[Publib] Receiving "Cold" Resumes?

[Conrad Rader]

Working at a smaller library (20 FTE staff), there are limited opportunities
for hiring professional staff, so while I would not trash it unread, it is
unlikely that a cold resume would be considered in a future job search.  A
vanilla resume, while being read, would probably not be saved.  An
unsolicited resume most likely to catch my attention is one addressed
directly to me, with a cover letter explaining the reason for the cold
resume and what unique skills you could bring to my attention.  That would
interest me enough to at least call you if I am favorable and might lead me
to keep an ear to the ground for possible opportunities.  A cold resume for
an intro level position, not so much.

Conrad Rader
Adult Services Librarian
Niles District Library
Niles, MI

On Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 2:05 PM, <firefly56 at comcast.net> wrote:

> Good day, all!
>
> This post is mainly for the folks that do hiring/firing (HR, Directors,
> etc.)
>
> I am a GSLIS student (Simmons College, Boston MA) and am starting to think
> about
> my upcoming job search (half way through the program, yeah!).  I do NOT
> want to
> get into the discussion of if there are jobs or not (I am operating under
> the
> assumption that there are jobs and I will be hired for one of them). I was
> wondering how everyone that does hiring feels about getting "cold" (read
> unsolicited) resumes in the mail.  Do you automatically ditch them?  Keep
> them
> on file if they look promising even if you don't have any openings at the
> moment?  I DON'T want to commit any librarian faux paux (I hope I spelled
> that
> correctly). However, I have always believed that if one wants to work at a
> certain company, and your resume is stellar, it is a good idea to send it,
> so
> that it is on file and access able when there is an opening.
>
> There are certain libraries that I would love to work at, and would be
> willing
> to wait for a job to open up.  I would send my resume in a heart beat if it
> meant I was
> considered.  But if sending my resume "cold"  meant I would nix my chances
> I
> would wait until a formal job announcement was made.
>
> Thoughts anyone?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Meg Aust-Anastasi
> GSLIS Simmons College May '09
> margaret.austanastasi at simmons.edu
>
>
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