Positioning Ourselves for New Positions in Library Land

1. Positioning Ourselves for New Positions inLibrary Land Cover Letter and Résumé Do’s and Don’ts Presented by Susan DiRenzo direnzo@uakron.edu Lori J. Fielding lott@uakron.edu Karen A. Plummer kplumme@uakron.edu University Libraries @ The University of Akron

2. Academic Search Committees What does a search committee do? • Follows guidelines (EEO, University, Library, Faculty) • Creates or collaborates on position advertisement • Screens and evaluates applications • Selects candidates for interview • Creates agenda and schedule for interview process • Participates in the interview • Makes recommendation University Libraries @ The University of Akron

3. The Job Advertisement What is included in a typical job advertisement? • Description of the job duties • Required qualifications • Preferred qualifications • Brief description of the institution • Instructions for submitting an application • Minimum salary, benefits summary, and rank University Libraries @ The University of Akron

4. Interpreting the Job Ad • Description of job duties • Qualifications • Required • Preferred • Experience • Education University Libraries @ The University of Akron

5. Vitae or Résumé? • What is a Curricula Vitae (C.V.), and how is it different than a résumé? • Should you include a goal statement? • Why are dates important? • How specific should you be about past/current positions, duties, and length of service. • Is it varied experience or “job hopping”? University Libraries @ The University of Akron

6. Vitae Elements • Your name and contact information • Education and degrees • Work experience • Research • Publications • Presentations • Courses or workshops taught • Professional development • Awards and honors • Service (committees, professional organizations, etc.)

7. Cover Letter Elements • Return address • Date • Address of the institution to which you are applying • Salutation (Dear Who?) • Introduction • Body • Conclusion • Signature University Libraries @ The University of Akron

8. Effective Cover Letters Every résumé /C.V. must be accompanied by a cover letter Structure: • Address the letter to a specific person, use correct name and title • Include information on how or where you learned about the job opening • Address the job ad specifics • Pave the way for an interview Content: • Size? Does it matter? • High readability factor • Writing style • Physical presentation • Spelling and grammar – Don’t rely on your word processor • Have someone you trust proofread all the materials you submit • Be cautious of using mass produced cover letters!

9. Do’s and Don’ts DO…. • Check for accurate spelling • Use good quality paper • Limit number of fonts and sizes • Use formal language • Stay focused • Include dates DO NOT… • Use canned phrases and trendy terminology • Embellish or overstate qualifications • Ramble • Use the “hard sell” method • Share information that is irrelevant, too personal, or in violation of EEO guidelines University Libraries @ The University of Akron

10. Getting Ready for the Interview • Do your homework! • Visit the institution’s website • Faculty/staff listings – who does what? • Search committee members – who are they? • Read the institution’s annual report, mission statement, and/or strategic plan • Read announcements and library news • Visit the institution itself (if possible) • Check out the most recent literature in the field • Talk to colleagues who have been through similar interview processes • Anticipate the questions you’ll be asked • Bring examples of your work • Be prepared to ask questions • Know when is it appropriate to ask certain questions regarding salary, benefits, etc. • Bring a copy of everything you submitted • Be honest, be relaxed, be yourself, and smile University Libraries @ The University of Akron

11. Questions? • This presentation, bibliography, and handout can be found online at: http://www3.uakron.edu/library/ulsys/presentations/alao04/ • Presenter’s contact information: Susan DiRenzo direnzo@uakron.edu Lori J. Fielding lott@uakron.edu Karen A. Plummer kplumme@uakron.edu