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 six months to a year. This person is looking in academic libraries at the following levels: requiring at least two years of experience, supervisory, department head, senior librarian.
This job hunter is in a city/town, in Midwestern US and is willing to move to specific locations/regions.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
In my area of interest; location; “fit” of the institution
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA Joblist, listservs, state association website
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?
Depends on my interest in the job. If I am very interested in the position, I will spend a good deal of time writing the cover letter/supplementary materials, having it read for content and grammar by 1-2 people, and revising as needed. Probably ~5 hours total. If I am only moderately interested, but feel the position is still worth pursuing to a minor degree, 1-2 hours, tops.
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?
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Be clear on expectations of the position in the description and requirements
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Timely feedback/responses…don’t leave people hanging
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Personality and competence; though for getting an interview, knowing someone at the institution is a huge leg-up.
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!
