Job Hunter Follow Up: Cristy Moran (year three)

Cristy Moran took the Job Hunter’s survey on January 4, 2013.

Her responses appeared as There is a “Black Hole” of Information After One Drops a Resume.

We followed up with her on December 9, 2013 and again on November 14, 2014.

Where are you now? What’s your work situation like, and what path did you take this last year?

At the start of 2015, I was midway through my second year as a FT library paraprofessional at Miami Dade College, Medical Campus. Simultaneously, positions opened up at two of the four Broward College campuses just north of Miami where I live. I applied to both positions and interviewed for both. In the end, I scored what I believe is the right one for me. In July 2015, I started at Broward College, North Campus. I am finally in the position I’ve been seeking: faculty librarian.

Looking at last year’s answers, have any of your attitudes changed?

I continue to think the job application process is incredibly difficult, nuanced, and dense. Who knows why I didn’t make it past the first interview at the same college in a very similar position at a different campus! I also continue to believe working hard and being industrious at any job helps you build relationships and skills that will inform the next job you get. Asserting your value in your current situation – whatever it may be – will prepare you for new opportunities and makes you marketable.

What’s your best advice for job hunters?

Diversify your skills. Keep an open mind both about the job descriptions you’re applying to and how you’ll present those diverse skills on both your resume and your interviews. Library positions are wildly nuanced, as is the industry. Consequently, the skills we develop and our professional experiences are highly transferrable outside the industry as well.

Anything else you want to share with us?

It’s easy to box ourselves into a chosen profession because that’s what our job is. And I mean this for any job in any field. The most successful I’ve been at any job I’ve had is when I’ve thought back to seemingly unrelated past experiences and considered them in context of my current responsibilities – or the job description of a position that I want. I’d like to encourage library job seekers to make those connections as well.

Cristy is willing to answer questions you post in the comments section.