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Cover Letter
(Also available in PDF.)
Thank you for considering me for employment. I sincerely hope that the person you choose, even if it is not myself, succeeds at making the absolute most of the opportunity.
For details about me and my background, please take advantage of online material such as my résumé and personal page. This letter supplements that information, and its purpose is to convey to you how I am capable of contributing to the success of your projects.
I've spent the majority of my career working on team-oriented software projects, most recently as a systems engineer at a company developing CAD software. Prior to that, I served at a DOE-funded national lab, helping to develop ground systems satellite software. That was preceded by a tour at Intel, focusing on realtime 3D graphics. Each of these roles illustrate my previous success in professional software development. More importantly, they provide a solid foundation of experience upon which I am confident I can build great accomplishments in the future.
I've had the fortune of working with amazingly talented and enjoyable people and doing so has been immeasurably valuable. It has taught me the importance of several core concepts in software development, equipping me for new responsibilities. First and foremost, I appreciate the necessity of frequent, honest, and convenient communication. Communication promotes unity of vision, improves team efficiency, and perhaps most importantly, nurtures the team dynamic through an environment of collaboration and camaraderie. I've learned how to be courteous and thorough when working on a shared code base, respecting the contributions of others and knowing that egos erode productivity. I understand the value of testing and realize that it's almost always better to complete and validate one feature than only partly implement several. I recognize the incredible power of prototyping, and of experimenting with ideas early and often. The devil may be in the details, but those details are moot if you're not on the right track. Also, I appreciate that a project's long term success is very much affected by the quality of the documentation and whether or not it is tended to over time.
I've assimilated all of those concepts and more, through either their presence or absence, and I believe they help make me a strong candidate for professional software projects across a broad spectrum. I feel that I am especially well suited to an engineering role in the areas of cross-platform applications, graphics, web services, and systems administration.
At previous chapters in my career, I've gained the experience of integrating into established, diverse, veteran development teams. During my tenure, I've consistently integrated new features and technologies into existing projects. I've become very comfortable working with code developed by others. I've spent several years creating complex systems for 3D graphics and simulation engines. Notably, I helped develop Shockwave3D, a cross-platform engine tailored for game content streamed over the Internet, and in doing so I contributed to the design and implementation of software distributed to hundreds of millions of users, all over the world.
I welcome the opportunity to serve an exacting audience, large or small, as a member of your team. Furthermore, I would embrace the chance to cultivate the success of your products and services, and I would treat seriously and professionally the privilege of representing your company.
I can help you achieve your goals. I adapt very quickly to challenges. I pursue and foster an atmosphere of creativity, communication and technical discovery. I attend to detail, document my code, and schedule my efforts. I seek the opportunity to work with people with whom I can share respect, motivation, friendship, and the passion for honest success. If you are willing to invest in an energetic and responsible individual, then please contact me. I am greatly looking forward to working, learning, and succeeding as part of a world class development team.
Regards,
David A. Hostetler