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, Archives, Federal Agencies, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience. This new grad/entry level applicant has internship/volunteering experience:
I never had to do unpaid work–I was lucky enough to find work in a library while doing my undergrad.
This job hunter is in an urban area, in the Mid-Atlantic US, other: and is willing to move, but only within the region..
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
1) Competitive salary.
2) Reasonable hours.
3) Less than a one hour communte.
Where do you look for open positions?
My current employer’s job list and the job lists at other regional universities.
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?
I can spend upwards of three hours per application and I think it is very important to specifically tailor each application to each job. Typically, I print off the job listing and then write in the margins how I fit the description. I then use those notes to write my cover letter and adjust my resume.
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
√ Other: I really, really hate lunch interviews…
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Advertise the salary! You are not going to attract talent if you refuse to disclose the salary range. Very few openings at my current employer list the salary and I simply refuse to apply to them.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Just communicate, please. I recently interviewed at a new institution and my interviewer told me that he would have a decision for me within the week. However, it was three weeks before they contacted me again. I wish that he had just emailed me saying that it would take longer than expected, instead of radio silence…
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 