OCN 750 Class #10: March 18Applying for Jobs

Announcements & Check-ins

Mid-year evaluation feedback

Reviewing job ads

Writing cover letters

Looking ahead

Announcements & Check-Ins

What else?

Pls. return if pau April 15 at 7pm “Shark Tales” by Kim Holland – tonite @ JJ’s

Mid-year Evaluation FeedbackSomething that you have enjoyed so farThe 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.

Mid-year Evaluation Feedback

Something you would like to change/improveProvide 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?

Job Application Package

CV or resumeCover letterJob-specific materials

Goal: Get an interview!

Cover Letter: Purpose

Complement (not duplicate) your CV or resumeShow you’re a “good fit” to the jobNot a form letter - must be tailored to job adShow that you’re a strong writer, attentive to

detail, and respectful/courteous

Standard Business Letter Format(modified block)

Standard Business Letter Format(full block)

Cover Letter: Format

Limit to 1-2 pagesUse standard business letter formatMake it easy to readCan be mailed, emailed, uploaded (see job ad)Save as a PDF, even if you’re mailing itIf submitting by email, include cover letter as

attachment

Body of Cover LetterFirst 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.

http://jobsearch.about.com/lr/cover_letters/28157/2/

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.

Middle paragraphsMy 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.

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 ParagraphI 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.

Cover Letter Exercise: Part 1

IndividuallyReview your job adWrite first (short) paragraph of your cover letterOutline 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

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

Looking aheadNo Class 3/25 (Spring Break)

Looking ahead

Bring business card on 4/1 (self-printed is fine)Email CV & online presence info by 9am on

4/1.

Online Presence Preparation

1. Join LinkedIn (if you haven’t already)2. 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!), email this document to cmore@soest.hawaii.edu

4. Bring laptop/tablet to class* Let us know if you’d like to borrow one from our office! *

Questions? Ask Michele.