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zyzzx
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« on: January 19, 2012, 04:52:07 AM » |
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I'm applying for a job at a university where I spent a summer doing research as an undergrad 10+ years ago. It's obvious on my CV - from my research experience section, and from co-authorship on two papers with faculty there (that I have listed on the CV). I doubt anyone would remember me, as the main people I worked with have retired, but one of the coauthors is still there.
Would it look weird if I did not make any mention of this in my cover letter? The research was pretty different from what I do now (same department though), and it doesn't have much bearing on my application. All I could really say honestly is that I spent time there and enjoyed it, which seems like kind of a useless thing to say (it's an attractive place, nobody will question motives in applying). It's not like I took classes or was involved with anything that would have really familiarized me with the department/University.
I wasn't going to mention it, but now I'm second guessing myself.
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anisogamy
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« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2012, 09:14:51 AM » |
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I would mention it briefly near the end of the letter in an attempt to show some familiarity with the campus and fit. I can see how that might seem a little awkward, especially if it's already a prestigious institution in an attractive location. Good luck.
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A little compassion is better than kicking people when they are down, regardless of who has suffered more and longer or whose bad job market has the biggest dick.
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ruralguy
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« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2012, 12:32:22 PM » |
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Yes, generally speaking, if you have already spent a significant amount of time at an institution to which you are applying , and especially if the context is relevant for the job, then, yes, you should mention that briefly in the cover letter.
I wouldn't focus on it or "name drop", but mentioning it is fine.
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zyzzx
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« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2012, 12:36:17 PM » |
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Ok, I guess it's going in. Now to fit it in somewhere without it sounding awkward...
Thanks.
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reener06
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« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2012, 01:19:06 PM » |
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Toward the end, in your concluding paragraph perhaps. "In sum, I am very interested in the position; as you can see from my CV, I am familiar with the institution and department, having conducted research there while an undergraduate" or something to that effect.
Or under your "research paragraph" section. "blah blah postdoc research blah blah graduate research blah blah "and I have a long history of conducting research; as an undergraduate, I spent a summer at Your Famous U conducting X research in Your Famous Department; although my research interests have moved toward Y, the experience was invaluable in my development as an XY professional."
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larryc
Hu hatin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 18,285
Eschew the hu.
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« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2012, 01:23:26 PM » |
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Reener nailed it. I like the research suggestion very much.
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reener06
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« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2012, 01:53:49 PM » |
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Reener nailed it. I like the research suggestion very much.
Thanks larryc! Guess all this letter writing for job ads is paying off. Nice to know I'm on the right track. |
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anisogamy
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« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2012, 02:14:31 PM » |
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I agree! Reener's suggestion for the research paragraph sounds like a fantastically appropriate way to address it.
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A little compassion is better than kicking people when they are down, regardless of who has suffered more and longer or whose bad job market has the biggest dick.
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