This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field) and has been hired within the last two months. This person looked for a new position for six months to a year, in Academic libraries, Archives, Public libraries, and Special libraries, at the following levels:Requiring at least two years of experience and Supervisory. This job hunter is in a city/town in the Southern US, and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
The ability to move up
Innovation in technology and collections development
Autonomy and flexibility within job title/description
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA Joblist, Twitter, FB, listservs, friends
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?
Anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the deadline.
Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?
√ Yes
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)?
√ Tour of facility
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Pay them what they are worth, no excuses. And allow them room in the schedule for professional development.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Communicate. Don’t leave people hanging.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Knowing the right person.
This survey was co-authored by Naomi House from I Need A Library Job – Do you need one? Check it out!
