Job Hunter Follow Up: Nicole Usiondek

Nicole Usiondek took the Job Hunter’s survey on December 29, 2012.  Her responses appeared as Be Very Clear on What the Minimum Requirements are for the Position.

Your Background

How long has it been since you got your library degree?

2.5 years

How many years of library work experience do you have?

5 years

How many years of work experience outside of libraries do you have?

10

Your Job Hunt

How long did it take you before you found your job?

20 months

How many positions did you apply to?

I didn’t keep track – that would be depressing!

How many interviews did you go on?

15

What was your work situation while you were job hunting?

Out of school working full time out of the field and part time in the field.

Were you volunteering anywhere?

Everywhere I could.

Did you travel for interviews? If so, who paid?

I did travel and I used my own dime.

Did you decline any offers?

Once because I was offered a part time position and the other part time position was temporary.

Your Job

What’s your new job?

Law Librarian

Is your job full or part time? Permanent or temporary?

Full time and permanent.

Did you relocate? If so, who paid?

Yes, I paid most and they paid some.

How did you find the listing for your job?

I Need a Library Job – Michigan

Did you meet all of the required qualifications? How many of the desired qualifications?

Yes, most.

What was the application process like? How many interviews did you do?

Very fast. One phone interview and one Skype interview.

How did you prepare for the interviews?

I reviewed my skill set and then I looked into the company and learned about it.

Did you know anyone in the organization that hired you?

No.

Is your job commensurate with your skills, experience and expectations?

Yes, and it also allows professional growth.

Is the pay scale higher or lower than you were looking for?

Lower but with room to grow.

What do you think was the biggest obstacle in your job hunt? How did you overcome it?

I think it is standing out from the crowd. I think it is so important to match the culture, so I overcame it by being myself.

What set you apart from the other applicants? Why did they hire you?

I was told it was because I had worked as a paralegal in my past career and because I volunteer for INALJ.

State of the Job Market

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve seen on a job announcement?

5 years experience for entry level.

What was your favorite interview question? What was the worst?

I like discussing goals, so anything that pertains to goals. The worst is, “Why are you applying to a non-professional role?”

Any good horror stories for us?

I interviewed for a librarian role and was offered a receptionist position that paid less than my current role.

Has job hunting been a positive or negative experience, for the most part?

I would say positive. I learned a lot about the field and myself. I also met some wonderful people.

Would you change your answer to “what’s the secret to getting hired”?

No, I think it’s important to stay positive and be yourself.

Anything else you want to tell us?

Just remember to smile.

If you took the Job Hunter’s Survey some time in the last year and are interested in doing a follow-up, even anonymously, please contact me at hiringlibrarians AT gmail.