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, at the following levels: Entry level, Requiring at least two years of experience. This job hunter is in a suburban area, in the Western US, and is willing to move anywhere.
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
A sense of fulfillment, or somewhere where I feel like I am able to help people or make a difference
A salary I can live on
Where do you look for open positions?
INALJ
ALA Joblist
State professional association joblists
Government joblists
Websites for specific cities or counties
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 “default” cover letter and resume that I update to highlight qualifications and skills mentioned in the job ad. 1/2-2 hours depending on the job.
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 tell me if I have or have not been selected to move on to the interview stage
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me
How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?
√ Phone for good news, email for bad news
Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?
√ 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?
Be very clear about your expectations and needs, if a skill is needed don’t put __ preferred. I don’t want to waste your time or mine if my not having that skill is going to rule me out.
What should employers do to make the hiring process less painful?
Keep applicants informed during the selection process
What do you think is the secret to getting hired?
Either knowing someone on the selection committee or having something unique in your application to make you stand out
Do you have any comments, or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?
No, this was great
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 