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 Public libraries, at the following levels: Supervisory, Department Head, Branch Manager. This job hunter is in a city/town, in the Western US, and is not willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
Stability
Salary range
Job duties
Where do you look for open positions?
local agency websites , that’s about it.
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 take as long as needed . There is no race for good work , you take as much time as needed. In addition, I have been known to contact HR directly if the job description does not outline some of my questions, very important in deciding if this is the poistion i wish to apply for.
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?
√ Phone
√ Phone for good news, email for bad news
√ Other: all of the above use every method possible.
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?
that is not something that can be defined, you can list all requirements i.e. dream list and still not get the apllicant you are seeking.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Personally communicate with potential candidates, call after the interviews make sure it does not drag on for months without the candidate being aware of the process. Advise candidates that it make take up to
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Just be yourself, if the job is for you you will prevail.
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!
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