Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland
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Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland Mark Cumisky Career Development Adviser September 2013
description
Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland. Mark Cumisky Career Development Adviser September 2013. The present letter is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter . Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662). 3 Rs. RRecent RRelevant RReadable. Context. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland
Making Effective ApplicationsLibrary Association of Ireland
Mark CumiskyCareer Development Adviser
September 2013
The present letter is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter.
Blaise Pascal(1623 – 1662)
3 Rs
R RecentR RelevantR Readable
Context
• Role – what is it / what do I want• Organisation – size / culture / readership/
history / reputation / pre-eminence (or lack thereof)
• Profession / Sector / Regulation• Media – hostile? (Windscale Sellafield) public
opinion, generalist, specialist• Me
Me?
Me?
SkillsExperienceMotivationsAspirationsAmbitions
Values
Them....Role: What is it? What do they want? Where does it fit in the org?
Who does the role now? – or Who did it up to recently?
Map the Requirements
Them.... – Who are they?
UnitOrganisation
CultureStrategyHistory
Stated Ambitions
Resources
Prospects.ac.ukgradireland.comtargetjobs.com
Resources
Library WebsiteProfessional Associations
Specialist MediaGeneral Media - economist etc.
Letters
Cover Letters 101• Intro – who I am, where I saw the ad… • What I can do for you
- Relevance of my Skills / Experience- Enthusiasm / Ambition/ Drive / Energy
• Why I am interested in YOUR organisation- knowledge of the profession- knowledge of the strengths / position of the organisation within the profession /
field• Conclusion – please see attached CV...
Cover Letters 101• Specific to the “job-in-hand”• Addresses the Employer’s Need
(not exclusively yours)
• Uses real-life examples of instances where you demonstrated required skills
• Always relevant – in all ways• Easy-to-read (1.1 spacing, “business font”)• Signed F L A W L E S S
Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Letter CV
Interview
CVs
CVsAppropriate to Context / Reader
Recent – Relevant – ReadableA FORMAL Document
A one-time-only document
Types of CV:•Generic (proto)•Chronological (Reverse)• Thematic• Sectoral•Bespoke
CVs – bare bonesPersonal Details Name/Address/E-mail/Qualifications Most recent firstExperience include all relevant stuff
keep it relatively short Skills Profile relevant to positionHobbies recent and balancedRefereesKeep thinking of the Readers’ perspective.
CL & CVsElectronic = .pdf (if possible)No spillong mestooks etc.Paper = high quality paper, mailed flat,
on white paper with a printed addressThe presentation of these documents
will form their first impression of you
CVs – PersonalMark Cumisky AddressContact Number E-mail 78Kgs Male (Balding) 182 cmDOB – 20 April 1965 48 years oldEyes – Blue (myopic)
CVs – Personal
Mark Cumisky AddressContact Number E-mail 78Kgs Male (Balding) 182 cmDOB – 20 April 1965 48 years oldEyes – Blue (myopic)
Not: [email protected]
CVs – QualificationsMost recent firstAs far back as high school Include relevant info on thesis / pertinent papers / projects / skills / experienceInclude any academic awards / prizes / medals here
CVs – ExperienceRecent vs RelevantUse Bullet Points for emphasise.g.
2009 Library Assistant ?????? Library, DublinI worked in three different sections - Reader services, Acquisitions, and Special Collections• Developed outstanding customer handling skills• Responsible for tracking outstanding
subscriptions
CVs – Skills ProfileRELEVANT – and not covered in previous
egCommunication Feedback from customers and managers is that I am a good listener who relates well to individuals and groups. I am routinely asked to deliver presentations on group projects.
CVs – Hobbies / Achievements...sit mens sana in corpore sanoShort – with a balance and mix of
physical / mental arts / sporting individual / team
NOT too long.....
CVs – RefereesHave a bank (six/seven) refereesThink about the most relevant ones for this applicationInclude or not – that is the question?“To whom it may concern...”Clear it with the referee first...
CVs – Objectives / Photos
It should be in the letter.....If you do - short & uniquePhotos – dangerous....
CVs – Objectives / Photos
CVs – bare bones recapPersonal Details Name/Address/E-mail/Qualifications Most recent firstExperience include all relevant jobs
keep it short Skills Profile relevant to positionHobbies recent and balancedRefereesKeep thinking of the Readers’ perspective.
The big pile.....
How to get out of the big pile!Feedback from employers
• Point of difference - that X factor – this person engage clients / team members
• Matched to advertised position and linked to specifications
• Grammar and spelling – clear and concise• Professional right from the start – credibility • Ticking off on a grid and giving points
Common Questions...• CV Format?
Professional, easy-to-read, clear• How long should it be?
As long as it needs to be• Graphics and funnies?
They’ve seen them all before...
