This post originally appeared on February 17, 2013. We are posting a follow up with Ms. Schuldner in just a few minutes.
Dina Schuldner is a recent graduate of Queens College, holding an MA and an MLS. She is an Adult Reference Librarian assisting in Young Adult and Children’s Services at Mineola Memorial Library, in Nassau County, NY. Ms. Schuldner was hired within the last three months, but previously had been job hunting for less than six months, looking in public libraries for entry level positions. Here is what she has to say regarding her internship/volunteering experience:
As a paid library page at Mineola Memorial Library, also attending library school, I was permitted during my off hours to be trained by the librarians on the staff. During that time, I was taught computer systems, weeding, purchasing, reader’s advisory, programming, etc. I did that for about a year.
She is in a suburban area in the Northeastern US, and does not anticipate moving but will do if necessary. She is a member of ALA, RUSA, YALSA, ALSC, and NCLA (Nassau County Library Association). She can be contacted on Twitter (@DinaSchuldner), or on LinkedIn.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Working in a public library, in the same county where I live, as a librarian.
Where do you look for open positions?
Professional Listserv, Nassau County Civil Service
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 have an online portfolio whose link I include on my resume, which I send via paper or email in response to job postings.
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
How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?
√ Other: In person
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ Other: Determining what type of professional service I’m expected to provide.
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
“Best” means fitting the organization’s needs. Therefore, they should be specific in the job announcement about exactly what would be required of the librarian.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Allow the applicant to have some say in the time and day of the interview.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Being flexible enough to work in any environment with all types of personalities. The Renaissance person.
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
A question you could ask is what interview styles candidates have experienced in their job search, and how they accommodated themselves to the interviewer in order to get the job they got.
This survey was co-authored by Naomi House from I Need A Library Job – Do you need one? Check it out!
Hiring Librarians 