This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has 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, and public libraries, at the following levels: entry level. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
I interned at the Brooklyn Public Library in the youth wing from Sept, 2012 to Dec 2012. I am also working as a part-time librarian at a public library in the Hamptons in the children’s department.
This job hunter is in a suburban area in the Northeastern US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Children’s or YA departments in a public library
Job security
Set hours
Where do you look for open positions?
I’m on the Queens College Listserv, The LIU Listserv, INALJ, ALA Joblist and Metro Job Postings
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 a cover letter and resume saved, I change the name of the library and position and try to include skills they are asking for in my cover letter. Depending if there is an application or not – it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour to apply.
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 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
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
In this job market I’m not sure if it matters. I think they shoud interview many people, because meeting in person is very different from seeing someones qualifications on paper.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Make the interviewee feel comfortable from the get go and be honest with them – what are they looking for, the hours, the responsibilities…
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
A good personality, willing to go above and beyond, dress for success, things in common with the hiring supervisor.
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 