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 a year to 18 months. This person is looking in academic, public, school, and prison libraries, at the following levels: entry level.
This job hunter is in an rural area in the Western US and is willing to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
A salary that’s not insulting to my education and experience.
Location where I’d like to live.
Institution where I’d like to work.
Where do you look for open positions?
ALA Joblist
libgig.com
edjoin.org (for school library jobs)
calopps.org
lisjobs.commainly websites
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not
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 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)?
√ Tour of facility
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Be friendly and honest. Give timeline of what the process will be and when a decision will be made.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
I wish I knew!
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!
