The job I have found is for a Network Administrator at QinetiQ in Springfield, Virginia. The reason I picked this job was because I met the requirements for it. I wanted a full time job because I want to support myself for awhile. I have had no previous work experience in the field so finding a job that would let me apply without slamming the door in my face was also important. The reason I picked a network positing is because that is what I am studying to get into. I enjoy networking with computers. The other area which I plan to have some experience in, computer security, all required a high level of experience or a near 4.0 GPA. Neither of which I have. I assume that there is something in that field once the job market settles down and there are more opportunities for everyone.
The company provides mission-critical engineering, IT and security support services to customers in the space, security, defense and intelligence communities. They support the U.S. defense and security programs. The company helps customers with the following areas:
• Enterprise and Embedded IT Solutions
• Systems Engineering, Operations, and Acquisition Solutions
• Hardware and Software Design, Engineering, and Integration Solutions
• Information, Program, and Technology Security Solutions
• Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence Solutions
The job I would have to perform involves analyzing, testing, troubleshooting, and evaluating Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, Internet, intranet, and other communicating systems. The working environment I would be in would support more than 70,000 users. I would have to have very good people skills as I would be dealing with user support. The ad did not specify room to advance. I do not believe it should in a job that requires a four year degree as anyone applying did not get the job yet. It would be very tacky to ask or say that you plan to be around the company that long since you did not get the job yet. At least that is what I learned in my interviewing class.
The job wants experience with Active Directory, Enterprise Mail Systems, and MS Exchange Server 2003. Also knowledge of a Windows based system and Novell is a plus. They also mention that the applicant should have above average phone, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
I have had experience with Active Directory, Enterprise Mail Systems, and MS Exchange Server 2003. As of last semester a group of us had to work together to put together a mock business scenario. I had to set up groups with users in Active Directory. Each group had a set of permissions that had to be set. A basic mail system was also required for the system set up. We worked together to set up the Enterprise Mail System between the computers on our network. We also worked briefly on Novell and MS Exchange Server within our network. As for communication with others I feel that I have a friendly attitude towards others that need help. I would not use technical jargon with users that did not understand it. I can also use it while talking with someone with the same technical background as myself. I would not be afraid of a challenge as I am eager to learn. Just this semester they have dropped us into using CentOS and FreeBSD operating systems without giving us proper instructions on how to accomplish our tasks. They even said it is sink or swim. I feel that I am learning the operating systems on my own with the help of bouncing ideas off of others so that we can reach the same goal.
I feel that I am qualified for this job and I would like to have it. I would be a hard working individual who gets the job done right.
Instructor Feedback
You have here already begun the important work of clearly articulating your skills and their requirements. I think highlighting this good strategy. In addition, the examples you offer here give you a solid menu of content to select from as you write your job application letter. Picking concrete examples that demonstrate all three of the things you wish to highlight is your next step. In particular, you will want to avoid simply saying you have these skills; you want the reader to see your expertise and knowledge in the examples you provide. It is the easiest thing in the world to say you have a skill. It is much better (and harder) to demonstrate that through your writing. You write, "As for communication with others I feel that I have a friendly attitude towards others that need help." You need to describe a particular project that does a good job of demonstrating your approach to communication even though you don't actually say it. That is, describe a project where you used such skills to be successful.