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 More than 18 months. This person is looking in Academic libraries, Archives, Public libraries, and Special libraries, at the following levels: Entry level. This new grad/entry level applicant has internship/volunteering experience:
I interned for six months at an archives/special collections that was part of an academic library. I have about 2 weeks of experience as a library clerk.
This job hunter is in a suburban area, in the Northeastern US, and is willing to move within the East Coast.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Good work environment/friendly co-workers
Close to home
Where do you look for open positions?
QC Listserv, INALJ, ALA Joblist, Metro, LILRC, Indeed.com
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ No (even if I might think it *should* be)
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
I have a resume and a cover letter written. I will adjust the cover letter depending on the job description. I can spend between 20 minutes to an hour on it.
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?
Accurately describe the position in the ad. I have applied to several jobs I felt qualified for only to receive an email stating that I did not meet certain qualifications (though these were not originally in the job posting).
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Not beat around the bush about a time to meet. I have gone back and forth with several hiring commitees about dates and times. Never did they suggest a date/time and when I would make a suggestion it would be shot down and when I said I could meet a their convienence I was told to submit a date/time that worked for me.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Nepotism. Or luck. Sheer luck-I was interviewed and as I was leaving one of the librarians came after me to ask me to meet with the college President because they wanted me to start the following week.
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 