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 Six months to a year. This person is looking in Academic libraries, Public libraries and Special libraries, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience, Supervisory, Senior Librarian. This new grad/entry level applicant has internship/volunteering experience:
I had a very positive internship experience at Johnson & Wales before I graduated. My supervisors allowed me to attend meetings with other libraries, and experiment with instructional tools and chat reference. Soon I will be volunteering at a local historical society for archiving and historical library experience.
This job hunter is in a rural area, in the Northeastern US, and isHoping to stay in S. New England.
Where do you look for open positions?
OLIS Jobline, Massachusetts Board of Library Commisioners, Connecticut Library Jobs, HigherEd Jobs
Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Only for certain kinds of employers
What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?
I have a resume that is pre-designed, which I customize for certain positions, same with a cover letter. I usually spend no more than an hour preparing an 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
√ 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
What do you think employers should do to get the best candidates to apply?
Communicate with your local library school to set up PFE programs and set up a relationship with interns who might want to apply for jobs at your library
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 