<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)"> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> 1. References!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 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. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 2. Your resume.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 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).<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 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.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Good luck.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> ____________________<o:p></o:p> <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Rick Florence</st1:PersonName><o:p></o:p> Senior Piano Technician<o:p></o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arizona</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><o:p></o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">School</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Music</st1:PlaceName></st1:place><o:p></o:p> </div> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of John Pope Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 10:12 AM To: <st1:PersonName w:st="on">College and University Technicians</st1:PersonName> Subject: [CAUT] Getting an Interview<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> Here's a question folks,<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> 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 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Danville</st1:City> <st1:State w:st="on">KY</st1:State></st1:place> 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.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> 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.<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> Any suggestions on getting one?<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div> John Pope<o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> <div>  <o:p></o:p> </div> </div> </body> </html>