[CAUT] Getting an Interview

[Rick Florence]

1. References!

 

I can tell you from first hand experience (both applying and hiring)
that references will strengthen your application or destroy it.  There
is seldom a middle ground.  I have called a number of references for
positions over the years only to hear a less than glowing report "off
the record."  The worst one was a few years ago when I was told "well, I
am not that fond of ________'s work, and I think ________ might be an
alcoholic."   Be absolutely sure what kind of reference you will be
receiving before you use them. 

 

Are you taking time to research the school, the professors, directors,
deans?  Do they share common colleagues in your circle?  Dropping names
may appear impressive on a resume, but a colleague's word is much more
valuable.  More often than not, it's not what you know but who you know.

 

2. Your resume.

 

What kind of musical education does the school consider to be its
strength?  Is the position to replace or add a technician, what are the
circumstances?  Were they happy with the past service or looking to
improve upon it?  Find out and tailor your resume accordingly.  Let them
know how you will be an asset to their unique situation.  One size does
not fit all!!  This is where a well written cover letter can help.
Please avoid the most common mistake - showing your weaknesses.  I can't
tell you how many times I have read letters for university positions
stating "I have always wanted to work at a university/with professional
musicians," or "moving up to a university position is a logical next
step in my career."  All that tells them is that you have no experience.
Other letters tried way too hard to sound intelligent or tell a life
story.  The most effective cover letter tells briefly and clearly how
your experience, skills, and interests match the specific needs of the
institution (again, you need to do some research).

 

Ask a few friends in the business (fellow CAUTs that participate in
hiring or have recently gone through the process) to look at your
resume/letter and ask for feedback.  As Don said, you may wish to hire a
professional to at least edit the finished product before sending it
out.

 

Good luck.

 

 

 

____________________

Rick Florence

Senior Piano Technician

Arizona State University

School of Music

________________________________

From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
John Pope
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 10:12 AM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: [CAUT] Getting an Interview

 

Here's a question folks,

 

I've been working on pianos for about 20 years, been an RPT for about
15. I've had a part time college contract here in Danville KY for the
last 10 years, including piano prep for a very prestigious concert
series. Murray PIraiha, Andre Michal Schub, Cedar Walton, and Menachem
Pressler have all been here and were all pretty happy with the D. In
fact everybody here is happy with the work I do.

 

Now, for the last 2 years I've applied for full time university jobs
here and there but I have yet to get an interview.

 

Any suggestions on getting one?

 

John Pope

 

 

 

 

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