Read on Twitter
Fabulous panel on CVs, Cover Letters, and generally applying to jobs in the publishing industry for #SYPConf20. There were loads of questions we didn't quite have time for so I'm going to try to answer just a few of those here. THREAD! @SYP_UK @SYP_LDN
If a cover letter runs to just over a page is that an instant turn off?
No, not unless the employer has asked for one page. Also, the higher up you get the more likely you are to have a longer CV. Just make sure it's relevant to the role and not book-length.
#SYPConf20
No, not unless the employer has asked for one page. Also, the higher up you get the more likely you are to have a longer CV. Just make sure it's relevant to the role and not book-length.
#SYPConf20
Are there any specific skills that you keep an eye out for in CVs and cover letters?
Yes, as Ben pointed out, for entry-level it's often administrative experience. Are you a whizz at Excel? Do you manage the analytics of your own website? Pop it on the CV.
#SYPConf20
Yes, as Ben pointed out, for entry-level it's often administrative experience. Are you a whizz at Excel? Do you manage the analytics of your own website? Pop it on the CV.
#SYPConf20
Bookstagram, blogs, YouTube etc - is there any specific one that publishers regard higher in an applicant? Should publishing hopefuls try to do all?
No, you'll just get exhaused and be unfocussed. What is the most relevant to the area you want to get into? Be there.
#SYPConf20
No, you'll just get exhaused and be unfocussed. What is the most relevant to the area you want to get into? Be there.
#SYPConf20
Thoughts on dividing work history into ‘most relevant experience’ first and then ‘further employment history’?...
Sections can be great for career-switchers. Chronology isn't always the most important. Be clear, include dates, and list most relevant tasks/skills
#SYPConf20
Sections can be great for career-switchers. Chronology isn't always the most important. Be clear, include dates, and list most relevant tasks/skills
#SYPConf20
Is it possible to be hired as a non-British person? Is it a negative for your application, or does the applicant themselves matter more?
Employers cannot discriminate for this. Be upfront about language proficiency. Being bi/multilingual can be a big advantage!
#SYPConf20
Employers cannot discriminate for this. Be upfront about language proficiency. Being bi/multilingual can be a big advantage!
#SYPConf20
How far qualified do you expect your candidates to be?
Depends on the role, but at entry-level, your employer should be ready & willing to help skill you up. It's a 2-way investment. Many publishers now don't require a degree so don't worry too much about that part.
#SYPConf20
Depends on the role, but at entry-level, your employer should be ready & willing to help skill you up. It's a 2-way investment. Many publishers now don't require a degree so don't worry too much about that part.
#SYPConf20
I haven't tackled questions about recruitment agencies/academic publishing etc as these aren't my field, but hope this has been helpful. A pleasure to be on a panel with the excellent & knowledgeable @cm_leung @alicebidetti @BenJamesDoyle @KallySimmonds #SYPConf20 TY @SineadAnja
