Foo - "get me a statement of interest/application" WTF?

Applying for a Job back in Auburn for the "Science in Motion" position. Basically, I would move lab equipment around high schools, teach teachers how to use the stuff, and create new labs. I have a basic idea of what a "statement of interest/application" would be. Basically, I toot my own horn a little and say why I'm a good fit for the job. My question is how long should it be? A quick google search shows many different "statment of _____" all of varying lengths. Keep in mind that the person reviewing my application is someone I've worked with before.

I'm not familiar with "statement of _________", but it sounds a bit like a cover letter. Cover letters are typically never over 1 page. Often a short 1 page (like only a few paragraphs).

That's my $.02.

Yeah, that's what I figured. Well, here's a few middle paragraphs. The're actually kind of interesting...



As a graduate student in the Auburn physics program, I realized that I possessed greater skill and passion for basic physics rather than for advanced graduate studies. Quite often, I would find myself in the intro laboratory exploring new ways to use the equipment rather than working on my own studies. As a TA, I would regularly create supplementary material for the honors students. For example, in the “Charging a Capacitor” lab, we also explored how an RC circuit can be used as an integrator and differentiator of periodic signals. We also explored using the RC circuit as both a high-pass and low-pass filter.


As an instructor for Fast Foreword: Science Quest, I collaborated with a geology graduate student to develop fun, geo-science based after-school activities for at-risk middle school students. We taught the students how to read a topological map well enough that they could re-create the topology on the map in a sandbox. We also made compasses and attempted to survey a stream. Through this experience, I learned how to keep a students attention span and collaborate with other instructors.



I might change the part about adding stuff to the "charging capicator lab" because the person reviewing this application is the one who wrote that lab!!

Dear Prospective Employer:

I think I would be a great fit for this job for several reasons, the primary one is that I need cash for drugs and I am tired of stealing and whoring to feed my habit.

Secondly, my parole officer thinks that I need to find gainful employment to aid in my rehabilitaion. I am pretty sure I can handle seeing lab coats again without going berserk and taking out a professor with a bunsen burner.

Finally, the voices in my head have been telling me that I need to get out of the house more or I will never meet potential new victims.

Thanks for your consideration. Hire me or I will harvest your skin.

Flatmaster

PS, I am going to harvest your skin either way, but if you hire me, I will make it less unpleasant for you in the end.

In the first paragraph, I'd definitely remove the stuff about being more interested in basic physics than your own studies. It comes across sounding like you have a penchant to blow off what you should be doing when something else seems more fun. As an employer, I'd be afraid you'd be one to goof off.

The rest almost sounds more like resume material, talking about what you have already done. It should be more about why you would be good for that position. I'm thinking stuff like "I have a passion for basic physics" and "How you enjoy helping others learn the tools as you did in certain labs" (which sounds much like what the job is about).

As a graduate student in the Auburn physics program, I realized that I possessed great skill and passion in the intro physics labratory. Quite often, I would find myself in the intro laboratory and exploring new ways to utilize the equipment. As a TA, I would regularly create supplementary material for the honors students. For example, in the “Charging a Capacitor” lab, we also explored how an RC circuit can be used as an integrator and differentiator of periodic signals. I became quite good at taking labs “a step further” for my students.

As an instructor for Fast Foreword: Science Quest, I collaborated with a geology graduate student to develop fun, geo-science based after-school activities for at-risk middle school students. We taught the students how to read a topological map well enough that they could re-create the topology of the map in a sandbox. Through this experience, I learned how collaborate with other instructors.

I believe my delight for and knowledge of physics and laboratory equipment would be a great asset to the Science in Motion team.


Better? THere's still holes

I've gotta keep some of that second paragraph in because they want someone with experience with outreach.

Dear Prospective Employer:

I think I would be a great fit for this job for several reasons, the primary one is that I need cash for drugs and I am tired of stealing and whoring to feed my habit.

Secondly, my parole officer thinks that I need to find gainful employment to aid in my rehabilitaion. I am pretty sure I can handle seeing lab coats again without going berserk and taking out a professor with a bunsen burner.

Finally, the voices in my head have been telling me that I need to get out of the house more or I will never meet potential new victims.

Thanks for your consideration. Hire me or I will harvest your skin.

Flatmaster

PS, I am going to harvest your skin either way, but if you hire me, I will make it less unpleasant for you in the end.

You're bad!! :D :D :D

You're bad!! :D :D :D

My co-workers are staring at me for laughing so hard. That was a good one.

Couch

You're bad!! :D :D :D

No, that was Michael Jackson


My co-workers are staring at me for laughing so hard. That was a good one.

Couch

It was the bunsen burner reference that got you, wasn't it?

It was the bunsen burner reference that got you, wasn't it?

No, the voices in my head thang.

Couch

Final draft?

I am interested in the open position for Extension Program Associate in Physics for Science in Motion. Please allow me to explain what I believe I can bring to the program.


As a graduate student in the Auburn physics program, I realized that I possessed great skill and passion in the introductory physics laboratory. Quite often, I would find myself in the laboratory exploring new ways to utilize the equipment. As a TA, I would regularly create supplementary material for the honors students. For example, in the “Charging a Capacitor” lab, we also explored how an RC circuit can be used as an integrator and differentiator of periodic signals. My penchant for using existing equipment in novel ways would be very helpful to AUSIM.


As an instructor for Fast Foreword: Science Quest, I collaborated with a geology graduate student to develop fun, science based after-school activities for at-risk middle school students. We taught the students how to read a topological map in a fun way; from the 2D topographical map, they built a 3D mountain in a sandbox. Through this experience, I learned how collaborate with other instructors and retain students’ attention by making activities enjoyable.


I believe my delight for and knowledge of physics and laboratory equipment would be a great asset to the Science in Motion team. Attached to this e-mail, you will find my transcripts and resume.

Final draft?

I only work in final draft mode. Even if I make a mistake, it is still good enough for most of humanity and all of animal kind. So yes, go ahead and use mine as written. You are welcome.