Applications, Résumés, Interviews Introducing Yourself to Colleges and Employers Lisa Neal Shaw – Maine State Library

Who Am I? Currently: Rural & Small Libraries Specialist with State of Maine Previously: Library Director. City of Caribou, Maine CareerCenter Consultant: State of Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisanealshaw/

I am also … … but that’s not relevant here.

Applications, Résumés, and Social Media Presence “Don’t just write to be understood; write so that you cannot be misunderstood.” - Robert Louis Stevenson Applications, Résumés, and Social Media Presence

Applications vs Résumés Formal, legal document Might be required in addition to resume Should not ask for age, date of birth, marital status, physical limitations, etc. Résumé Informal highlight of work skills Can often be added with application Should not list age, date of birth, marital status, physical limitations, etc.

Important Points If an application is requested, you must fill one out. A résumé may not substitute an application. Your signature on an application is a legal “oath” attesting to the truth of what is on the application. Your application generally stays on file in the human resources department.

Résumé Tips Keep it brief (1-2 pages) Keep it legible (12 point clear font; no jargon; easy on the acronyms Professional contact information (formal email address; “professional face” social media link; a telephone number where you can be reached (and check the message!)

Types of Résumés Chronological Focuses on work history Emphasizes consistent employment Functional Focuses on skills Emphasizes relevant employment

College or Employment Applications/Résumés Research the institution Match the qualifications Respect the process

What Are They Looking For? Focus Follow-through Trends Soft Skills

“Jobs are not going away, but the needed skills for good jobs are going up.” - James Bessen [Boston University School of Law] Skills

Skills Types Soft Skills https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/ Transferrable Skills https://www.onetonline.org/

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” - Elbert Hubbard Interview

It’s okay to be nervous! You are assessing each other: What would you be like to work with? What would they be like to work with? Be yourself, but be your BEST self. Ask questions. You are interviewing them, too.

Know what are appropriate and inappropriate questions to ask. Some appropriate questions… For you to ask them: What are some challenges you are facing right now? What projects are you excited about? What would you like to see a new hire/student bring to the organization? Requests for reasonable accommodations. For them to ask you: Tell us about a time you made a mistake. How do you handle difficult situations/people? Why did you leave your last job/school?

Some inappropriate questions… For you to ask them: Request for time off Unreasonable changes or accommodations For them to ask you: Are you planning to marry/have children? What is your age/religion/ethnicity/nationality/gender? Do you have any disabilities?

Be Prepared With… References Funding/wage questions/availability Follow-Up Letter of Thanks

Questions/Evaluations Thank you!!!!! Questions/Evaluations