The survey is very biased and makes a lot of assumptions.

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 Less than six months. This person is looking in Academic libraries, at the following levels: Department Head, Director/Dean. This job hunter is in a city/town, in the Southern US, and is willing to move anywhere.

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

supportive environment
innovative environment
commitment to supporting professional development

Where do you look for open positions?

Code4LIb Jobs, Chronicle for Higher Education, ALA division listserves

Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Other: I don’t expect to see it at the AD level and above, but I do for everything else below that level.

What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?

Research the institution, research the library, make contacts with people I might know at the library, write cover letter tailored to values and job requirements, have colleagues review letter, submit application.

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?

√ Email

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
√ Being taken out to meal
√ Meeting department members/potential co-workers
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary

What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?

Recruit, not just wait for people to apply.

What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?

I don’t find it painful. It’s just as much of me interviewing them as they interviewing me.

What do you think is the secret to getting hired?

Having a good understanding of what the hiring institution wants, and being a good fit. Exceeding their expectations.

Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?

The survey is very biased and makes a lot of assumptions. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see the results of the survey.

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!