How to put it

[msmemory_archive]

If I'm applying for a position in a Masonic library, where/how do I phrase my status as an Eastern Star Past Matron? I probably tuck one line under Memberships on my resume. Do I mention it in the cover letter as well, and if so do I also say Past Grand Representative, or is that over the top and I should save it for the interview?

Comments

[hfcougar.livejournal.com]

They have Masonic libraries?

I never stop being amazed by all the different kinds of libraries in the world.

[rickthefightguy.livejournal.com]

Put it all in there! It has to be a good thing, and you don't look arrogant for telling them that you have an existing relationship with them already.

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm suspecting that while they may get a whole stack of resumes, it will be something that distinguishes mine.

[elizabear.livejournal.com]

I would definitely put it in the cover letter.

[dreda.livejournal.com]

If you have the line for memberships, I'd put it there, but I'd also definitely put it in the cover letter. "I am excited about the position because of my long association with..." etc.

I confess - I don't know how big a deal a PGR is, but perhaps if _you_ think it would be over the top you could save it.

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

I'm leaning towards exactly that.

Putting in the cover letter "because of my long association with" and then leaving the PGR business (which is an honorary embassy, conveying no permanent change of title/status) out of it.

[cellio]

I agree with this. Sending the clue that you already have relevant knowledge of the organization is a good thing.

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

It is my best guess that you should feature it as ONE of your MANY outstanding qualifications. It's no small deal, and it is something they should recognize.

It might get you an interview, but it won't get you the job. But I'd treat it as just as important as your MLS. It shows you grok Masonry and Masons, that you understand the importance of confidentiality to the organization, that you have had and handled responsibility with grace and success.

If it were your only qualification that made you a superior candidate, it would be insufficient. Make it one of your many, with pride. And, yeah, early in the cover letter.

If they are screening large numbers of resumes and letters, bear in mind that you must make your case in the top half of the first page of each.

[liamstliam.livejournal.com]

I think it's one of the first lines in your cover letter and it's always in your resume.

You are right about it helping you resume get off the stack.

[icecreamempress.livejournal.com]

Definitely put it in the cover letter. Having been on way more hiring committees than I've wanted to be in my life, something like that would really make an application stand out.

As for "Past Grand Representative", I would weave this in in context; perhaps by saying something like, "My involvement in the Order of the Eastern Star has been important to me, both with my local chapter (which I had the honor to serve as Matron in {years}), and on the national level. My participation as Grand Representative in {years} showed me that [something important it showed you about the role Masonry and Eastern Star play on a national level]. These experiences have really demonstrated to me the importance of Masonic history, and the key role that a library like {where you're applying} can play."

Excuse the clumsy verbiage--I'm sure you have very eloquent things to say on the topic. Good luck!

[jducoeur]

To summarize some of my suggestions from conversation last night, and add a few more notes:

-- Play up the Past Matron card, with a parenthetical (Palestine Chapter #114): it's not just a chapter, it's a moderately influential one, and worth mentioning. You should also probably mention that you've been a line officer more or less continuously since joining (however many years ago that's been). That shows commitment to the organization.

-- Mention but downplay PGR: the guys reading this are too likely to know that it's an honorary post. The only thing it demonstrates is that someone in power liked you.

-- Mention the SCA, probably in multiple contexts. It shows a longstanding interest in history (useful for a historical library); the Historian job lets you talk about building a non-trivial historical archive from the ground up (useful for a museum); and it lets you talk about some of your administrative experience (useful for the high-level job). In many respects, it's the most *relevant* experience you have, and worth weaving in.

-- Discreetly see what strings you can pull. You're friends with half-a-dozen Past Grand Matrons: that tool needs to be used with discretion, but is a *very* good way to get your foot in the door, and getting an interview is half the battle. In my experience, at least half of all interviews are due mainly to networking, not due to the resume or cover letter. That's doubly the case when there are a lot of resumes coming in.

-- Through all of this, don't neglect the real-world experience. You also need to show that you're a serious professional librarian, not a dilletante who just does stuff for her clubs. This is also a useful distinguisher, because most of the OES-related resumes they get *are* going to be dilletantes.

And have confidence. I really think you're well-suited to this job: you have a mix of professional and personal experience that makes you an unusually good fit. You mentioned that you feel a little under-qualified, and I don't agree -- between your work on the job and in the clubs, I think you have all the experience you need. Sell yourself on this one: I don't think either you or they would regret it if you got the job...