I am at a loss as to why I am unable to land a full time position.

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, public and special libraries, at the following levels: entry level, requiring at least two years of experience. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:

Graduated 7 years ago 3.98
4 years public library
9 years academic library
5 years school library

This job hunter is in an rural area in the Southern US, and is not willing to relocate.

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Driving distance from my home.
A living wage.
Full-time.

Where do you look for open positions?

State Library website
MLIS school website
Linked in
ALA listserv
NCLA listserv
monster.com
networking
nearby county and local library 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?

I individualize a cover letter for each job application. It takes a day or two to get all the paperwork submitted and references briefed and notified that they may be contacted.

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
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

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

What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?

My personal pet peeve is when employers put you through the application process when they already have a candidate in mind (internal hire or otherwise). Please don’t waste my time.

They should contact references to get a feel for how talented and dependable a potential hire is. As well as looking at employment history and skill set.

What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?

Communication. When is the deadline for applications? When and how will I be notified if I am considered/not considered for a position.

What do you think is the secret to getting hired?

I have not been successful in getting hired. I have years of experience. I have excellent references. I have had my resume and interview technique reviewed by HR professionals and library directors and teachers. I am at a loss as to why I am unable to land a full time position. I will keep trying.

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!