Your Demographics and Search Parameters
How long have you been job hunting?
√ Less than six months
Why are you job hunting?
√ I want to work at a different type of library/institution
√ Because I’m worried about a possible recession
√ Other: looking for new challenges
Where do you look for open positions?
Canada’s Partnership Job Board
What position level are you looking for?
√ Supervisory
√ Department Head
√ Senior Librarian
√ Director/Dean
What type(s) of organization are you looking in?
√ Academic library
√ Public library
What part of the world are you in?
√ Canada
What’s your region like?
√ Urban area
Are you willing/able to move for employment?
√ No
What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?
clear responsibilities, work-life balance, collaborative environment
How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)
two
What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?
√ Pay well
√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits
√ Introducing me to staff
√ Having a good reputation
√ Funding professional development
√ Prioritizing EDI work
√ Prioritizing work-life balance
Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?
√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not
The Process
How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?
2-3 hours
What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?
review cv – make any relevant updates, take cover letter and match to job posting with relevant experience
How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?
When would you like potential employers to contact you?
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me
How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?
1- 4 months
How do you prepare for interviews?
make a list of questions to ask the panel, take the posting and breakdown into possible questions around experience, update examples of typical questions (ex “tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor”)
What are your most hated interview questions, and why?
anything unrelated to the position (hobbies, what I’m reading)
During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:
- Submitted an application and got no response √ Not Applicable
- Had an interview and never heard back √ Not Applicable
- Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ Not Applicable
- Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
- Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
- Turned down an offer √ Not Applicable
If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?
obvious mismatch of values, was promoted in the meantime, job was obviously chaotic and a bad work environment
What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?
clear timelines ex – we expect to interview xxx, or after an interview “we hope to have the process wrapped up by”
You and Your Well-Being
How are you doing, generally?
√ I’m optimistic
What are your job search self-care strategies?
only apply for jobs I can see myself doing and enjoying
Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?
I’m a mid-career library manager looking for a change with a lot of hiring experience – I’d share that if timelines are going longer than expected it might be due to illness, something occurring with the union, not being able to track down references, etc. Also, interviews are two ways – you want to know that it would be a good fit for you as much as we want to know if you would be a good fit for us. I find that my hiring experience is helping with my current job search
Job Hunting Post Graduate School
If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)
2012
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?
√ After graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?
√ Less than six months after graduating
What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?
√ Full Time
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?
we had mock interviews, resume workshops, co-ops and more. (but this was awhile ago)
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?
I was a lucky outlier in that I had skills, experience and interest in a growth area when I graduated. I’d recommend students and new grads look at library websites to see what is happening strategically and how they might fit in those frameworks (ex interest in Reconciliation, community outreach, DEI)
Hiring Librarians 