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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 address; “professional face” social media link; a telephone number where you can be reached (and check the message!)

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

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

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

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

12. Skills Types Soft Skills
Transferrable Skills

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

14. 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.

15. 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?

16. 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?

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

18. Questions/Evaluations
Thank you!!!!!
Questions/Evaluations