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 more than 18 months. This person is looking in public libraries, at the following levels: entry level or
any library job
Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
Interned one semester in school
This job hunter is in an urban area in the Western US, and says:
my husband cannot move
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Full time, permanent, pay.
Where do you look for open positions?
indeed.com, ALA job list, lisjobs.com
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Only for certain kinds of employers
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
Gather resume, cover letters, transcripts and customize. Write essays if application requires it. 2-4 hours per application
Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?
√ Other: omission of degree
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?
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
√ Other: Interview process.
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Consider potential and enthusiasm over desired skills and experience. Offer promotional opportunities or encourage career development.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Improve communication on status and be more transparent. Be less demanding as far as asking for too many qualifications.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Networking, knowing someone, standing out from the crowd by having desirable skills. Having a lot of interview experience
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 