This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has been hired within the last two months, and has been looking for a new position for less than six months. This person is looking in public libraries and museums, at the following levels: entry level, requiring at least two years of experience, supervisory. Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:
I had two internships (one in a special library and one at a museum) while pursuing my MLIS. I also worked at a public library while in school.
This job hunter is in an urban area in the Midwestern US and is willing to move almost anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
A location I can live with, a wage that will allow me to eat more than ramen noodles, and benefits.
Where do you look for open positions?
inalj.com, local/regional library job boards, websites of libraries or institutions that i am interested in
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?
This depends. I have some cover letters I switch around for specific positions. If I am really interested in a job I will write a fresh cover letter. I probably an hour to three hours if there are pre-interview questions included. I also update my resume every couple months or so.
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?
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?
Offer more than $12/hour for a position that requires a Master’s degree.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Timely replies! Acknowledge that they have received my application, cut down on hostile language in the application process which I see this mostly in online applications by governmental municipalities.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Its a combination of luck and past experience.
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
Tell a job hunting horror story!
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 