Hello, I have few questions about what to include in a resume or cover letter.

I'm planning a mid career change from webmaster to librarian. My application to enroll in a MLIS program this coming fall has been mailed.

I'm preparing a resume each for two entry-level administrative library related positions (that does not require MLIS). The resume lists my current volunteer Internet docent experience at my local library and non-library work (web) using same skills the library positions need.

1) Listing the comparable skills (between web and library) turned out be harder than I thought, since the library positions are administrative (e.g. word processing, interpersonal skills, work under pressure, etc.), and on the web I have been doing mostly non-administrative tasks. How do you demonstrate administrative work, that leaves no doubt you could do it?

2) Is it ok to mention in the cover letter that I applied to a MLIS program, to demonstrate that I am serious about becoming a librarian? Or would my Internet docent experience be sufficient? My mother is a retired librarian, but I do not know if should use this information or not. What do you think? (There are three questions here, actually!)

3) Should I add "Objective: An entry-level library position" on the resume? Or is it best left off? Why?

I look forward to your advice. Thanks!

Curios

There are very mixed thoughts on this now a days. I have heard some say to leave it off, if you are leaving something off for it to fit.

If you do include it, make sure it matches the job. There is nothing like receiving a resume for a job application and reading an objective that has nothing to do with the job. It makes you wonder what preparation the candidate really did to apply.

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

I'm going to echo Michael here; absolutely mention that you have applied to MLIS schools in your cover letter! Considering your lack of library experience, it will help your future employer understand that this is something you're serious about and that you're taking steps to better yourself professionally.

Have you thought about using a functional resume format? It will help you organize those relevant experiences better. If you're a member of the ALA New Members' Round Table, they have a free resume review service that can't be praised enough.

Personally, I have always disliked objective statements since, to me, all they say is: "Objective: to get this job"!

For what it's worth, I just got a supervisor position in an academic library with virtually no library experience. I put no objective on my resume and mentioned that I'm a public library volunteer and am applying to MLIS schools next fall in my cover letter.

Good luck to you!

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http://bluestockinglibrarian.wordpress.com/

Wow, what terrific advice!

I had no other choice but create a functional resume. Mlhodge, thanks for the info about the ALA's resume review service. I am not yet a member, but it's definitely part of my plans; and its encouraging to hear how you got your job.

I had never liked objective statements for the same reasons you feel about them, but the suggestions do offer food for thought.

Thank you to all!

Hi --

I also came from webmastering and web project management; I used a functional resume in some cases and a chronological in others, depending on the position. I found the hardest thing to overcome was the perception that you would not want to take a big salary cut, so you may want to address that in your letters. Once you are actually in school, of course, you can include the degree you are working toward on your resume as well, but it's certainly worth mentioning it in your cover letter.

I've never used the 'objective' on a resume and have found it a bit peculiar on others I've read when looking to hire; I think it's potentially useful when you've just finished your undergrad degree, but takes up too much space after that point (if nothing else).

Good luck!

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Lisa Grimm
Assistant Archivist
Drexel University College of Medicine
Archives & Special Collections on Women in Medicine and Homeopathy

This is a great discussion.

My next question is slightly off this thread's topic, but this quote brings up another question: when I asked a retired librarian about joining ALA when I haven't been yet accepted into library school, her recommendation was to wait until the year I graduate. I am wondering in what ways could ALA benefit me at this point in time (besides their resume service)?

Sometimes on a resume, you list how many years you have been with a professional organization. What looks better and shows "possibly" more commitment to the profession or a specific aspect of the profession: 1. joining the year you graduate or 2. several years of membership?

ALA offers member discounts on various meetings, services, publications, etc.

Depending on what parts of ALA you join, they may have a member's only publication.



If 2 candidates are equal, the one that demonstrates "extras" like keeping up on literature, understanding the profession's issues, etc. will have a better chance. Interviews and job hunting are all about perception. And several years of membership in a professional society gives off the "perception" of the items I listed previously.

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

certainly-its all a journey we take together.
im hoping to at least volunteer @ two libraries getting some good experience, b/c you never know what could happen. :)