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 More than 18 months. This person is looking in Academic libraries, Archives, Public libraries, School libraries, and Special libraries, at the following levels: Entry level. This job hunter is in a city/town, in the Western US, other: and is willing not to move.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Friendly and supportive staff, training opportunities, and room for growth
Where do you look for open positions?
Academic, library district, city and county websites
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Other: Only for certain kinds of employers
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
I update my cover letter and resume to highlight my qualifications; I try to have all my information prepared in a day or two. Some electronic applications do not allow you to stop and save your information, so you have to be prepared to finish it once you’ve started.
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?
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me
How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?
√ Phone
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Your resume tells the employer what they need to know about you professionally; cover letters, required essays, and interviews are opportunities to show them who you are personally and what they can expect in a peer. Let your personality shine.
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 