This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is not 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 More than 18 months. This person is looking in Academic libraries, Public libraries, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience. This new grad/entry level applicant has internship/volunteering experience:
Though I am entry level from a library standpoint, I am a seasoned professional (read that as middle-aged and displaced) with experience in museum marketing and programs, as well as community college curriculum development. I have had no library related internships.
This job hunter is in a city/town in the Southern US and is not willing to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Stability. Opportunities to learn. Ability to advance.
Where do you look for open positions?
Though I look at listings from professional sites, I find most postings by routinely checking the job postings at the websites of colleges, universities, and government institutions.
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?
Resume and cover letter tweaked for that specific position. Careful research of the company, and department heads if information is out there. (If I can find out from someone’s Facebook page that we have some interests in common (a particular hobby, sport’s team, charity, professional affiliation, etc) I will try and fit it in to my letter if appropriate. Preparing and applying for each job can take hours.
Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?
√ Other: I’ve never lied or exaggerated but I have left off many things, especially items that would reveal my age.
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
√ Other: The hiring process can sometimes take a month or more. The trend is towards less communication, but because of these potential delays, more communication is needed.
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
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Be very candid in the job posting on exact qualification required. Vagueness attracts many applicants who are not certain whether they are qualified or not.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Provide as much information as possible. Communicate regularly. Ask interview questions that are meaningful instead of canned behavioral questions that only test our ability to memorize the proper answers. Part of knowing whether we are good fit for the job is in getting to know managers and coworkers.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
If I knew this answer I wouldn’t be looking for a job, now would I?
For some context, take a look at the most recently published summary of responses.
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 