This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is not 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 more than 18 months. This person is looking in academic, archives, library vendors/service providers, public, school, and special libraries, at the following levels: entry level, requiring at least two years of experience, supervisory, department head, branch manager, director/dean.
This job hunter is in a rural area in the Midwestern US and is not willing or able to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Close to my home, good salary, good benefits
Where do you look for open positions?
Jobs in Indiana Libraries, ALA Joblist, Library Jobs Board RAILS Illinois, Library Jobs IL Heartland System, School Personnel Job Bank IN, Benton Community Schools, Indianapolis Public Library, Tippecanoe County Public Library, Purdue Research Foundation
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?
I’ve written so many cover letters, I don’t spend more that 10 – 15 minutes.
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
√ 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
√ 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?
Be very specific about what you are looking for in a new employee. Be specific about what the job is about.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Let me know that I didn’t make the interview cut ASAP.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
It’s who you know.
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!
