be professional, friendly, and open to what’s thrown at you during the interview process.

Meredith McGovern earned her MLIS from Drexel University in 2009, and has since been steadily employed in the private, non-library sector. However, she always keeps her eyes open for jobs within the library and information world. She says,

I am passionate about reader advisory, equal access to information, and any kind of research & reference work. I pride myself on being organized and my skills as a multi-tasker, something that helps in any job. I’m the friend who everyone goes to for “What should I read next?” advice and I’m always thrilled when someone loves what I’ve recommended.

Ms. McGovern is looking in Academic libraries, Library vendors/service providers, Public libraries and Special libraries, at the entry level. Here is how she describes her internship/volunteering experience:

Volunteered with the Internet Public Library as a graduate student. Also assisted a children’s librarian in my local public library with story-time and other duties.

Ms. McGovern lives in an urban area in the Northeastern US and is not willing to move.
You can learn more about her on LinkedIn .

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

Stable environment, potential for career growth, and continuing education reimbursement.

Where do you look for open positions?

ALA Joblist, local universities, LinkedIn.

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?

I spend about 15-20 minutes preparing, which is only so short because I like to keep the common application packet items nearby and in “template” status. First, I’ll look over my resume and make sure it’s as up to date as it can be, adding any new skills or items I feel are of interest. I’ll then prepare a cover letter explaining my interest in the job, some basic information about me, and my job and education experiences.

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

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)?

√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary

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

Give a date by which all applications are due and from that point, single out the best candidates for the job to move onto the interview process.

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

Be in touch with candidates! Not hearing back or receiving any acknowledgment seems to be the norm with employers.

What do you think is the secret to getting hired?

Presenting yourself as the most qualified candidate, with the skills required to do the job, but also making sure to be professional, friendly, and open to what’s thrown at you during the interview process.

For some context, take a look at the most recently published summary of responses.

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!