Some questions are hard to answer truthfully, so for those I just do the best I can to be as truthful as possible

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, and School libraries, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience. This job hunter is in a city/town, in the Southern US, and when asked if willing to move, say

Maybe, but not too far.

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

To be in a school, for that school to be a high school, and for it to be full-time.

Where do you look for open positions?

List-servs, school district websites, SEFLIN, university websites, Indeed.com, private school websites, etc.

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?

Depends on the job. Usually I look at what’s required and then I look at what I already have in my file. I have a general template for most things that most jobs ask for. I then customize my materials to this position and then get it proofread before I read it over again and submit.

Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?

√ Other: Some questions are hard to answer truthfully, so for those I just do the best I can to be as truthful as possible

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)?

√ 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?

Well, an obvious answer would be to provide a high salary 🙂

But I’d say just be honest and fair and open. Not nepotism and nonsense.

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

Honesty, no BS-ing with people

What do you think is the secret to getting hired?

Knowing somebody

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!