tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post141270697342467598..comments2024-02-03T13:58:08.805-05:00Comments on Letters to a Young Librarian: Brace Yourself: An Invitation to Join a Search Committee is Coming, by Erin MilaneseJessica Olinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282500023825318766noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-51424415101078307322015-04-29T03:13:41.202-04:002015-04-29T03:13:41.202-04:00Ah, I forgot editability, which is a good point ev...Ah, I forgot editability, which is a good point even if it's not a likely problem in this specific case. Like you say, you're looking for the people who seem best-suited to the role, so it's not just about meeting minimum standards.<br /><br />I'm on the opposite end of things - applying for dozens of jobs, and finding so many ways that application forms can be infuriating... <br />I have in fact skipped potential opportunities because the application process was too painful. Like with the PDFs, we draw inferences, and sometimes that's "I don't want to work somewhere that operates like this". Not that this has anything to do with you, I hasten to add!Shimmin Beghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10350037986748679919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-41022583182073822612015-04-27T08:39:50.786-04:002015-04-27T08:39:50.786-04:00Shimmin - Great question. I prefer PDF format beca...Shimmin - Great question. I prefer PDF format because those files can be opened from any device. Also, because PDF files aren't editable, taking the steps to covert to PDF demonstrates to me that the candidate understands some basic things about security and technology. I have never been on a committee that denied a candidate an interview based on file format - that would be crazy! - but when you have a huge pile of applicants to go through, those little details start to matter. I don't think our application instructions specify a format (I should look into that).<br />-Erin<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-87296999149462510072015-04-26T05:13:12.404-04:002015-04-26T05:13:12.404-04:00I'm intrigued - why PDF specifically? Portabi...I'm intrigued - why PDF specifically? Portability?<br /><br />I'm assuming you do tell them to use that format, though, so it's just a requirement to follow. I still mostly see instructions to use Word docs only, and application systems that can't handle uploading PDFs.Shimmin Beghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10350037986748679919noreply@blogger.com