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 and public libraries, at the following levels: entry level.
This job hunter is in an city/town in the Midwestern US and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Benefits, salary, location
Where do you look for open positions?
Alma mater listserv, INALJ, specific job sites (RAILS), indeed.com
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Other: Yes
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
Review resume and cover letter, tailor to job description/requirements. Typically I spend 45-60 minutes per application.
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 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?
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
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Offer competitive benefits and salary.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Send notices even if prospective candidates aren’t picked for an interview.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Relevant experience.
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!
