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 libraries, at the following levels: supervisory, department head, senior librarian, branch manager, and director/dean.
This job hunter is in an suburban area in Northeastern US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Job responsibilities, location, salary
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA Joblist, Libgig, Chronicle for Higher Education,
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?
Read the job description, adjust cover letter appropriately, as many jobs usually just ask for cover letter, resume, and references. I usually spend about 1.5 hours. But, there are also times when you jobs call for just cover letter, resume, and references only to find out that you have to fill out a regular application later one, which can take up to an hour.
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 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
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Make it clear the expectation and job description. Several times I have been to interviews only to find that job duties and responsibilities have changed or the job posted is being pushed in another direction.
Also, perhaps have a more defined presentation topic.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Be upfront of the expectations, salary, duties, etc. Also, make presentation topic relevant to the job advertised.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Confidence, preparation, presenting yourself effectively
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!
