Stephanie Santiful is a Cataloging Assistant at William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library, Hampton University. She says,
While I’m proud of every project that I’ve ever worked on, I would say that the Harvey Library’s Book Sale is the project that I’m most proud of. I worked with a fantastic committee who went above and beyond their duties to make the new book sale something amazing. It was so rewarding seeing faculty, staff, and students stopping by the book sale and interacting with each other.
She also works as a Part-time Evening and Weekend Reference Librarian at Bryant & Stratton College Library. She says,
Even though it’s part-time, I am extremely proud of becoming a reference librarian. I have wanted more responsibility and to carry out more duties, and this position allows me to do that. I’ve learned so much in a short time, and I am still learning.
Ms. Santiful has been looking for a new position for a year to 18 months. She is looking in Academic, Public and Special libraries (but prefers public libraries), at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience, Supervisory, Department Head, Senior Librarian, Branch Manager. She is in a city/town in the Northeastern US, and
would love to eventually move. I don’t really have a particular state in mind, but Florida, North Carolina, or Nevada, or California would be nice!
In her spare time, Ms. Santiful is a big anime and manga fan and has gone to anime conventions in various states.She also loves reading, writing, and watching horror films (the good ones and the bad ones!) You can find her on LinkedIn or blogging at: http://nerdbabylibrarian.tumblr.com/
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Full-time, innovative, diverse community
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA Joblist, INALJ, LisList, and various listservs
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ No (even if I might think it *should* be)
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
Usually, I spend a lot of time on my cover letter. I have a flash drive that is dedicated only for resumes, cover letters, and reference lists. The amount of time I spend on each application packet depends on the job that I am applying for.
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?
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ Tour of facility
√ Being taken out to meal
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary
√ Being able to present
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Many vacant position announcements are solely about the duties that potential candidates will be carrying out. Obviously, this is needed. But it would be nice if some employers will tell potential candidates why working there is a great idea. I want to know that I’m going into a place that will value me as an employee.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Keep in touch with candidates if they are still being considered, and let them know if they aren’t. Be courteous and let candidates know when something has gone wrong that employers have no control over. I’ve received several emails from libraries that have said that they are no longer searching for anyone for the position and that the search will be closed.
If employers use status notifications on their websites, it helps to update them, so candidates know where they stand.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Determination, dedication, knowledge, the willingness to learn, and a little bit of luck!
For some context, take a look at the most recently published summary of responses.
Are you hunting for a new LIS job? Take the survey! http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibJOBHUNTERsurvey
This survey was co-authored by Naomi House from I Need A Library Job – Do you need one? Check it out!
Hiring Librarians 