This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has not 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 academic and public libraries, at entry level. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
3 years as a tech services assistant, 1 year pre-graduation reference work in 2 separate positions
This job hunter is in an urban area in the Midwestern US and is willing to move (“but the thought is a bit scary for me”).
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
- Full time
- Salary competitive with similar jobs in the area
- Proximity/ease of commute
Where do you look for open positions?
RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System) Job Board, INALJ, LisList, individual library websites
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Yes
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
I tailor my cover letter and resume to include the qualifications each specific library is looking for (as long as I meet them) in a way that I think will help me stand out to employers. I usually spend about half an hour on the packet.
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?
√ Other: Any
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
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Communication of receipt of application as well as a working timeline of interviewing and hiring.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
I have no idea.
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 