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 Archives, Public libraries, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience. This new grad/entry level applicant has internship/volunteering experience:
I have been the only corporate librarian at an organization for the last two years. I also have experience through internships at archives and special libraries.
This job hunter is in an urban area, in the Northeastern US, and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
A commitment to serving a diverse set of users. A competitive salary and benefits package. A dedication to invest in staff’s professional development.
Where do you look for open positions?
Professional listservs, national and state association listservs, LinkedIn.
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 look over the job description and highlight areas that I am acquainted with. If I have had these responsibilities at a previous job/internship, I make sure to highlight that in my resume. If I do not have direct experience, I try to speak about educational background in these areas in my cover letter.
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
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
√ Meeting with HR to talk about benefits/salary
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
I love meeting employers at job fairs and encourage employers to attend. It is a great opportunity for candidates to get a feel for the culture of an organization and decide whether or not the organization is right for them.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Communication is key. When we are balancing other applications/interviews, it is good to know whether you are still in the running for a position.
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
I am a big believer that a good match in culture will likely lead to getting hired.
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 