AN/SRQ-4 Data Link contract in support of NAVAIR 4.5.10.5. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance to fleet units participating in numerous fleet events. Provides training to shipboard personnel. Conducts waveguide testing and other established tests to ensure the installation is in accordance with installation control drawings. Supervises the LAMPS Fleet Support Group. Plans and manages travel schedules. Plans and manages program projects and provides earned value tracking.
Tracor Applied Sciences Corporation: 1994-1995
Chesapeake, VA
Production Operator: Assigned to the Test and Evaluation IV contract in support of NESEA. Installed electrical and mechanical communications systems in accordance with work instructions, drawings, and blueprints. Identified problems when encountered and provided solutions. Acted as a lead technician on six installations involving Rigid Inflatable Boats. Played a key role in the implementation of the Tactical Radio System. Assisted in the technical shop troubleshooting and testing of various portable communication equipment.
United States Navy: 1984-1993
Various Duty Stations
Electronics Technician: Managed the efforts of 30 personnel in three different technical ratings. Oversaw three branch supervisors while directly supervising 10 junior electronics technicians. Responsible for the preventative and corrective maintenance of surface search radars, air search radars, communications equipment, satellite navigation systems, security systems and ancillary support systems.
Education
- Fiber optic termination
- MIL-STD 2000 Category Operator
- Basic Electronics and Electricity
- Electronics Technician "A" School
- Six Sigma
- High School Diploma, Burbank Senior High School
Community and Associations
43613 Marguerite Street
California, MD 20619
March 27, 2010
Ms. Donna Smith
Recruiter
Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc.
7000 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Dear Ms. Smith,
Subject: Job Posting for Associate Engineer IV-00126146
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of Associate Engineer IV with Honeywell Technologies Solutions. It was a pleasure to meet you and discuss my qualifications for the job. I look forward to a favorable response .
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Xxxx A. XXXXX
12345 Marguerite Ave
Hollywood, MD 22222
Home: (301) 555-1111 Office: (301) 555-1111 Cell: (240) 555-1111
Sincerely,
---------------------------------------- Assessment------------------------------------
Very good job application package. Each component (analysis of the want-ad, cover letter, résumé, and follow-up) is well organized and clearly developed.
Grade: 95
[RJS1]The student started his analysis of the job posting here on the next page. You will note the explanation of how the analysis is organized.
[RJS2] of the requirements for this job. The next step is to integrate all these details into the cover letter.
[RJS3]Give the date you accessed the website or when the job announcement was posted.
[RJS4] agreement error: See QA-Compact (p. 163). Or, study Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) Grammar Handbook: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/599/01/
[RJS5]Be explicit when asking for an interview.
[RJS6]The cover letter effectively reviews how you qualify for the job criteria mentioned in the position description, but you could make a more specific request for an interview.
[RJS7]Rather than say what you're responsible for, tell the reader what you actually did. For example, start sentences with stronger verbs, such as "maintain", "organize", or "coordinate."
[RJS8]Include dates - at least the years you took the training.
[RJS9]Include dates - at least the year.
[RJS10]Good follow-up letter. It effectively reinforces your eagerness for the job and your strengths. However, one way to make the follow-up letter more effective is to write about something you hadn't mentioned before, perhaps something you forgot to say during the interview. That prompts the reader to remember the interview, and you in particular.
[RJS11]Out of place. The complementary close should precede your name.