Nate Sievers

8131 Thicket Lane

Cincinnati OH, 45255
(513) 283-7502
nesievers00@gmail.com

RE: Application for Mtn. Campus Challenge Course Facilitator To:

Jessica Smolenske
Dear Ms. Smolenske, Hiring Manager
CSU Mountain Campus
As far as I can remember, I have always been most comfortable outdoors; spending a good deal of
8044 Campus Delivery
the last 15 or so years shouldering a backpack, breaking in climbing shoes, or buckled into ski
boots. In part due to this passion for nature, I would like to express my interest in the Challenge Fort Collins, CO 80523
Course Facilitator position at Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus. Owing to my October 1st, 2020
experience in operating ropes course elements, I have developed both strong technical and
communicative skills I know could be an asset to the Challenge Course team. I share the Campus’
enthusiasm for fostering meaningful connections with the environment; and would thrive working
within the community to provide visitors with safe experiences on the Challenge Course.

Working and living communally is nothing new to me. I spent four summers in a cabin with three
other counselors and up to 12 campers while employed at YMCA Camp Ernst, strengthening my
time management and interpersonal skills; both of which would help me succeed in team-building
activities in a Challenge Course setting. One summer was spent operating Camp Ernst’s “Ropes
Course:” a similar combination of high ropes activities, such as the giant swing and zip line, and
low ropes elements.

This experience, partnered with my recreational rock climbing, has imparted upon me a great deal
of technical skill in areas such as harness operation, knot tying, and clear communication; along
with the ability to make quick decisions with detailed attention to the safety of program
participants. Additionally, I have much skill in leadership and problem solving gained from my
time in Venturing BSA planning and executing outings. Partnered with an enthusiasm for outdoor
recreation once described as “contagious,” I feel that my skills could benefit the Mountain Campus
community.

Come May, I hope to be able to offer my skills to the benefit of the CSU Mountain Campus team;
and contribute to the success of its educational and community building goals. It was a pleasure to
meet with the Mountain Campus team last year, and I look forward to sharing my excitement
regarding the 2021 season with you.

Sincerely,

Nate Sievers

Self-Assessment:
Rate Each category A-F for assessment.
Purpose: I believe an A may be appropriate in this category. I clearly state my interest in the specific position title in the introduction, and frequently
describe how my particular talents could help the Mountain Campus. Finishing out the letter, I clearly state that I’m eager to share my excitement
with the hiring manager. It becomes incredibly obvious to the employer that I would like to be considered further for the position.

Audience: Maybe a B for this category. Though I feel my efforts in responding precisely to the needs and constraints of the audience were effective, I
feel my word choice could be improved a little. Perhaps a bit more concise, but not at the expense of quality; which I struggle with.

Development: I am quite proud of my performance in this category, possibly an A grade. I use specific verbs and terms ripped directly from the job
description to show how I would be capable in the position. My appeal to emotions is an especially great asset, I manage to display my passion for
the work being done but also show I am no stranger to the outdoor work the position includes. I even include references to the tools of the trade:
harnesses and ropes.

Organization and Style: A B for sure here. Though my words do well in establishing a concrete ethos, I feel my writing can get a little to verbose at
times. Maybe that’s just my writing style, but I feel breaking things down into simpler terms could be an asset to future writing.

Appearance and Visuals: An A! I will make no secret of how pleased I am with the look of this cover letter. It is not cluttered, leaving plenty of space
for the text, but communicates all information clearly. And I especially like the splash of color, it’s both easy to read over and a deliberate choice;
green for CSU and nature!