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
• 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?
Skills
Experience
Motivations
Aspirations
Ambitions
Values
Role:
Them....
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?
Unit
Organisation
Culture
Strategy
History
Stated Ambitions
Resources
Prospects.ac.uk
gradireland.com
targetjobs.com
Resources
Library Website
Professional Associations
Specialist Media
General 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
FLAWLESS
Curriculum
Vitae
Letter
Interview
Letter
CV
CVs
CVs
Appropriate to Context / Reader
Recent – Relevant – Readable
A FORMAL Document
A one-time-only document
Types of CV:
• Generic (proto)
• Chronological (Reverse)
• Thematic
• Sectoral
• Bespoke
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.
CL & CVs
Electronic = .pdf (if possible)
No spillong mestooks 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
CVs – Personal
Mark Cumisky
Contact Number
78Kgs Male (Balding)
DOB – 20 April 1965
Eyes – Blue (myopic)
Address
E-mail
182 cm
48 years old
CVs – Personal
Mark Cumisky
Address
Contact Number
E-mail
78Kgs Male (Balding) 182 cm
DOB – 20 April 1965
48 years old
Eyes – Blue (myopic)
Not:
touchnotthecat@hotmail.com
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
CVs – Experience
Recent vs Relevant
Use Bullet Points for emphasis
e.g.
2009 Library Assistant
?????? Library, Dublin
I worked in three different sections - Reader services,
Acquisitions, and Special Collections
• Developed outstanding customer handling skills
• Responsible for tracking outstanding
subscriptions
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.
CVs – Hobbies / Achievements
...sit mens sana in corpore sano
Short – with a balance and mix of
physical / mental
arts / sporting
individual / team
NOT too long.....
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...
CVs – Objectives / Photos
It should be in the letter.....
If you do - short & unique
Photos – dangerous....
CVs – Objectives / Photos
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.
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...