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 less than six months This person is looking in public libraries, at the following levels: department head, senior librarian. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
I interned at a HS Media Center and the experience was great, but what really helped me land jobs was the fact that my internship gave me a great reference and the training I received when I was there.
This job hunter is in a city/town in the Southern US and is not willing to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
High Salary, Location, and Responsibilities
Where do you look for open positions?
listservs and local libraries’ websites
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?
Probably 2 hours or so. I update my resume, cover letter, and let my references know what I am applying for and why. If I get an interview then I put together a portfolio of things that I have done (flyers, programs, bookmarks, etc.) to take on the interview.
Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?
√ Yes
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
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Require several references
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Make the application process clear.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Kill them with kindness
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 