Online job application

TJ55 · #1 04-19-2011, 02:51 PM

I was tipped off a little while back about job opening up that I would really like to have. So I have been fine tuning the resume to highlite the skill set that will look most attractive to the search committee as well as crafting a cover letter.

Well, looks like the application process will take place completely online. Copy/paste my resume and letter. Upload transcripts and answer a few other questions in the provided boxes and submit. My question (finally) is should I still form the letter up all business like with addresses and names and dates and stuff in the top left? Or would you form it more similar to an email? The position is full time campus recreation director and part time teaching at a state university if that matters to you.

UncleFluffy · #2 04-19-2011, 02:55 PM

IMO, (and IME) if you don't know what's expected of you it's better to err on the side of formality. (Just as it never hurts to turn up for an interview in a suit, even if everyone there is in jeans+T-shirt).

Stumbo · #3 04-19-2011, 02:59 PM

IME, Yes.

**jmattbassplaya** · #4 04-19-2011, 03:13 PM

Always keep it formal and professional. Period.

MatticusMania · #5 04-19-2011, 03:35 PM

Hawaii Islander · #6 04-19-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

IMO, (and IME) if you don't know what's expected of you it's better to err on the side of formality. (Just as it never hurts to turn up for an interview in a suit, even if everyone there is in jeans+T-shirt).

The suite thing doesn't work well here in Hawaii. My kid brother wore a suit for the first time in over 20 years. I don't own a suit.

To the OP: Address ALL required skills and experience areas FULLY. My brother told me that our local University search committees automatically disqualify any candidate that fails to address or poorly addresses a required skills question. Follow the University's application procedures to the letter. Also, keep all written correspondence formal. Lastly, spell check twice and have your resume and cover letter reviewed by a second person before submitting them.

UncleFluffy · #7 04-19-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawaii Islander

The suite thing doesn't work well here in Hawaii. My kid brother wore a suit for the first time in over 20 years. I don't own a suit.

If I were over there I'd maybe be tempted to consider a nice white linen suit. The weather's too changeable for one here. Cleaning would be a PITA though.

I own a couple of suits for emergencies but don't wear them to interviews because that's not the norm in my industry. (Normal interview costume for me is black jeans + button down shirt). But if someone doesn't know what's expected I'd still recommend they err on the side of conservatism.

Hawaii Islander · #8 04-19-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

If I were over there I'd maybe be tempted to consider a nice white linen suit. The weather's too changeable for one here. Cleaning would be a PITA though.

I own a couple of suits for emergencies but don't wear them to interviews because that's not the norm in my industry. (Normal interview costume for me is black jeans + button down shirt). But if someone doesn't know what's expected I'd still recommend they err on the side of conservatism.

Typical interview attire here is a formal Aloha shirt, slacks (Dockers or similar) and shoes. One professor friend (and Division Chair) of mine, told me he threw away his interview clothes after he got the job. His typical work attire is polo shirt, shorts and slippers (shower sandels) or other comfortable footwear.

UncleFluffy · #9 04-19-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawaii Islander

formal Aloha shirt

This phrase makes my brain melt. In a happy way

TJ55 · #10 04-19-2011, 04:57 PM

Thanks for the input guys. I figured as much but it just seemed like it may be kind of weird and a bit redundant putting all that information in the little box. The job hasn't been officially posted yet so I'll have to wait to finalize the letter and address all of the specific qualifications and duties.

fdeck · #11 04-19-2011, 07:42 PM

If you were tipped off, does it mean that you might know somebody on the search committee, or a friend of a friend? Nothing like a little pre-networking to grease the skids.

TJ55 · #12 04-20-2011, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

If you were tipped off, does it mean that you might know somebody on the search committee, or a friend of a friend? Nothing like a little pre-networking to grease the skids.

I do have someone on the inside lobbying for me but unfortunately they're not ON the search committee. I have specifically chosen my references to best impress the committe members. Alumni who donate $$ to the school are on my call list as well when the job is announced. Yes, all machines work better when greased.