This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is not currently employed, has been hired within the last two months, and has been looking for a new position for less than six months.. This person is looking in academic libraries, archives, media organizations and special libraries, at the following levels: entry level and requiring at least two years of experience., Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
I’ve had several years of library experience in various positions, and have interned with a film archive and art gallery.
This job hunter is in an urban area, in the Northeastern US and is not willing to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
1. A job that uses the skills and experiences I’ve gained in my academic and professional career so far.
2. A position that offers an opportunity for growth in the organization (ideally).
3. An environment that is challenging and fulfilling.
Where do you look for open positions?
Indeed and Idealist mostly
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 spend a few hours on preparation for an application packet. I edit my resume to use terminology or wording in the advertisement and write individual cover letters for each application.
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
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
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
I think they should offer competitive salaries and acknowledge the needs of the candidates.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
I don’t think the process should take longer than a couple of weeks from the initial interview to make a final decision.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Who you know and luck.
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
I love this site. It’s so helpful. Thank you!
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 