This post first appeared on 12/17/2013. A Year Two follow up with Ms. Hawkins will post in just a few minutes.
At the time of completing this survey (January 2013), Amber Hawkins was currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), had not been hired within the last two months, and had been looking for a new position for a year to 18 months. Ms. Hawkins was looking in Academic libraries, Archives, and Public libraries, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience, and Supervisory. She was in a city/town in the Midwestern US, and was willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
1) Position
2) Location
3) Pay/Job Requirements
Where do you look for open positions?
1) ALA Joblist
2) LinkedIn
3) INALJ
4) Indeed
5) USA Jobs
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 acknowledge my application
√ 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 should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Be more forthcoming about requirements, salary, and whether or not applicants will get notification.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Being in the city and having the requirements.
This survey was co-authored by Naomi House from I Need A Library Job – Do you need one? Check it out!
Hiring Librarians 