This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has not been hired within the last two months, and has been looking for a new position for six months to a year. This person is looking in archives as well as in academic, public, and special libraries, at the following entry level. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
i had a full-time summer internship at the place i eventually got a job. i also had three years of relevant part-time work experience while in grad school
This job hunter is in a city/town in the Southern US, and when asked if willing to move said,
yes, but only in the region
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
salary, job duties (are they interesting, what i’m trained for, etc), location
Where do you look for open positions?
archivesgig, libgig, local universities websites, indeed.com
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?
write cover letter, change resume as needed, prepare any other materials that may be required. takes several days
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
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 should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
shorten the process. waiting sucks.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
having an inside connection.
This survey was co-authored by Naomi House from I Need A Library Job – Do you need one? Check it out!
Hiring Librarians 