by Jennifer Attila, Guest Contributor
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to you regarding an open position within your company. My diverse background has helped me to develop several essential competencies that will make me a dynamic part of your organization.
First, I have a deep optimism and positive attitude that is contagious to those around me. This is characterized by my ability to keep my small children happy and excited through several military moves.
Only a truly optimistic person can convince a 10-year-old that she will love leaving all of her cherished friends behind, transition to a new school in the middle of the school year and throw away half the belongings she has painstakingly collected to make packing and unpacking a little bit easier.
Due to my infectious spirit, my daughter did just that and was brimming with excitement as she anticipated all the wonders she would experience in her new town. I believe this same optimism will bring positivity to your workplace and will contribute to the morale which will in turn affect productivity.
Second, I have a strong ability to build relationships. I have been lucky enough to practice this over and over again as the military has deemed my family resilient enough to live in 3 different duty stations over the course of 3 years.
Much of the time my husband was sent away to either deployments or trainings within weeks of arriving to our new destination, leaving me alone with 3 children to find some way to coordinate doctor’s appointments, school enrollment and all the unexpected circumstances life has thrown my way.
Through my proficiency in technology and my ability to build rapport I was able to network through Facebook and military-affiliated organizations to find the necessary resources and a few like-minded spouses equally stranded by their partners to enjoy a nice glass of wine as we pass our training and networking skills on to our children through family support meetings aka playdates.
The third competency I could contribute to your company is my determination. As mentioned earlier, my family has lived in 3 duty stations in 3 years. This has prevented me from finding long-term employment, which is reflected in my resume but not in my spirit. Three years of packing and unpacking has filled me with a resiliency and knowledge that I can do things that do not look possible on paper.
During one move I, though 7 months pregnant, single-handedly packed our entire household. During the process I began having contractions, went to the hospital, (small children in tow) where they stopped my contractions and I returned home to finish loading the moving truck because I had no other choice.
If I could do that, I know that I could do anything for your company. I believe no job is too big and no task is beneath me. I will apply the same determination; working until every assignment is successful and complete.
Last, I would like to accentuate my flexibility. While I am proud to support my husband as he furthers his career, I have been losing my mind, patiently waiting for us to be stationed somewhere long enough that I can pursue a career of my own.
I am willing to work entry-level positions.
I am willing to work positions I am overqualified for.
I will be forever grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to do something other than pack or unpack another home.
What I bring to the table, that other applicants do not have, is a sheer desperation to work for any organization that does not resemble Two Men and a Truck.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer D. Attila MS Psychology
I am a mother of 3 (one girl and 2 boys which I am constantly trying to referee). I have my MS in Psychology and am pursuing further education to work with the military as a professional counselor. Since marrying my Marine, writing has become a consistent outlet in an ever-changing lifestyle. I have loved the experiences I have gained as a military spouse and love all the wonderful people I have met on this journey!
