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Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland

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. R Recent R Relevant R Readable. Context.

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Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland

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  1. Making Effective Applications Library Association of Ireland Mark Cumisky Career Development Adviser September 2013

  2. The present letter is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter. Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662)

  3. 3 Rs R Recent R Relevant R Readable

  4. 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? (WindscaleSellafield) public opinion, generalist, specialist • Me

  5. Me?

  6. Me? Skills Experience Motivations Aspirations Ambitions Values

  7. 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

  8. Them.... – Who are they? Unit Organisation Culture Strategy History Stated Ambitions

  9. Resources Prospects.ac.uk gradireland.com targetjobs.com

  10. Resources Library Website Professional Associations Specialist Media General Media - economist etc.

  11. Letters

  12. 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...

  13. 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

  14. Curriculum Vitae Letter

  15. Interview Letter CV

  16. CVs

  17. CVs Appropriate to Context / Reader Recent – Relevant – Readable A FORMAL Document A one-time-only document

  18. Types of CV: • Generic (proto) • Chronological (Reverse) • Thematic • Sectoral • Bespoke

  19. CVs – bare bones Personal Details Name/Address/E-mail/ Qualifications Most recent first Experience include all relevant stuff keep it relatively short Skills Profile relevant to position Hobbies recent and balanced Referees Keep thinking of the Readers’ perspective.

  20. CL & CVs Electronic = .pdf (if possible) No spillongmestooks etc. Paper = high quality paper, mailed flat, on white paper with a printed address The presentation of these documents will form their first impression of you

  21. CVs – Personal Mark Cumisky AddressContact Number E-mail78Kgs Male (Balding) 182 cmDOB – 20 April 1965 48 years oldEyes – Blue (myopic)

  22. CVs – Personal Mark Cumisky AddressContact Number E-mail78Kgs Male (Balding) 182 cmDOB – 20 April 1965 48 years oldEyes – Blue (myopic) Not: touchnotthecat@hotmail.com

  23. CVs – Qualifications Most recent first As far back as high school Include relevant info on thesis / pertinent papers / projects / skills / experience Include any academic awards / prizes / medals here

  24. CVs – Experience Recent vs Relevant Use Bullet Points for emphasise.g. • 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

  25. CVs – Skills Profile RELEVANT – and not covered in previous eg Communication 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.

  26. CVs – Hobbies / Achievements ...sit menssana in corporesano Short – with a balance and mix of physical / mental arts / sporting individual / team NOT too long.....

  27. CVs – Referees Have a bank (six/seven) referees Think about the most relevant ones for this application Include or not – that is the question? “To whom it may concern...” Clear it with the referee first...

  28. CVs – Objectives / Photos It should be in the letter..... If you do - short & unique Photos – dangerous....

  29. CVs – Objectives / Photos

  30. CVs – bare bones recap Personal Details Name/Address/E-mail/ Qualifications Most recent first Experience include all relevant jobs keep it short Skills Profile relevant to position Hobbies recent and balanced Referees Keep thinking of the Readers’ perspective.

  31. The big pile.....

  32. 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

  33. 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...

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