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 less than six months. This person is looking in academic and special libraries, for a senior librarian position.
This job hunter is in a city/town in the Southern US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
supportive management (not micromanagement), reasonable funding for professional development (conferences) and non-tenure
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA Joblist, USA jobs, various listservs
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
reread CV to make certain that I have included any recent State or National conferences, special projects, etc. then attach, along with transcripts. Spend an hour or more tailoring cover letter before attaching
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 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)?
√ Tour of facility
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Being able to present
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
post salary range
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
none come to mind
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!
