Tailoring The Application for the Position Jay E. Noel Director, California Institute for the Study of Specialty Crop Agribusiness Department California Polytechnic State University Presented at American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting July 24, 2006

Tailoring the Position “Tailor” means to highlight your education, training, and experience to the specific qualifications of the position to which you are applying.“Tailor” means to highlight your education, training, and experience to the specific qualifications of the position to which you are applying. Always be honest, when you tailor your application, do not claim skills or experience you do not have. Unless the vacancy announcement lists “preferred, desired, or helpful” the qualifications listed are requiredAlways be honest, when you tailor your application, do not claim skills or experience you do not have. Unless the vacancy announcement lists “preferred, desired, or helpful” the qualifications listed are required

The job market is very competitive and you probably will not be the only qualified candidate for a position. The deciding factor may simply be the way you present your skills and qualifications relevant to the position Are You Right For the position? Evaluate yourself-Don’t apply for a position thinking if you get it, you will change it into what you’d like it to be. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are your short-term and long-term goals? Formulate responses by asking the question: "Why should they hire me?" Concentrate your search on positions for which you are competitive. Preparation is a Key to Success

Tailor your Application to the Organization Is there a good fit between you and the organization?Is there a good fit between you and the organization? Visit the organization’s websiteVisit the organization’s website Make an effort to understand more about the focus of the organization: Its culture, vision, and mission.Make an effort to understand more about the focus of the organization: Its culture, vision, and mission. Good idea to visit with someone, if possible, who works in the organization.Good idea to visit with someone, if possible, who works in the organization. Once you know what is important to the organization emphasize any experiences that would be compatible with the organizations values.Once you know what is important to the organization emphasize any experiences that would be compatible with the organizations values.

Tailor the Application to the Specific Position Some general principles:Some general principles: 1. Your application is YOU. 2. Use the position description as your guide- respond to it. 3. Showcase your skills relative to the position description. 4. Communication and Interpersonal skills are important to every organization

Some Don’ts Ignore InstructionsIgnore Instructions Guesstimating dates and suchGuesstimating dates and such Failure to Provide ReferencesFailure to Provide References Submitting Incomplete ApplicationsSubmitting Incomplete Applications Embellishing or LyingEmbellishing or Lying