This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has been hired within the last two months, and before that had been looking for a new position for a year to 18 months. This person is looking in academic libraries, at the following levels: entry level, and requiring at least two years of experience. Here is this person’s experience:
Said yes to everything, did 2 internships and volunteered as much as possible. Served on committees.
This job hunter is in an urban area in the Midwestern US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
A position that allows for creativity, a challenge, and health benefits.
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA joblist, inalj, listservs, and through librarians on Twitter.
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
Used to take an entire day. Now I can do it within 3 hours. Prep for interviews takes even longer, up to 3 days to a week.
Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?√ No
When would you like employers to contact you?
√ To acknowledge my application
√ To tell me if I have or have not been selected to move on to the interview stage
√ To follow-up after an interview
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me
How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?
√ Phone for good news, email for bad news
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Being able to present
√ Other: seeing how management reacts to new ideas and if people get along.
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Be clear about the details up front. Put the name of the person we should address the cover letter to in the ad. Put the salary range. Give us an idea as to why your workplace is special or great.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Be very clear about how to apply and be more transparent during the hiring process. If you ask me to come in person for an interview and I don’t hear from you for 2 months then tell me why there is a delay. Things like that.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
being at the right place and the right time with the right skills.being approachable and like someone they want to work with. Also networking.
This survey was co-authored by Naomi House from I Need A Library Job – Do you need one? Check it out!
Hiring Librarians 