This document provides tips for crafting an effective cover letter to accompany a job application. It emphasizes that a resume alone is not enough, and a cover letter allows you to highlight your qualifications and ask for an interview. The cover letter should catch the reader's attention in the first few lines, pitch your qualifications, and close by requesting an interview. Some key dos include mentioning the job title, including your contact information, and using action verbs. Don'ts include generic language, spelling errors, or repeating your resume.

1. Pitch for Your NicheCultivating a Professional Image in the Information Age: A Panel DiscussionCathy HartmanAcademic LibrariesDonna KearleySchool LibrariesToni LambertPublic LibrariesValerie HillSpecial LibrariesKris Helge &Julie LeuzingerBeta Phi MuTLA AustinApril 15, 2011

2. Academic LibrariesJob Seeking: the pitch, from beginning to endCathy N. HartmanAssociate Dean University of North Texas Libraries940-565-3269Cathy.Hartman@unt.edu940-565-3269

3. Academic Libraries: ApplyingThe position advertisement – Match?The applicationIn the cover letter: Compare qualifications with job requirementsNote qualifications that make you a good matchEdit, edit, editIndicate your strong interest in THIS positionVita: well organized, not too wordy, length appropriate to experienceHoops: forms, process, following instructions

4. Academic Libraries: InterviewingTelephone, then Onsite InterviewPrepare:Read everything on the website – Mission, vision, strategic plan (library and univ.)Key personnel – names, their career activitiesSearch committeeNote questions you may haveBe familiar with the current literature for the position (digital libraries, public services, etc.)Prepare for standard questions

5. Academic Libraries: Interviewing (cont.)Telephone interview:Important! Determines if you stay in applicant pool!Find a quiet location, good land lineFocus and ask for clarification if neededExpect questions to focus in area of position requirements and your experienceHave your questions ready

6. Academic Libraries: In-Person InterviewGood match: for them, for you?Remember phone interview, indication of what is importantMore questionsPresentation: prepare, practiceMeeting with administratorsFaculty status? Evaluation process? Promotion opportunities?Full day or longer

7. Academic Libraries: Post InterviewSend note of thanks to chair of search committee NEXT DAY, then WAIT!!!!Offer – initially offered verbally, then in writingNegotiate salary, benefitsAcademic rank, if faculty statusStart dateSaying “no, thank you”No Offer – accept graciously

8. School LibrariesDonna KearleyCoordinator of Library ServicesDenton I.S.D.dkearley@dentonisd.org940-369-0087

9. School LibrariesHow you lay the groundwork counts.

10. School LibrariesWhat you do counts.

11. School LibrariesWhat you say counts.

12. School LibrariesWhat you know counts.

13. School Libraries Shake hands. Smile and call the interviewer by name. Bring your resume.Share your portfolio if it’s strong.

14. School LibrariesIf an interview goes wrong…Smile, share your passion for kids and libraries and good things will happen if you’re a good match for the job.Thank you to Leigh Ann Jones, Frisco ISD Library Coordinator for sharing her tips.

15. Public LibrariesToni LambertAssistant Director of Public ServicesAustin Public LibraryToni.Lambert@ci.austin.tx.us512- 974-7466

16. Getting an InterviewResumesCover LettersOnline ImageProfessional ContactsThe ApplicationScreening Questions

17. Interviewing for a Public Library PositionVisit the library’s websiteDo your homeworkRead the library’s strategic planPrepare for the interviewWhat about telephone interviews?

18. Public Library Professional PositionsYouth Services PositionsReference PositionsManagement PositionsTechnical Services PositionsArchival PositionsIT Positions – Virtual Librarians

19. Do You Have What We’re Looking For?Relevant ExperienceTechnology SkillsLeadership Skills FlexibilityCommunication SkillsCommitment to Excellent Customer ServicePassion for the Public Library Mission

20. Special LibrariesValerie HillLewisville ISDTWU UniversityDoctoral Candidatevhilledu@gmail.com972-350-5544

21. Special libraries come in all formats.Exploring new media formatsEmbracing technology trendsBalancing tradition with emerging information modesAll libraries are changing

22. Embracing technology trendsDigital resourcesEbooks

23. Exploring new trends in information deliveryUser-generated contentAugmented realityVirtual worlds

24. Exploring new mediaSocial mediaSocial networkingWeb 2.0 (blogs, wikis, RSS)

25. Balancing tradition with emerging information modesKnowing the communityPersonal learning networks (PLN’s)

26. Virtual Texas: an exhibit by TLA SL Community Group

27. The Library and the Librarian “It may be that the great age of libraries is waning, but I am here to tell you that the great age of librarians is just beginning. It’s up to you to decide if you want to be a part of it.”~T. Scott Plutchak

28. PROPER PREPARATION CAN PRODUCE AN INTERVIEW THAT PROCEEDS WELLKris HelgePublic Services LibrarianTexas Wesleyan University School of Lawkhelge@law.txwes.edu817-212-3812

29. Some interviewers will read your body language.Consider all nuances of the position.How long is the commute?E.g. “I will probably just take the bus.”Have you discussed this with your significant others?What skills are required (e.g. managing a website)?Be honest with yourself about these required skillsPlan Ahead

30. Plan and select an appropriate attire.Double check yourself!E.g. Sock boyBe prompt.Use appropriate interviewing vernacular.Do not be afraid of selling yourself, but do not be arrogant. Hone your overall interviewing techniques… keep it simple but profound.

31. Research the company.Ask questions.Where do you see yourself in twenty years?Give simple, common sense responses.E.g. “I want to be doing the same thing I am now.”Think realistically about interviewer questions

32. FacebookLinkedInWebsitesE.g. Subway sandwich lady…Clean up your electronic dossier!

33. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COVER LETTERJulie LeuzingerReference & GLA CoordinatorUniversity of North Texas LibrariesWhy a Resume is not Enoughjulie.leuzinger@unt.edu

34. Five Reasons for Sending a Cover Letter with your ResumeYou’ll increase your chances of grabbing the employer’s attention.Your letter can highlight aspects of your resume.It gives you a chance to start what could be the best conversation of your career.Your letter is probably your first opportunity to make a personable impression.You can directly ask for a job interview (Ireland, 48).

35. Catch an Interview with Your Cover Letter“Casting the Line.” (Who is the hiring manager?)“The Hook.” (Get the reader’s attention.)“The Line.” (The sales pitch.)“The Sinker.” (Close the deal.)

36. Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts DoDon’t~Mention how you heard ~Forget to run spell checkabout the position ~Mention the title of the position ~Use “canned” phrases~Include the job number ~Forget to sign your letter~Use action verbs ~Repeat your resume ~Request an interview ~Use negative language~Answer the employer’s question: ~Use a generic letter“Why should I hire you?”

37. ReferencesIreland, Susan. 1997. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Cover Letter. New York: Alpha Books. Plutchak, T. Scott. 2007. The Librarian: Fantastic Adventures in the Digital World. Serials, 20(2), 87-91.