813 S Osage Papillion, NE 68046 (402)536-9534 jpaul@unomaha.edu January 4, 2015 Erika Elbert Staffing Specialist Doherty Staffing 14 N Dodge Algona, Iowa 50511 Dear Erika Elbert: After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with my B.S. in Chemistry I found myself searching for a new position demanding a high level of responsibility, expertise, and guidance. The opening for a quality assurance manager in Humboldt, Iowa at a production plant parallels closely with my career goals as it provides a greater level of skill and dedication. For these reasons I would like to be considered for this role. I am currently employed at Mission Foods – a major flour and corn production plant with notable customers; general mills and taco bell to be brief. I am a quality assurance chemist where I employ routine testing of finished product. Our quality assurance laboratory does testing for pH, water activity, moisture, as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. I have a high knowledge of food safety including current good manufacturing and laboratory procedures as well as safe operating procedures. All product specifications are recorded on controlled documents and testing occurs every two hours or thirty minutes depending on the product; data is recorded on specific product data sheets as well as Microsoft Excel. I have performed a chemical quantitative analysis course that focused primarily on manipulation of Microsoft Excel using ratios, percentages, and other statistical analyses. KPI charts are kept to monitor specific chemical properties. Shelf life, twenty-four hour, and sticking evaluations are performed routinely. While the laboratory is my main location in the plant, I frequent the packaging and production areas to test metal detectors, inspection of machinery for pre-operation, pull finished product, and obtain formula checks. I have become comfortable with a noisy environment as well as working late hours – I am currently on the night shift with overtime as I often fill in for absent or sick employees on a weekly basis. Daily calibration of laboratory equipment is often necessary and has given me the ability to troubleshoot common problems occurring in the equipment. Sometimes this may include a contaminated standardization solution or internal calibration error. During my undergraduate studies I participated in many research projects. One such experience included testing equipment for optimal operating conditions. I have referenced many technical and scholarly journals during my research with the ability to extract necessary information I have perfected my verbal skills as the laboratory is the main vessel by which the company provides products that are within specification. During my undergraduate studies I presented my research orally to the chemistry faculty. I also presented a poster in 2012 at the American Chemical Society Midwest Regional Meeting.

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I work with a highly trained, diverse group of individuals who are excellent workers and although Mission Foods has been a great opportunity I feel hindered by the lack of complexity and responsibility it has provided. Lastly, I welcome an interview where we can discuss the position in more detail. My resume details other skills and expertise. I appreciate your time and consideration with my application. I will eagerly await your response. Sincerely, Jonathan Paul