http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?ipath=SJPRCB...
Construction Project Engineer - ProCLAD, INC
I chose this job because last summer I did an internship which covered some of the same areas of detail. As a matter of fact my job title over the summer was project engineer. Being a Project Engineer in a construction firm is generally the first step to becoming a Project Manager, which is what I want to be. I would like to apply for this job because I did much of this as an intern and enjoyed it. Going into my internship I was not sure what I wanted to do, but after the summer was over I realized that a project engineer/manager was my calling.
I chose this job not only because of what it entails, but where it is located. I would prefer to stay in Terre Haute but I am not sure if that will happen because of the current problems with the economy and lack of jobs. This is why the job would also suit me because it is in Indianapolis, which means if I got the job and lived there it would only be an hour drive or so to come home and see my friends and family. I am more partial to living in the country but I’m sure I could find a place to suit my living needs in Indy. This job also called to me because it was about the only one I could find that pertains to what I want to do and doesn’t require more than 1 or so years of experience. Most of the same type of jobs I found required at least 5 years experience and are more for a senior type position. I am also very flexible in terms of traveling because I currently have no children or spouse which makes me able to go wherever I am needed.
In terms of the job description I cover 90% of it already with just one summer internship for a similar type company. My main job over the summer was to perform quantity take-offs which is the first thing mentioned in the description. I also spent a lot of time reading and understanding what was enclosed in the contract documents, which is another important aspect of this job. After reading through the 17 or so parts of the jobs description, I am currently experienced in at least 15 of the fields. The main part I haven’t learned about is developing a schedule for each project which I will cover next semester or possibly over my internship this summer.
This is a smaller construction company which does family housing and things of that nature. Since it is a smaller company there wasn’t much in terms of a web site but I did find some useful information online. I feel that after I graduate I could help this firm grow because of the new and useful information we learn at Purdue. The construction industry grows bigger and better every year which is why we as current BCM students are learning new techniques to save money and create better products in the end. Since technology is growing so fast, the newer age construction people such as myself will have many new thing to bring to the table. These new technological advances can be rather simple things such as using new computer software to create a more precise and efficient schedule which can be the first step to saving the company money. All in all this job tends to suit my needs in terms of what I’m looking for as a future job. I want to do something I’m good at as well as something that I like which is exactly what this job can help me do.
Instructor Feedback
You have clearly thought about your fit within this company. What I would like to see more of, and what will be expected in the employment documents is closer attention to what you can offer the company and more details about the skills and experiences you currently possess. Because this is not an internship, you will need to focus less on what they can offer you and more on what you can provide for them. By all means, consider the former as you choose a position, but do focus on the latter as you try to get the job.
As I have been telling your classmates, the key move know is mining your experiences for great stories that demonstrate what you have to offer. As Jeremy and I will be telling the class repeatedly, you need to do more than tell them what you have to offer: you have to prove it by demonstrating it. And that means concrete details. You write, "After reading through the 17 or so parts of the jobs description, I am currently experienced in at least 15 of the fields. The main part I haven’t learned about is developing a schedule for each project which I will cover next semester or possibly over my internship this summer." While it is good that you can meet all of these, you will need to focus your letter on a few key instances of your experience wherein you demonstrate your ability to handle the work they will give. You being to do this when you write, "Since technology is growing so fast, the newer age construction people such as myself will have many new thing to bring to the table" Make yourself standout by not only articulating they areas you can cover, but the particular skills and experiences you have to offer this particular company
Use your knowledge of the company to help you make these choices.