This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has 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 public libraries, at the following levels:Librarian I. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
I worked as a trainee at a Public Library for a little more than 3 years. I was on the Nassau County Civil Service Librarian I list and I received a letter from a local Public Library and said I was interested. I was called for an interview and I was selected for the position. I start on January 21 as a full time Children’s Librarian.
This job hunter is in an city/town in the Northeastern US and is not willing to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Full time
Location
Hours
Where do you look for open positions?
I am subscribed to listservs, so I receive emails. I also on the Nassau County Civil Service Librarian I list.
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?
I already have copies of my resume printed and ready to be used when needed.
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
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary
:
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Be clear when explaining the job duties. Make sure the candidate has experience.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Communicate. Let people who apply know what is going on. Keep them informed, so they are not sitting around wondering if they are ever going to be notified of anything.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Be yourself and be honest and whatever is meant to be will be.
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
I really enjoyed taking this survey. I think all the questions were very good!
Good luck with getting 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!
Hiring Librarians 