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, public, school, and special libraries, and library vendors/service providers at the following levels: entry level, requiring at least two years of experience. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
I have and still am volunteering for a medical library in an urban setting.
This job hunter is in an urban area in the Midwestern US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Good Location, Good wages, Good, diverse environment
Where do you look for open positions?
MICHLIB listserv, LinkedIn, The Library Network
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 have no specific routine. I prepare the application based off my resume and other information the application needs. I spend about 30 minutes on it.
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
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 with HR to talk about benefits/salary
√ Being able to present
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Specifically say what kind of skills they expect from prospective employees and have alternative positions to offer.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Stop asking unnecessary background questions
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Being enthusiastic during an interview, and presenting yourself as the best candidate for the employer.
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!
