New Grad Group Event: Key Selection Criteria

OK, so I headed to this event at RMIT University Library on Thursday 25th for a Vic NGG event. I am not looking for a job so KSC wasn’t really up my avenue but boy what a fantastic event. This was definitely one of the most practical I have been to all year. If I was looking for a job there was so much great information to take away from it. In fact I left thinking how on earth did I get a job because I am sure my KSC were no way near as good as what was discussed on the night! So here are my notes from the night with the following panellists:

Ian Smith (Library HR at LaTrobe Uni),
Jenny Baran (One Umbrella),
Meka Mellers (Hume Library Council).

KSC tell you what employers are looking for. So tell them what they want/need to know about you. Don’t expect them to hunt out the answers. Get to the point – give examples. Stand out (in a good way) be accurate, write clearly and in a positive voice.

If you don’t meet a KSC, say you don’t have these skills but you have…. Don’t leave anything out!

Less is more – fewer words, quality not quantity. Use bullets pints (some say yes – public, some say no – academic). Don’t use ambiguous words. Be succinct!

It is a time consuming process – give it your full focus. Use the KSC list as your headings. Use concrete terms: I organised…I edited…I liaised with…I instigated…I investigated…NOT I was involved in …or I assisted…

Picking out particular words like abilities (could do) or experience (can do) evidence/demonstrate (means give examples).

Break each KSC into parts.

Skills are transferable – good word to use.

State your achievements. I improved time frame by….

Suggested book: How to address selection criteria by Anne D Villiers.

Treat each application separately (for when you are applying for multiple jobs).

In public/government/universities etc. the interview then revolves around the key selection criteria.

Cover letter/KSC/Resume. Use same fonts/sizes/underlines/bolds etc. so there is a uniform look. An RTF Format document opens the same as you saved it (ie. When submitting via email).

Overall this was just a fantastically well run event. Big claps to both Michelle and Laura who organised it – just superb!

After the event I headed to the soccer club to follow my dad to the mechanics (to get his truck serviced). He was off to QLD the next morning for an old farts soccer tournament! Good on him – I hope I am as active as him when I get old!

NGG & CSU Dinner

After the LT Conference volunteer meeting, I headed to the European Bier Cafe for dinner with the ALIA New Graduate Group of Victoria and the Charles Sturt University Melbourne Study Tour students. As I am still studying at CSU, it was a great chance for me to meet some fellow students, and of course lecturer Damian Lodge. It consisted of undergraduate students, teacher-librarians and masters students. A great mix! I always love to hear where people work and in what environment. I mean to me school libraries are so alien! I don't think its a job I could do but I really admire those who do! Just to listen to the different issues facing libraries across different sectors is always amazing.

Plus, I was in a position to offer advice to students doing the undergraduate course as I had done it through CSU too. I told them what subjects were easy, hard and how to get credits! In the CSU course you also study a non-library major which is always interesting to hear why people chose certain areas. Also we discussed the choice of electives - I mean I personally wouldn't touch an IT subject but others felt there weren't enough!

There is always the discussion of "When are you finished?". Many of the students were finishing this year, or next year. There are always a few unfortunate souls who have 3 more years left to go! I suppose though as the CSU course is by distance education, it's just nice to sit down with fellow students who are going through the same as you. Most people work full time, study a couple of subjects and either have kids or other commitments. It's nice to know you aren't the only one who spends a Saturday night at home completing assignments!

ALIA's 70th Birthday

On Monday (Agust 20th 2007), ALIA turned 70. The Victorian NGG had this massive event at the SLV to celebrate. There was cake and prizes and lots of chances to mingle with those from across various sectors of the industry.

Plus, the wonderful NLS4 committee (aka me, Tan, Trev and Jill - the Victorians), launched the NLS4 website. Jill has done such a marvellous job on it and we are so proud of her. (Jill you rock!!). Check it out - you won't be disappointed.

Victorian New Graduates Group Drinks!!

Last night the Victorian ALIA NGG had a get together at Chole's Bar in the Young and Jackson Pub on Flinders Street. It was a great turnout with people from across Melbourne along with country folk from Geelong and of course Ballarat - me! One of the best things was that my friend Satu came who used to volunteer at my current workplace in Ballarat for the last few years whilst she was studying. She only moved earlier this year for a job at the Federal Court Library and we miss her terribly. However, she is doing really well and enjoying her job so that is the main thing.

After a few drinks some of us headed over to Federation Square for a quick bite to eat. I made it home just on 10:30pm so not too late. I was thinking about it on the drive home and I talked to all different people about libraries, digital stuff, movies, television, library 2.0 etc. but not about books!! I suppose that just goes to show how much libraries are changing. I suppose though that is why I like libraries. Things are constantly changing and I am forever learning and doing new things. I still however love the tradition of libraries and the fact that we can sit around and discuss Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice without being embarassed about it!!