This originally posted on January 22, 2014. A year two follow up will post in just a few moments.
Ryan Dreier took the Job Hunter’s survey on December 31, 2012 . His responses appeared as Appeal to Library Schools.
Your Background
How long has it been since you got your library degree?
Zero, I will obtain in May 2014
How many years of library work experience do you have?
Zero, some volunteer experience. I have an internship at an academic library lined up for Spring Semester.
How many years of work experience outside of libraries do you have?
Eight, four years for a large non-profit working in volunteer services, four years providing personal care to individuals with developmental disabilities.
How old are you?
Turned 30 this year.
What’s your current work situation?
In school on a part time basis, employed full time.
Are you volunteering anywhere?
Not currently
Your Job Hunt
How long have you been job hunting at this point?
18 months
What kinds of jobs are you currently applying for?
Library jobs, preferably academic. Looking to relocate to the Chicago area.
Approximately how many positions have you applied to?
Honestly, not many 6 to 10, not all of them with libraries.
Approximately how many interviews have you gone on?
Two, one in person, one phone
How do you prepare for interviews?
I’ll review 101 Great Answers to Interview Questions. I’m try to remain relaxed, I get so anxious that I have a hard time communicating and answer interview questions. Sometimes I’ll do a google search and read through indeed articles.
Have you traveled for interviews? If so, who paid?
Yes, I did.
Have you declined any offers?
No
What do you think is the biggest obstacle in your job hunt? How are you working to overcome it?
1. Not having any experience
2. Really looking for a full time position, but I have applied for part time positions
State of the Job Market
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve seen on a job announcement?
Basically the job announcement talked about a retirement at the library which was the reason for the opening and that the applicant would have big shoes to fill, they would also need how to say no?
What was your favorite interview question? What was the worst?
Least favorite: Why should we hire you?
Has job hunting been a positive or negative experience, for the most part?
Hmmmm, I struggle with this. I’m trying to stay positive. I been fortunate to have some calls without actually completing my degree this spring, so I’m hoping that I’ll be presented with more opportunities at that point.
Would you change your answer to “what’s the secret to getting hired”?
I don’t think I would change it, though I would add that it’s important to stay positive and keep trying.
If you took the Job Hunter’s Survey some time in the last year and are interested in doing a follow-up, even anonymously, please contact me at hiringlibrarians AT gmail.
Hiring Librarians 