PennState To: From: Subject: Date: Professor Sneff Ian A. Kopack English 202C - Job Application Package Analysis 03 March 2016 The purpose of this memo is to present the background information and analyses of two different job listings. The first job listing is for the position of Summer 2016 Engineering Intern with Universal Orlando Resort. The second job listing is for the position of Mechanical Designer I with Tait Towers. In this memo, I intend to provide commentary highlighting how I have adapted my cover letters and resumes to each job listing. Universal Orlando Resort: Summer 2016 Engineering Intern Job Description The first job application package is intended for an internship position with Universal Orlando Resort, based in Orlando, Florida. Universal Orlando Resort, commonly referred to as Universal Orlando, is a resort consisting of two theme parks, a nighttime entertainment complex, and four hotels. Throughout the year, Universal Orlando conducts an internship program that allows students to gain experience while working for the resort. The program offers a broad spectrum of internship positions ranging from marketing and finance to engineering and maintenance. As a mechanical engineering student intending to begin my career working in the themed entertainment industry, Universal Orlando's engineering internship poses as an attractive option for a summer internship opportunity. In the job listing for the Summer 2016 Engineering Intern position, the job is described as a general engineering role involved with tasks and responsibilities that require a multidisciplinary approach to the resort's engineering challenges. The “summary” section of the job listing presents the type of work that the employee will have the opportunity to be involved with, such as working on the design, fabrication, and installation of the different technical systems being used at Universal Orlando. From the information mentioned in this summary, applicants can conclude that this position incorporates various disciplines of engineering work such as electrical, mechanical, and computer systems. This conclusion is further supported by the fact that not only is this general engineering internship position available, but internships for specific engineering disciplines are as well, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and others. I have chosen to apply for this specific internship because I enjoy challenges that extend beyond just my mechanical engineering education. The “essential duties and responsibilities” section of this job listing provides a detailed list of tasks that will be assigned to the employee of this position. How these tasks have been represented in both the cover letter and resume for this job will be addressed in the rhetorical analysis section of this memo. The “requirements” section of this job listing is fairly standard and straightforward; it gives exact requirements that allow potential applicants to determine whether or not they are eligible to apply for this job. The “preferred qualifications” section expands on the information included in the “requirements” section and provides a more detailed explanation of the skills that are desired of applicants for this job. Qualifications such as knowledge of specific software applications and technical documents are included in this section, and will be addressed in the rhetorical analysis section of this memo. Lastly, the “additional internship information" section of this job listing addresses any miscellaneous information that would be useful for applicants to be aware of when considering applying for this job. Audience Analysis With such an internationally recognized name, Universal Orlando receives an incredibly large number of applications when job listings become available to the public. As a result of this, the company is very To: Professor Sneff Page: 2 Date: 03 March 2016 selective in the qualities they look for in applicants. This selectivity is even more significant for positions such as engineering, in which the skills required are education and experience-based. Taking that into account, for the Summer 2016 Engineering Intern position, Universal Orlando is looking for applicants that have already had experience working with theme parks or other areas of the themed entertainment industry. This is reflected in the job listing information with mention of desired "experience in theme park development, construction, show and ride systems design or fabrication.” Also included in this job listing are the typical requirements of most engineering internships, such as minimum grade point average and enrollment in an accredited institution. The “preferred majors" listed for this position narrows down the audience of potential candidates to only a few engineering majors and computer science. Interestingly, even though this job listing seems to be intentionally different from a similar mechanical engineering job listing with Universal Orlando, the “related coursework" for this position mentions machine design, dynamics, vibrations, motors and circuits, and software design. The first four of these five courses are core mechanical engineering classes, which may be an indication of there being a greater preference for mechanical engineering students over the other majors mentioned. Overall, based on the responsibilities and requirements of this job listing, Universal Orlando is looking for an individual with technical experience that can adapt to various engineering assignments. These assignments require that the employee has both technical skills in situations that require analyzation and testing, as well as communication skills in situations that require processing information and working with others. Ideally, the company would like to hire an individual that has had previous engineering experience in a theme park environment, which incorporates all of these skills simultaneously. Rhetorical Analysis With the understanding that the very first person to receive and review my job application will most likely be a human resources representative, I knew it would be important to incorporate as much ideology and vocabulary from the job listing into my cover letter. Since experience is typically weighted heavily in assessing potential job candidates, I primarily used my cover letter to discuss my internship with SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando and the work I have done with Penn State's Theme Park Engineering group. At the beginning of my description of the SeaWorld internship, I worded the first two sentences of the paragraph to allow me to include the length of time that my internship occurred over. In doing so, I was able to indirectly compare my six month internship with internships that typically run only three months. By mentioning this, I intended to differentiate myself from other students who may have decided not to take time off from school to pursue work opportunities, and therefore build upon the reader's understanding of my dedication to a career in the industry. Further into the paragraph, I described a majority of the specific tasks I was responsible for during my internship. This intended to provide the reader with solid evidence of my experience and the skills I claim to have developed when presenting myself as a potential job candidate. Included in these tasks are some phrases pulled directly from the job listing, such as the mention of my construction site experience. Following the description of my internship is another paragraph that describes the application of my industry interests and knowledge to extracurricular projects through the Penn State Theme Park Engineering Group. This paragraph generally mirrors the first half of the "personal development" section in my resume, but elaborates on the information with more detail. In particular, I chose to describe the "Cornell University Theme Park Entrepreneurship Contest” I participated in, because it To: Professor Sneff Page: 3 Date: 03 March 2016 reflects the theme park development experience and general industry knowledge that is desirable for applicants of this internship position. The closing paragraph follows a standardized format that summarizes my personal statements, provides contact information, and thanks the reader. For the accompanying resume to this cover letter, I followed a sectionalized format with headlines that identify each category of information. Below my name and contact information, I highlighted the three most significant points of my resume in the “summary of qualifications" section. This section was included to allow those who are quickly reviewing and sorting through many resumes to immediately identify the important details I want to stand out. Additionally, to provide cohesiveness and reference for the reader, the three bullet points of this section are placed in the same order as the topics they relate to within the resume itself. In the “education” section of this resume, I made sure to include the information that was stated as required by the job listing, such as major, anticipated graduation date, and cumulative GPA. Additionally, I also included a list of "relevant courses” I have taken to reference the mentioned coursework in the “requirements” section of the job listing. In the next section, “work experience," I listed the three most recent jobs I have held, in chronological order. I made sure to provide the greatest amount of detail for my SeaWorld Parks & Resorts entry, as that job is the most relevant to this job listing. The last two sections, “personal development” and “additional skills and interests," allowed me to personalize my resume with extracurricular activities and certain skills I've developed to distinguish myself from other applicants. Tait Towers: Mechanical Design Intern (Staging/Rigging) Job Description The second job application package is intended for a permanent position with Tait Towers, based in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Tait Towers, commonly referred to as TAIT, is a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of staging, scenic, automated rigging, show control, and LED integration for the live entertainment industry. This company designs and builds most of the sets and scenery for the tours of major musical performers, as well as for many other live events around the world. In the job listing for Mechanical Designer I, the employee's main role is described as providing mechanical design services for the company. This role involves working with project teams and design software to develop mechanical system components that satisfy project specifications. The “responsibilities” section of the job listing outlines the expectations of the employee, such as modelling mechanical systems and performing engineering assessments of company equipment. Of all the information in the job listing, this section provides the most content describing the scope of work that this position is involved with, and gives an impression that the position is heavily focused on engineering design and analytical modeling and testing. The second section, “qualifications,” presents the general requirements needed to be eligible for the job position, such as communication skills, eligible college majors, and software experience. Audience Analysis Within the community of those knowledgeable of the performance entertainment industry, TAIT is a widely-recognized name. As a result, I would predict that TAIT receives many applications for posted job listings, and especially for entry-level positions such as this one. Due to the fact that this job is located at the main Lititz, Pennsylvania headquarters of the company, I would also predict that job applications are reviewed by both a human resources representative and by certain individuals on the design team at the Lititz office. In the “overview" section of the job listing, it mentions that designers To: Professor Sneff Page: 4 Date: 03 March 2016 work closely with the "Studio Lead.” Therefore, the individual acting as “Studio Lead” may possibly review applications as well. The responsibilities and qualifications listed for this job and the serious tone to which the overall description is presented describes the type of individual that the company is looking to hire. From this job listing, it can be determined that individuals interested in applying are expected to be experienced in using design software, and have already worked with projects in which engineering analyses were performed. Of those qualified for the job position in terms of educational background and experience, the responsibilities of this job narrow down potential candidates to those with specialization or an interest in mechanical systems. Additionally, as could be concluded from this job listing's mention of software experience and technical responsibilities, prior relatable experience is weighted heavily when determining eligible job candidates. Rhetorical Analysis Similarly to the Universal Orlando cover letter, I primarily used this cover letter for the job with TAIT to elaborate upon my experiences and how they relate to the job's responsibilities. Once again, because it is my most significant professional work experience, I began the body of this cover letter by discussing my internship with SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando. Edits were made within this paragraph to avoid primarily focusing on theme parks, and redirect the focus of this paragraph to the engineering design and project management experience I have acquired during my internship. The last sentence in this paragraph is included to acknowledge that while the tasks I was responsible for during my internship with SeaWorld do not completely coordinate with the tasks associated with this position with TAIT, the experience provided a unique perspective of engineering-related projects that would be useful for work assignments. In the next paragraph, I discussed a project I was involved with to provide a concrete example of my technical experience. The second body paragraph of this cover letter is focused on describing the vacuum design project I was involved with for one of the classes I took last year. Elaborating on the entry in my resume which referenced the project, I provided information as to what the project was, how it was executed, and what was learned. I chose this specific example to explain because in doing so, I demonstrated an understanding of the job responsibilities that are expected of this position with TAIT. Specific tasks listed in the "responsibilities” section of the job listing are referenced in my description of this project. For example, in this paragraph I mention that I performed mechanical and safety analyses, a task that mirrors the job's responsibility of creating “physical testing criteria of equipment” and coordinating “expected and actual results analysis with fabrication and testing personnel.” To write a resume for this job application, I utilized the same format as what was used for the Universal Orlando resume, with some modifications. The greatest difference between the two resumes was the replacement of the “personal development” section with a “project experience” section, to provide a greater example of my capabilities as they relate to the job listing's heavy emphasis on technical responsibilities. Including the “project experience” section allowed me to present multiple specific examples of engineering projects I've been involved with, as well as the skills and accomplishments related to each one. To include this section, I needed to remove three pieces of information from the Universal Orlando resume: the awards listed under my "education” section, my work experience as a math and physics tutor, and mention of my involvement in the Tau Beta Pi: Pennsylvania Beta Chapter. When relating my personal qualifications to the job requirement, these three pieces of information are To: Professor Sneff Page: 5 Date: 03 March 2016 not as significant as the information they are replaced with, and can always be referenced in a future interview if needed. However, some of the information relating to the Penn State Theme Park Engineering Group that was originally listed under the “personal development” section in the Universal Orlando resume was rearranged and incorporated into this resume for TAIT. This information was included because it has been a significant part of my college career, and also because the engineering group has actually visited the TAIT office in Lititz, Pennsylvania this past year. There is a possibility that an individual from the company who sees the group's name in my resume may remember us visiting, making my resume stand out from others missing such a personalized association. Overall, I have designed this resume to emphasize the technical abilities I have acquired, rather than the “people- oriented" skills that were presented in the Universal Orlando resume, with the intent of conforming to the professional engineering tone of the job listing. Additional Comments and Recommendation When you are available, I would like to further discuss these job listings and corresponding application packages. I welcome any recommendations you may have for improving my writing. Please send an email to me at iak5024@psu.edu with a date and time you think would be best for us to continue this conversation. Thank you very much./nCover Memo: Formatting, Purpose Section, Job Description, and Audience Analysis The heading is correct. The subject line is helpful and specific. The purpose section announces the purpose of the memo, gives the name of the job and the company, and provides a forecasting sentence (advance organizer). The job description communciates the job responsibilities and the qualifications needed--both in an organized manner. The job description may add "between the lines" information. The audience analysis includes concrete details gathered through company research. Quotations from the job ad or from company publications are appropriately indicated. The audience analysis may include discussion of the likely reader of the job application material. Neither the job description nor the audience analysis contains information that more suitably belongs in another section./n Project 2: Job Application Materials Overview Most people obtain jobs through a multi-stage process. First you research the types of jobs you are qualified for and the types of employers you would like to work for. Then you try to convince specific employers to consider you for a job. These days, most employers have too many applicants per job to interview each personally. These employers sort through job application packages (resumes and cover letters) to decide which applicants to consider further. Therefore, your first communication with your future employer is likely to be in writing and must persuade them to continue the conversation. In short, it must function rhetorically. Details For this assignment, you will write: • A cover letter to a prospective employers. • A resume. The choice of content and layout should emphasize appropriate experience for this particular job. • A cover memo addressed to me that overviews the job, reviews what you know about this particular employer, and describes the strategies you have used to adapt your letter and resume to the situation. I expect you to make good use of the information in this memo (what you know about the job and the qualifications sought, and what you know about the employer) in the arguments you present in your cover letters to the employers and in the particular contents and approach you take in your resume. The Cover Letter While a resume is addressed to any employer with a certain type of job opening, the cover letter is most effective when tailored to a particular employer. The purpose of the cover letter is to persuade that specific employer to grant you an interview. Just as you appreciate being treated as an individual rather than as a statistic, so does an employer. Are you applying hit-or-miss to every company in the country? Or have you invested some effort into finding a company that you are well suited for? Content and Organization. The opening of your letter should establish why you are writing to your reader. Be explicit about the fact that you are looking for a particular kind of job and explain why you would like to work at that particular company. The introduction should preview the body of the letter by stating your major qualifications for the job. The body of the letter develops each qualification with specific evidence. The goal is to show the reader both that you know what that specific company needs and that you have what it takes. You may organize this section in various ways: around your training and experience, around what the job or the company requires, or some other way. Note: your primary "claim"--that you have what it takes to be hired for the job--should be stated in the introduction and NOT (in most cases) in the body of the letter. The body is where you are supporting the claim of the introduction with specific information about your education and experience. The letter should close by inviting a response. Style. Cover letters are difficult to write because they aim at somewhat conflicting goals. On the one hand, you want to make a good first impression. So you want to sound polite and fairly formal. On the other hand, you want to stand out from the crowd-otherwise, why should the employer hire you rather than any of the other applicants? The best policy is probably to talk to your reader as directly and naturally as possible. Avoid hype. Format. Use a conventional business letter format. If possible, stick to one page, single-spaced. The Resume The purpose of the resume is to describe your qualifications for a type of job. The resume you submit for this assignment should be specifically tuned for this particular job opportunity. That is, while you may well already have a resume up your sleeve, make sure that the version that you submit for this assignment is modified where appropriate to be document that would be persuasive for this particular position. Content. Each resume should include contact information and relevant details of your educational training, professional training, special accomplishments, and skills. However, a resume is not a life history. The goal is to argue that you are qualified for a particular type of job and that you would be a capable, responsible, and personable employee who communicates effectively. Format. Your format may be traditional or innovative as long as it is appropriate, its information highly accessible, and it is organized in a way that highlights the most important items—from the employer's perspective. Style. Your style should be fairly formal. You need not use complete sentences, but you should use a concise, active style and show consistency in expression from section to section. The Cover Memo Write a brief memo (no more than two pages, single-spaced) addressed to me that will help me read, understand, evaluate, and "coach" your resumes and cover letters. The memo must contain a job description and audience (employer) analysis, as well as a commentary highlighting how you adapted your resume and cover letter to the particular job. Since the memo will be of use to you in designing the rest of your job application package, you probably should think about it early-even begin drafting it early. It's not due until the end, and you may not finish drafting it until after you've written the other parts of the assignment. Either way, you should look over it carefully at the end of the project to make sure that it tells me "how to read” your resumes and cover letters. Job Description. You may base your job description on a job listing that you find in a professional or trade journal, on the Internet, or in other resources (at Career Services?) You may also (with my permission) write for a substantial summer job or an internship. What to include in the job description section? Tell us what the job is, what the employee or intern would do in this position, and what qualifications are required and preferred. The reader should be able to read this section instead and get the main information from the job ad itself. Note: you must hand in copies of the job ad that you use. Provide both a link AND a pdf or screen shot (in case the actual job listing evaporates before the assignment is due.) Audience Analysis. Investigate the particular company you are applying to. You may obtain information on companies from the library, on the Internet, from Career Services, or other places. You may also contact the personnel office of the company directly. Then write one or two paragraphs that specify any special qualities of the company. See if you can find the company's value statement. What is the current news about the company? Is the company involved in any particular projects or initiatives? This is also the place to describe anything you know about the particular person you are writing to. Note: I expect you to make extensive use of this information in your cover letter. It might also have a big impact on the organization and choice of details in your resume. For example, suppose you are applying for a job as a chemical engineer. A small company may be looking for an engineer who can work on a variety of projects, while another may be looking specifically for someone who has experience with polymers. Commentary. Describe how you adapted (or written) your resume and cover letter for its particular type of job, company, and reader and why you made those changes or written in that particular way? Why did you choose that particular content? Normally, your reasons will be closely related to the information in the job description and audience analysis. Standards for Correctness Employers impose strict standards of correctness on application materials: An error is the equivalent of a bad spot on your shirt. Accordingly, I will mark this assignment on a somewhat stricter scale than usual. If any letter or resume contains more than two typographical or grammatical errors, your entire package may be reduced by one letter grade, possibly even more if there are a significant number of typographical or grammatical errors. Evaluation Criteria Your project will be evaluated based on the following criteria: . Adaptation and Organization. The application letter and resume demonstrate proficient application of genre conventions in response to different rhetorical situations. Organizational strategies are clear, effective and appropriate. The writer understands organizational strategies and is able to adapt them to specific job application situations. • Content. The writer makes information choices dependent on resume and application letter conventions and audience needs. Content focuses on skills, results, and qualifications, quantified where appropriate. • Style, Tone and Design. The documents are correct and concise. Tone is appropriate to the rhetorical situation but is in all ways professional, conversational and tailored to the specific audience. Design works to make the documents attractive and accessible. • Correctness: Employers impose strict standards of correctness on application materials. Accordingly, I will mark this project on a somewhat stricter scale than usual.

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