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 academic libraries and library vendors/service providers, at the following levels: requiring at least two years of experience, supervisory, department head.
This job hunter is in an suburban area in the Mid-Atlantic US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Great colleagues who are inspiring and collaborative
An institution that values creativity and innovation
Support for growth of employees (professional development
Where do you look for open positions?
Every day I find new places, but mostly online lists and listservs with a few association web sites.
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 generally update my information every few months and spend at least 2 hours researching the institution, drafting a letter, and customizing CVs. As an academic library, if an institution wants to see a teaching statement or other supporting materials, that increases the time spent.
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
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me
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)?
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary
√ Other: opportunities to ask questions of as many people as possible.
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
I think the best advertising institutions can do is to support their staff’s involvement in professional development. I know that the institutions I admire most are largely because of the public presence in the field of people who work there. It’s really all about peoplein the end.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Knowing someone is always helpful, but you still need to clearly articulated materials that show not only your experience, but how it works with that specific institution (not just the job). showing that you are interested in a specific institution and profession, not just job, is what makes people stand out.
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 