1. OCN 750 Class #10: March 18 Applying for Jobs
Announcements & Check-ins
Mid-year evaluation feedback
Reviewing job ads
Writing cover letters
Looking ahead

2. Announcements & Check-Ins
Pls. return if pau
“Shark Tales” by Kim Holland – JJ’s
April 15 at 7pm
What else?

3. Mid-year Evaluation Feedback
Something that you have enjoyed so far
The small size makes discussion easy; instructors are very helpful.
The class discussions are very enriching.
The open dialogue and both positive and constructive feedback.
The interactive nature of the course, and that all students are encouraged to participate.
I enjoyed the guest speakers that shared their thoughts on mentoring. The discussion was very candid and it made me evaluate my role as both a mentor and mentee.
Class project really makes me think about planning future careers.
I really enjoy being able to take the time to make proper CVs/ resumes & business cards while also getting useful feedback.

4. Mid-year Evaluation Feedback
Something you would like to change/improve
Provide 1-3 references per topic.
Course website could be more professional.
Concerned that if I don’t do something amazing (for class project) that I won’t get an A.
Nothing yet, except offer it more often.
A little more structure in the class work.
I do feel like we are always running out of time.
Comments? Michele?

5. Job Application Package
CV or resume
Cover letter
Job-specific materials
Goal: Get an interview!

6. Cover Letter: Purpose Complement (not duplicate) your CV or resume
Show you’re a “good fit” to the job
Not a form letter - must be tailored to job ad
Show that you’re a strong writer, attentive to detail, and respectful/courteous

7. Standard Business Letter Format (modified block)

8. Standard Business Letter Format (full block)

9. Cover Letter: Format Limit to 1-2 pages
Use standard business letter format
Make it easy to read
Can be mailed, ed, uploaded (see job ad)
Save as a PDF, even if you’re mailing it
If submitting by , include cover letter as attachment
Should be easy to read (11 or 12 point font, avoid lengthy paragraphs, etc.)

10. Body of Cover Letter
First Paragraph Explain that you are applying for a job. Include position name, number and where you learned about the job. Convey your interest in the position.
Middle Paragraph(s) Describe what you have to offer the employer. Don’t simply restate what’s on your CV. Instead, show how your qualifications match those in the job ad. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs, and back up your statements with evidence. Add a personal touch! Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.
Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by expressing your interest in the position and thanking the employer for considering your application.

12. Sample Body of Cover Letter (M
Sample Body of Cover Letter (M. Guannel, C-MORE marine science educator)
First paragraph
I respectfully submit my application for the position of Marine Science Educator (job ID: 12234) with the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE). I expect to receive my Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Washington this summer, and I now intend to pursue marine science teaching and outreach with diverse populations.

13. Middle paragraphs
My academic background in microbial oceanography fits closely with the research aims of C-MORE. Through my dissertation research, I have utilized both culturing and molecular methods to explore the biogeography of marine bacteria and the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia. I have participated in multiple oceanographic cruises, and I am enthusiastic about conducting similar field work in the future.
I offer nearly thirteen years of experience in teaching and outreach, much of which has focused on communicating microbial oceanography and its broader societal importance. I have co-taught several inquiry-based courses in biological and general oceanography at the University of Washington. I also have mentored students outside of the classroom, including three years of supervising undergraduate researchers on projects related to my dissertation.

14. Finally, I am perhaps most excited about the Marine Science Educator position with C-MORE because of the program’s mission to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the sciences. Since some of my earliest teaching work in AmeriCorps, I have supported youth of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. At the University of Washington, in order to address the lack of ethnic diversity among marine scientists, I have focused my volunteer outreach work on activities with ethnic minorities. I strongly hope to expand upon this work through future employment. Final Paragraph I am very interested in learning about how I may contribute my experiences and career goals to the education team at C-MORE. Thank you kindly for your consideration.

15. Cover Letter Exercise: Part 1
Individually
Review your job ad
Write first (short) paragraph of your cover letter
Outline the middle paragraphs (bullets are fine)
What are the key qualifications in the job ad?
What are your relevant skills/experience/interests? (What do you have to offer the employer?)
Then Break

16. Cover Letter Exercise: Part 2
In pairs
In turns, read first paragraph of your cover letter
Discuss your middle paragraphs
What are the key qualifications stated in the job ad?
What are your relevant skills/experience? (What do you have to offer the employer?)
Pay attention to time (5-10 minutes per person)
At 2:30, one person per group will report back

17. Looking ahead Looking ahead No Class 3/25 (Spring Break)
Bring business card on 4/1 (self-printed is fine)
CV & online presence info by 9am on 4/1.

18. Online Presence Preparation
Join LinkedIn (if you haven’t already)
Find & paste into a Word document:
2-3 photos of yourself doing science, outreach, etc.
A link to one online profile that you like (LinkedIn, etc)
3. By 9 am on Apr 1 (no fooling!), this document to
Bring laptop/tablet to class
* Let us know if you’d like to borrow one from our office! *
Questions? Ask Michele.