APPLYING FOR PROMOTION / TRANSFER

THE PROCESS

Considering an application for promotion or transfer? The following information may assist you as you prepare your application and for the interview itself.

Application

Complete the application form as accurately and neatly as possible. Completing an application correctly is your first opportunity to demonstrate that you are good at following instructions, you are thorough and you pay attention to detail - all important assets in any job. The people involved in the selection process also have a lot of applications to read. Neat, complete and accurate applications leave a good impression.

Resume

Memorial provides an Employee Resume Form which you may wish to complete. You might also wish to attach a personal resume to your application form. In either case make sure it is accurate, up-to-date and does not conflict with any information you have written on the application form. If you can't remember when you worked where, contact Human Resources and they will help you fill in the blanks!

Important!

The application form and your resume are designed to provide information. They should not create questions in the mind of the selection team (e.g. why is this date missing?; I can't read the writing, what does this say?; why has this section not been completed? )

Cover Letter

You might also wish to include a brief cover letter with your application and resume. A cover letter should highlight your specific skills, experience and interest in the job for which you are applying. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills and your professional approach to advancing your career.

Interview

If you have been selected for an interview it is important to PREPARE! You will be more comfortable, less nervous and better able to express yourself if you have prepared beforehand.

Read the posting carefully.

Make a list of the duties and qualifications of the job and a matching list of the skills/education and qualifications you have which suit the job.

Think about the usual opening questions - "why have you applied for this job?; what experience/skills would you bring to the position?" Practice answering out loud.

If specific activities are listed in the posting, you can expect that there will be specific interview questions related to these activities. Again, collect your thoughts and practice your answers out loud.

When applying for a position within the library, you will undoubtedly know the members of the interview team but it is useful to pretend that you don't! If you pretend the interview team are strangers and know little about you, you will be less inclined to leave something out about your skills and other qualities.

It is perfectly acceptable to bring a copy of your resume to the interview as a "memory aid"! You might also want to jot down any questions you have for the interview team so they don't slip your mind.

Be prepared to "sell yourself"! Remember, this is a job competition and there will be other candidates preparing for the interview as well. You want to be able to articulate the strengths, experience, skills and other qualities which you feel make you the best qualified person to fill the position.

Resources

There are many sites on the internet on how to prepare a resume and cover letter and to conduct yourself during an interview. Many sites also list typical interview questions which can help you organize your thoughts. Check out the website for MUN's Centre for Career Development. It's designed to assist students but has useful information for anyone thinking about a new job.

Also try the Human Resources Development Canada site at http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca and search for "Preparing for your job interview".

There are also many books in the library collection which will help you prepare for a job interview. Check out the following subject headings:

Resumes (Employment)
Employment interviewing

If you are uncomfortable speaking in front of other people you might want to investigate courses designed to help you overcome these difficulties. CUPE occasionally offers courses (e.g. Public Speaking). The Division of Lifelong Learning at MUN also offers useful courses (e.g. Self-Esteem). Many people have found what they have learned at Toastmasters useful in the workplace and in life outside of work.

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We are all responsible for our own career development. Take advantage of all that is available!

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Mary Lochhead, Associate University Librarian

May 1/02