Sylvia Bly took the Job Hunter’s survey on January 4, 2013.
Her responses appeared as Security, Wage, Satisfaction. Then we followed up with her on December 30, 2013.
What’s your current work situation?
Graduated, Employed Full Time
What’s your ideal work situation?
Working 40 hrs/wk, close to home, special library in a corporate situation
And how does your current situation differ from your ideal situation?
This position is more like a clerical position, in that I mainly do print requests, file, and the like. I have zero interaction with the public, which is nice, but it does have a downside when you are trying to keep up with the upcoming trends and what people are looking for. But for the most part, it simply is not challenging enough. Not enough variety in the day.
Your Job Hunt
What kinds of jobs are you currently applying for?
Any position meeting my degree, experience and background. Does not have to be in a library environment, as I have a lot of experience in various business areas.
In your job hunt, approximately how many positions have you applied to? How many interviews have you gone on?
Perhaps five to ten a month. I have gone on five interviews in the past six months or so. Since I’m mostly satisfied with my position at the moment, I’m only applying to positions that I’m really interested in.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle in your job hunt? How are you working to overcome it?
Trying to get a full time position vs a part time position. Full time is practically non-existent in the library world. You cannot really work to overcome that type of obstacle, so your best bet is to diversify and apply to other areas other than the library world.
Have there been any major changes in your job hunting strategy? Are you doing anything differently than from when we last heard from you?
No. In fact, the job market seems to be picking up, which is a great sign!
State of the Job Market
What was your favorite interview question? What was the worst?
Favorite? What are your strengths? Least? Behavior questions. I hate behavior questions!
Has job hunting been a positive or negative experience, for the most part?
I would have to say positive. Even though the interview process is frustrating, it gives you good practice for the “one” that you will eventually land.
Would you change your answer to “what’s the secret to getting hired”?
Not for the most part. Make sure you network! You never know who might know whom!
Anything else you want to tell us?
I have been pretty pleased with my current position at Wayne State, except for the compensation. I have learned a lot in my year and a half here, finding out about the hierarchy of the university. So I am currently watching, and waiting for the right opportunity to come my way!
Hiring Librarians 