Subject: RE:      Salary information in job ads
Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2002 15:19:57 -0500
From: "Mays, Allison" <maysap@millsaps.edu>

I agree that it's helpful to at the very least give a salary range. (I've enjoyed this discussion.)  But let me open another can of worms and ask: how about having to send 3 letters of reference instead of just giving their names? My husband and I have applied for many jobs between the two of us; if we're not sure about applying, and we see that - forget it. I would think you get a more honest response in a phone conversation because you can tell when a person's hedging or not very enthusiastic about recommending someone. A letter gives you time to get the wording just right: "Let's see, what's a nice way to say 'total loser'?" I realize it saves the search committee or whomever having to make phone calls, but it's a hassle for the applicant. It's one thing to put someone down as a reference and another to have to ask them to write a letter.

I won't even mention having to send transcripts...oops, did I say that out loud?

Allison P. Mays
Acquisitions Librarian
Millsaps College
1701 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39210
601-974-1083
maysap@millsaps.edu