Cover Letter

Ah Cover Letters. They suck. You're supposed to tailor each cover letter for every single job you apply for, a little bit differently. You read the job spec, see how you can apply it from your previous experience, and then write the blasted thing. It is time consuming, but if you get it right, your efforts will pay off. I made the mistake for years, just attaching the same old cover letter to my CV, and clearly not understanding why I wasn't getting any job interviews.

So I've attached my cover letter that secured me a job interview for my current position.


Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for the position of Part Time Library Assistant, as was advertised through the X website.

I have enclosed my CV for your attention. I received my Masters in Library and Information Studies from University College Dublin. I am still awaiting my final grade but hope to achieve a X honours grade or higher.

During this course I have undertaken modules as diverse as Web Publishing to Teaching Librarian as well as core librarianship modules such as Cataloguing, Information and Reference Services and Digital Libraries. Through these modules I have gained a strong foundation in the theory of Librarianship, this coupled with my experience working as a part time library assistant in University’s X Library has stimulated my interest in joining a library team such as yours in the X Medical Library. 

In my position with the X Library, I was able to participate in a wide variety of duties. I have gained experience in reference services and the management of interlibrary loan functions. My work at the X Library has exposed me to various science-related databases, such as PubMed, SciVerse, and Scopus. I have also staffed the reference desk for an average of 10 hours per week where I was responsible for research assistance to students and faculty, library instruction for using the physical assets of the library and library web-based resources.

I possess the qualities and abilities that were outlined as required for this post. I am a highly motivated individual in both my professional and personal life as shown in my academic and employment history. I have strong communication skills and would relish the opportunity to work as part of a busy and dynamic team. I believe I would make a positive addition to the team at X Library.

I look forward to hearing from you and am available for interview at any suitable time. 

Yours sincerely,

X


Is it ground breaking, no. I simple showed the HR person, that, yes I did have these previous experiences, but more importantly it was an introduction to who I am, when in the library field. 

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