Explaining Your Motivation for Applying to a Temporary Staff Assistant Position

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on how to effectively communicate motivation for applying to a temporary Staff Assistant position at a university, particularly when the applicant has a background in mechanical engineering and software development. The applicant seeks advice on whether to be transparent about the position's timing aligning with their upcoming graduate studies. Forum participants agree that honesty about the job's suitability and timing is beneficial, as it clarifies the applicant's intentions and aligns with their career trajectory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cover letter writing techniques
  • Familiarity with job application processes in academic settings
  • Knowledge of how to articulate career transitions effectively
  • Basic principles of honesty and transparency in professional communication
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective cover letter strategies for temporary positions
  • Explore examples of successful applications for academic staff roles
  • Learn how to address career gaps and transitions in job applications
  • Investigate the impact of honesty in job interviews and applications
USEFUL FOR

Job seekers, particularly those transitioning between fields or pursuing further education, and individuals applying for temporary or part-time positions in academic environments.

respect_the_S
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I have a degree in mechanical engineering and have taken several computer science courses, so my resume since graduating in 2007 consists of engineering jobs along with my most recent software developer job, which I was laid off from a few months ago. I'm starting grad school next fall (2017). There is a job posting at the same school for a staff assistant for enrollment. It's clearly stated as a 10 month position that is on a year to year basis dependent on funding.

My question is how to explain in a cover letter as to why I'm seeking the position. To be completely honest, it's a perfect fit because when it ends next spring/summer will be just in time for me to start school full time in the fall. I'm not sure if it would hurt me to be that honest, but if I blow smoke and say I'm genuinely interested in being a staff assistant, they're going to look at my resume and think 'that doesn't make sense, why the hell is he applying for this'. Any advice? Maybe I'm over thinking it?
 
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respect_the_S said:
I have a degree in mechanical engineering and have taken several computer science courses, so my resume since graduating in 2007 consists of engineering jobs along with my most recent software developer job, which I was laid off from a few months ago. I'm starting grad school next fall (2017). There is a job posting at the same school for a staff assistant for enrollment. It's clearly stated as a 10 month position that is on a year to year basis dependent on funding.

My question is how to explain in a cover letter as to why I'm seeking the position. To be completely honest, it's a perfect fit because when it ends next spring/summer will be just in time for me to start school full time in the fall. I'm not sure if it would hurt me to be that honest, but if I blow smoke and say I'm genuinely interested in being a staff assistant, they're going to look at my resume and think 'that doesn't make sense, why the hell is he applying for this'. Any advice? Maybe I'm over thinking it?
I think it's fine to tell them that. It makes it clearer why you are applying for that particular job.
 

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