This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who has not been hired within the last two months, and has been looking for a new position for Less than six months. This person is looking in Academic libraries, Archives, and School libraries, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience, Supervisory. This new grad/entry level applicant has internship/volunteering experience at a court law library. This job hunter is in a city/town, in the Western US, and is not willing to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
creativity freedom
organized company
supportive team members
Where do you look for open positions?
cable network websites
school websites
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Other: Yes, It helps me decide if I want to apply or not
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
sometimes a day or more. I update my resume for that particular job, change certain statements on a cover letter, and use that info to help complete the application.
Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?
√ Yes
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 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?
Clearly describe what the tasks for that position entail, and what accomplishments they want from the new team member.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Not have 6-10 people in the interview. I was so nervous when I was interviewed by 10 people for 1 hours and during the interview some people left the room one by one… it was weird.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
smiles, and prepare to answer all questions asked.
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
maybe add a section where you ask “what’s the best advise that has been given to you”.
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!
Hiring Librarians 