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: touchnotthecat@hotmail.com

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 recap

Personal Details Name/Address/E-mail/Qualifications Most recent firstExperience include all relevant jobs

keep it short Skills Profile relevant to positionHobbies recent and balancedReferees

Keep 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...