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Home > Thrifty Ray?? Others?? Cover Letter/Interview advice?

Thrifty Ray?? Others?? Cover Letter/Interview advice?

March 29th, 2011 at 05:12 am

One of the reasons that I think I have not been getting any responses from the numerous applications I have sent out for various school librarian jobs across the country is due to my being out of state. This creates two obstacles: 1, my certification (will be) is for Texas and not for their state. Most states offer reciprocity with TX, but it is a process, and 2, the fact that I'm out of state means that I'd have to fly out there (or drive) and I may be wanting relocation costs, etc.

In order to avoid another time and money waster such as driving 5 hours two ways for a 30 minute interview, I'd like to figure out the best way(s) to let an employer know that I'd like the initial interview to be over the phone or Skype AND that I'm available and more than happy to live anywhere.

Tonight a job listing came up for an assistant librarian position at a middle school in Washington D.C. (not a public school). The position doesn't require certification, so that would not be a hindrance. I figure it would be a great way for me to gain valuable experience for a few years under someone who knows what they are doing. I have a good friend who lives in that area, and most likely would let me stay with her and her family for a short time if necessary.

So anyway ... what suggestions do you all have (especially Ray!) as to how to address an out of state employers concerns regarding relocation costs, etc?

This is an example of what I was thinking of ...

Dear hiring manager:

I am interested in the position of Middle School Library Assistant at _______ school. I have 8 years of teaching experience in grades 1 - 5, as well as several years experience tutoring students ages 5 - 20. During the summer before starting college, I stayed in Washington D.C. for a month with a good friend and really enjoyed my time there. On May 13 I will complete my Master's degree in Library Science from _________, and also receive certification as a school librarian. In my lifetime I have lived and traveled in many places, and enjoy new experiences.

Blah blah blah (listing experience, etc)

To further discuss how I can best benefit _______ school, I can be contacted at email address, or at phone number. I would prefer to have our first conversation via the phone or Skype. (this is what I'm really not sure of!)

8 Responses to “Thrifty Ray?? Others?? Cover Letter/Interview advice?”

  1. baselle Says:
    1301373617

    My thought is that these days, librarians of any stripe should be considered data managers with a human face: fully networked, Internet literate, and should be able to present themselves and give presentations through Skype...which has to be far, far cheaper than flying everyone out multiple times. Even in these trying times, employers still want to be "with it" or at the very least fear "not being with it." Perhaps not so blatant, but the undercurrent is there. I'd figure out a way to exploit both - desire to cut costs, and to be "with it".

  2. CB in the City Says:
    1301401851

    I suspect that for school librarian positions they ARE focusing on people in-state, simply because their whole orientation is local. Academic librarians are more likely to look nationwide. But I know you are not on the academic side, I'm just saying I do think you have a hurdle there.

    I would just put in a brief line about having visited in the area and being very interested in relocating, blah, blah, blah... and then at the end say something like, "I would be happy to come for an interview at my own expense, or visit by phone or Skype." You might risk having to pay for the trip, but it lets them know you are really interested, and I am sure they would pick up on the phone or Skype interview first.

    I recently applied for a job only 40 minutes away and I did a phone interview, so I think it is becoming the standard of the day.

  3. MonkeyMama Says:
    1301412503

    I like CB's advice. Initial phone interviews are common, even for local jobs.

    Though I got interviews when I relocated (a whopping 2 hours), everyone I interviewed with was openly skeptical about hiring an out-of-towner. The difference? My experience was good and there was a huge shortage in my field, so they reluctantly gave me a shot. Obviously it is easier for employers to just stick with locals if they can. That said, hopefully your resume will stick out among the rest somewhere, and they will give you a chance. I'd also imagine librarian jobs are sparse and applicants do have to travel more to find a job. You can't be the only one!

  4. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1301430562

    Laura,

    see below...not sure how I posted twice...

  5. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1301430596

    Laura,

    We have hired two employees in the past couple of months and both were from out of state. The initial set of interviews WERE conducted over the phone to 'weed' out those not qualified or considered not a good fit.

    I think you are on the right track with pre-thinking roadblocks for being a non-localapplicant-because it gives you an opportunity to address these issues proactively. I would probably change the last paragraph to:

    To further discuss how I can best benefit _______ school, I can be contacted at email address, or at phone number.

    When they contact you, ask if it is possible to have the initial interview via phone or skype. (This gives you an opportunity to address any questions about the request...otherwise, if it is just in the cover letter, they may or may not call based on their assumptions about the request) Let them know that you are more than willing to come for a follow up interview. If there is hesitation at that time you can decided if it is worth the travel for the interview.

    Again Laura, I can train you on many things, but attitude is inherent. Knock their socks off with your personality and fill in the rest with experience and skill set.

  6. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1301491137

    Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions! It all has been quite helpful.

    I'm working on a cover letter for this particular school today. Smile

  7. Looking Forward Says:
    1301518807

    Saw your post and I have a quick minute here at work. Here are some changes I made to your letter. Maybe you can glean some helpful ideas from my edit. Smile Good luck!


    Dear Sir or Madam: (or to ____School HR Director??, or find out the actually name of the person)

    I am interested in the position of Middle School Library Assistant at _______ school. I have eight years of teaching experience in grades First thru Fifth. On May 13 I will complete my Master's degree in Library Science from _________, and also receive certification as a school librarian. In addition I have several years experience tutoring students ages 5 - 20.

    Last summer I stayed in Washington D.C. for a month and really enjoyed my time in your city. In my lifetime I have lived and traveled in many places. I would be excited to have the opportunity to move to Washingtone DC.

    To further discuss how I can best benefit _______ school, I can be contacted at email address, or at phone number. I am also avaliable via Skype or video chat.

    Thank you in advance for your time.

    Sincerely,


  8. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1301621573

    Thanks LR!
    I've already sent it off ... but I can incorporate your wording to a different one. Smile

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