1. Responding to Job Postings and Preparing the Application Package Christiane Schroeter Arkansas State University AAEA-GSS Session July 24, 2006

2. Things you shouldn’t say at your thesis defense…

3. The Application Package Cover Letter CV/ Résumé References List of names Reference letters Other supporting material Transcripts Publications Teaching philosophy

4. The Cover Letter First and maybe most important part of the application package! Demonstrate why YOU are the right person for this job How you fit into job description How you complement the department/company  Build description based on appropriate past experience and career goals

5. The Cover Letter (cont.) Content: READ the job announcement Check for must-haves, nice-to-haves Adjust each cover letter Leave out unrelated work experience Check spelling of text, address, name Get feedback from faculty/ references

6. The Cover Letter (cont.) Structure: Organize content logically 1. Introduction Make connection with employer Purpose for writing letter Current employment 2. Highlight education/experience Separate teaching/ research/ extension 3. Conclusion, thank you, and follow-up Include e-mail, phone number

7. The CV/ Résumé Content: Be truthful and do not oversell yourself Update CV frequently- especially your contact information List ALL relevant skills and experiences Languages, software, work experience Account for all time List professional affiliations + involvement Include names of references in CV

8. The CV/ Résumé (cont.) Structure: Paper + fonts match cover letter Well-structured layout Reverse chronological order Restructure CV based on job announcement Academia: Publications, presentations, grants Industry: Work experience

9. The References Choose references wisely Check for permission Reliable information about your career/ experience Broad geographic/ subject representation Check availability of references International references- more difficult to contact Keep references informed Updated CV/ Résumé Job announcements Include instructions with address of employer