Author Archives: Emily@HiringLibrarians

by | May 11, 2024 · 11:00 am

“Being able to answer questions while using a system doesn’t mean a candidate will be a good fit for the organization or the position.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Less than six months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ My current job is awful/toxic 

Where do you look for open positions?  

ALA JobList, GovernmentJobs, PNW JobList

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Requiring at least two years of experience

√ Supervisory

√ Department Head

√ Senior Librarian 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Public library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Northeastern US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area

√ Suburban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, to a specific list of places

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Healthy work/life balance, competitive pay, healthy work culture

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

5

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 

√ 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 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Requiring applicants to fill out multiple essay questions or perform other forms of free labor before making it through the first screen (one or two questions make sense, more than that makes me think the employer is overbearing or out of touch), repeat postings for multiple positions or the same position in a short amount of time, online applications that are challenging to use (can’t copy and paste answers for essay question fields without getting an error message, etc…)

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

3-10 hours depending on the application

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

I look at the job description and essay questions, answer the questions, update my resume and cover letter, have others proofread everything, fill out the online application, upload my resume and cover letter, and submit the packet.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Phone for good news, email for bad news 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ 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?

Four to six weeks.

How do you prepare for interviews?

Researching the organization and community via websites and social media, researching the government structure of the community, reviewing the job description, writing down the organization’s mission and values and my own values.

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Any behavioral questions that require a “system” to answer (for example STAR) in order to “pass” the interview. Being able to answer questions while using a system doesn’t mean a candidate will be a good fit for the organization or the position.

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 √ I don’t know 
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage  √ Happened once 
  • Turned down an offer √ Happened once 

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

I accepted an offer elsewhere

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

There were too many red flags with the organization and they wanted me to relocate sooner than I would have been able to. 

If you want to share a great, inspirational, funny,  horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

I can’t think of anything specific!

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Be respectful of our time and don’t require candidates to perform large amounts of free labor before they make it through the first screen.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m maintaining

√ I’m somewhat depressed 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Since I am currently employed, I only apply for jobs that feel like a really good fit for me. I don’t worry about jobs that sounds interesting but require a ton of upfront essay writing. I give myself lots of time off front job searching. I have a therapist that I work with every week. I allow myself a lot of downtime.

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?

Don’t waste your time on applications that only might be a good fit. Put your effort into jobs that you really want (spend more hours on one application instead of firing off 10 iffy jobs). 

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?)

2021

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ I was actually hired before I graduated 

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)?

Yes! Interview practice sessions.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

I was willing to move for my first job out of grad school and that made my job hunting a lot easier.

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by | May 10, 2024 · 11:00 am

Further Questions: What advice do you have for new MLIS holders?

Oh hey! Every month or so, I ask a question to a group of people who hire library and LIS workers. 

If you have questions you think I should ask, if you’d like to be someone who responds to questions, or if you have any other thoughts and feelings please shoot me an email at hiringlibrarians AT gmail.

This month’s question is:

We are nearing Spring graduation time. What advice do you have for new MLIS holders? I’m thinking both about their first post-MLIS job hunt, and in future career moves?

Dr. John Sandstrom, College Professor and Acquisitions Librarian, New Mexico State University Library:

Geographic flexibility is critical, not only for your first job but throughout your career. If you live in a place with an MLS/MLIS program, there is going to be a lot of competition for whatever jobs are available. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and try another part of the country/world.

Headshot of Kellee

Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian, North Liberty Community Library: As a recent MLIS graduate (Iowa ’23) who also has an active role in hiring and onboarding staff, the one piece of advice I can give is to job shadow a variety of libraries before committing to one. This is useful because it allows you a sneak peek into the differences between a public library versus an academic library versus a business library, etc. If you are committed to a particular library type, begin your job search by speaking with current librarians in the same field. Connect with your fellow graduates and find out who they are networking with as well. Subscribe to library listservs to be up-to date on upcoming webinars and events to learn more about librarianship so that you are better prepared for entering the workforce.

Anonymous: I would recommend that once graduated, it is important firstly to celebrate that achievement in whatever way is most applicable to the MLIS holder.  As for the first job hunt, it really depends what is available, in which state/country.  Some countries have better job markets than others.  Where jobs are plentiful, I recommend applying for a job that you are most interested in, that appeals to your values and where you feel you can make a real difference.  Even if the job does not appeal to your values, if you can make a difference there, that may also be worth applying for.  Where jobs are scarce, I recommend applying for a job that provides good foundational training and / or mentoring for new graduates.  Public and academic libraries are a good place to start your career and learn a lot about the profession, whereas small specialist libraries are just that and may limit transferability later.  In some jurisdictions Graduate placements are available which provide good experience and training.  It goes without saying that unless you have extensive experience, it is not advisable to apply to Mid or Senior level positions.  For future career moves, good experience counts and individual contributions.

Celia is running across the finish line of the Clarence Demar Half Marathon

Celia Rabinowitz, Assistant Vice-President for Academic Engagement and Director of Mason Library, Keene State College: My advice for new MLS holders: I think it is important both to recognize what may limit you (geography, starting salary, etc.) and where you may have flexibility. If you are able to consider jobs in lots of different locations, do that. Not everyone can. Try to be realistic about the salary you desire, what you need at minimum, and what you see out there. That’s a hard one. At my college, librarians are faculty and enter making the minimum stipulated in the faculty union contract (well, they would if we could actually hire anyone). Librarians at nearby private colleges and public libraries are not making nearly as much.

You don’t need to have any long term goals in place if you are early in your career. I never thought about being a library director until I was asked to take on the job and I have spent 2/3 of my career in library administration. If you are someone who wants to set goals and milestones go for it. If you find a job that you love and decide it’s where you want to stay, good for you! There is no one way, or right way, to have a career working in libraries. Make the moves that are right for you which could mean taking a job with more responsibility, or with less.

It feels like it has been a rough period for librarians looking for work. Lots of folks search for long periods of time with no luck, fiscal challenges mean many libraries are doing less hiring, libraries that are hiring say the search pools aren’t as robust as they used to be, and this site has documented some pretty interesting behavior all around. So I guess I want to say that I love being a librarian and I hope you will find your way to the job that gives you the space to flourish and grow, and to contribute to this wonderful profession for many years. And, hey, feel free to get in touch if you need a pep talk or a quick review of a resume or cover letter. I mean it.

Elizabeth “Beth” Cox, Director, Cataloging, Metadata & Digitization Dept., University of Iowa Libraries: We have a library school at my university, so I get this question fairly frequently. I put together a bulleted list of suggestions and recommendations for writing a resume/CV and cover letter. Some of this has already been covered in Hiring Librarians, but it never hurts to reiterate. Keep in mind that this is from my perspective as a hiring manager in a large, academic library. Your mileage may vary.

  • The resume should present the facts. What degrees you got where and when. What jobs you had, where and when, and what you did. The cover letter is where you explain how your courses, library jobs, and other work experience make you the best candidate for their position. Don’t assume that the people reading these documents will connect the dots, even if it seems obvious to you. It’s not always the library staff making the first cut, so use key words from the ad.
    • Example: Working as a cashier at Walmart gave me significant experience with customer service, especially in handling difficult customers. [then give a brief example]
    • Use your coursework as ways to meet requirements. Example: Job ad has “Knowledge and appreciation of children’s literature…” In your letter: In my LIS course, “Resources for Children,” I learned XXX about children’s literature and have a greater appreciation for XXX.
  • ALWAYS gear your cover letter and resume to each individual job that you apply for. This will make your cover letter stand out amongst those that are blindly applying for everything. For example, if you apply for a job in an academic library, don’t include “Intro to Public Librarianship” under Courses.
  • Don’t submit a photocopy of your cover letter or resume. We can tell, even if it’s submitted online.
  • For academic library positions, try to keep the cover letter to no more than two pages. The length of the resume doesn’t matter. You’ll hear different opinions; this is my preference.
  • Check your spelling and grammar. Three or four times. Then have at least two other people check it.
  • If you meet most of the requirements, but not all, it’s still possible to get an interview at some places. You never know how you will stack up against the other candidates. But don’t ignore the requirements that you don’t meet. For example, I applied for a job that required reading knowledge of a second language which I didn’t have. I included a sentence or two in my cover letter in which I said that I was interested in taking classes, even on my own time, to meet this requirement.
  • As much as possible, address EVERY requirement in the cover letter or resume.
  • Always address items from the “preferred” category in your cover letter if you meet them. This is where you will stand out above the other applicants.
  • Read the job ad carefully. Use of the word “experience” should include a number of years, such as “Two or more years experience working in an academic library.” Compare that with “Understanding of the mission and functions of a large research library.” The first is exact. The second implies that they don’t necessarily expect you to have experience as long as you understand the difference between a large research library and any other type of library, which you could have learned in an LIS course.
  • Practice for your interview. I think that more libraries are sending out interview questions beforehand, but not always. There are lots of resources online with lists of potential questions, many geared toward specific job types and library types. Although often worded differently, many still ask about your strengths and weaknesses. A more common version that I’ve heard of and read about is, “Tell us about a time that you failed at work.” Try to have something ready but also add how you fixed it or how you would fix it now that you have more experience.
  • Be prepared for questions that are a surprise. There will always be at least one.
  • ALWAYS have questions ready for the groups that you are interviewing with. Each person or group will interact with you differently in the interview AND in the workplace, if you get the job. You should get a schedule so plan ahead on what questions you will ask each person or group. Be prepared to take notes on what they say. Prioritize your questions in case you run out of time. It’s okay to ask the same question(s) of different people or groups. You’ll likely get a different answer from different groups. Ask questions about interactions between different groups, about the culture, and about the community. That could include schools, housing, or entertainment. I don’t have children, but I always asked about schools, because the quality of schooling says a lot about a community as a whole.
  • Ask for information about the search. How many people are being interviewed? Are you the first, middle, last? When do they hope to make a decision by?
  • If you have to give a presentation during your interview, you may be nervous. That’s okay! Look for the person in the room that is smiling and making eye contact with you. There will almost always be one. Look to them whenever you feel like you’re floundering (you’re probably not, but they’ll encourage you).
  • If you’re applying for academic library jobs, be patient. We have A LOT of bureaucracy to wade through and these things take time.

Once you land your first job, celebrate! You deserve it. Some suggestions for your new job:

  • Ask questions! Not only are you learning a new job, but you’re learning about new people and a new culture.
  • You may get a lot of new info in a short amount of time. Take notes as much as you can, or at least note where or from whom you’re getting the info so you can go back to them later.
  • Remember that friendly person from your presentation? Seek them out! Meet people outside of your own department.
  • If you’re not already, start reading the literature in your area, such as reference or cataloging, as well as about type of library in general. Ask your new colleagues which journals they read.
  • Get involved on campus, outside of the library, if the opportunities are available.
  • If possible, get involved at the state or national level. Meeting other librarians who have similar positions at other organizations can be extremely useful not only for conversations but also for future job searches.

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by | May 9, 2024 · 11:00 am

“All industries should be moving toward pay transparency and as much flexibility as possible”

Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by filling out the survey here. 

Current Hiring Practices and Organizational Needs

These questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).

Where do you advertise your job listings?

Indeed and various industry specific sites depending on the position

Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?

Unknown

Do you include salary in the job ad?

√ No 

Do you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  

√ Other: Unknown

Do you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?

√ No 

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)

√ No  

What is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

No degree

Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)

√ No 

Do you provide interview questions before the interview? 

√ No  

Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?

√ No, and I don’t think we ever have 

How much of your interview process is virtual?

√ First round/Initial Screen 

Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No 

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?

Show how their experience matches the job description

I want to hire someone who is: 

Adaptable 

Your Last Recruitment

These are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.

When was the last position hired at your organization?

√ More than a year ago, but less than two years ago 

Approximately how many people applied for this position?

√ I don’t know 

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ I don’t know 

And how would you define “hirable”?

Relevant experience and willingness to learn 

Your Workplace

This section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 200+ 

Are you unionized?

√ No 

How many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 7 or more 

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ None! 

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are fewer positions 

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  

√ No 

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?  

√ No 

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No 

Why or why not?

Librarianship is about the organization of knowledge which is a skill that will always be necessary.

Demographics

This section asks for information about you specifically.

What part of the world are you in?

√ Midwestern US 

What’s your region like?

√ Urban 

What type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):

√ Special Library 

What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? 

Collection Librarian

Are you a librarian?

√ Yes 

Are you now or have you ever been: 

√ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise)

√ A member of a hiring or search committee 

Do you have any other comments, for job hunters, other people who hire, about the survey, or for Emily (the survey author)?

All industries should be moving toward pay transparency and as much flexibility as possible

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by | May 8, 2024 · 11:00 am

“Following the Stutz ‘life force’ pyramid”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Less than six months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I’m unemployed 

√ Other: I relocated to a new state due to my husband’s job

Where do you look for open positions?  

local library system websites, LinkedIn

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

√ Senior Librarian 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Library vendor/service provider

√ Public library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Midwestern US 

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?

Fair pay, work/life balance, great colleagues

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

10

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 

√ Funding professional development 

√ 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 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Terrible ratings on GlassDoor; Salary range not in line with qualifications or not negotiable based on experience

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

4 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Review job posting/desired traits, update resume to incorporate keywords from job posting and highlight my related experience; draft cover letter addressing my experience or strengths that aren’t covered in resume 

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ 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?

2 months

How do you prepare for interviews?

Spend 1-2 hours planning responses to common questions, including examples; spend 1-2 hours researching the specifics of the library or company, it’s staff, and it’s location. Igo for a run or a walk the day of the day of the interview to get out nervous energy

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

“Why are you the best candidate for this position?” It makes me want to answer, “I don’t know if I am–you’re the one with the context to answer that.” A much better question is, “What makes you a strong candidate for this job?” There are always considerations outside the candidate’s control: their style of communication, how their personality might mesh with others, whether they have the top traits the hiring committee is looking for. It’s good to make candidates sell themselves, but the wording of the question matters deeply to me.

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 √ I don’t know 
  • 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’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

N/a so far, but I have interviews for a couple jobs upcoming, and I know going in that I will only accept jobs if they are willing to negotiate starting salary

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Provide timelines for the hiring process! I know it varies and there are always uncontrollables, but it’s so valuable to have a general idea of the timeline.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m optimistic 

√ I’m frustrated 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Following the Stutz ‘life force’ pyramid. I am not spending all my time on job searching, but instead have identified other things that will keep my spirits up while also potentially helping my job search: volunteering (with also turns into a form of networking), joining a book club,  working out, exploring my local area, and taking LinkedIn Learning classes to further my expertise in areas of interest. I’m also allowing myself to do the fun stuff I didn’t have time for when I was working 40+hrs/wk and stressed out.

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?

Work on your LinkedIn page! I had a recruiter for a library vendor reach out thanks to the effort I put into my LinkedIn, and it gave me a great boost of confidence to be sought out by a company.

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?)

2020

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ I was actually hired before I graduated 

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position? 

√ Part Time 

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

no — but I didn’t seek it out either.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

Luck was involved. I moved to the right place at the right time and happened to have a personality that meshed well with that system.  

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by | May 7, 2024 · 11:00 am

Checking out Coaching and Career Services: Misskoko the Librarian

Oh hey! This is the sixth post in this new feature on Hiring Librarians. I’ve long been curious about what it’s like to work with someone who provides career services or coaching. How does it work? How can you tell if it’s right for you? How much does it cost?

In this feature, I interview different folks about the career services they provide. Please note I’m not necessarily vetting or recommending anyone – my only requirement is that they specifically focus on the library or LIS field. My hope is that by gathering information here in one place, you’ll be able to decide whether or not you want to engage these services – and if you do, make better decisions about finding the right person or organization for your needs.

All that being said, I’m pleased to present this interview with Jade Koekoe. Jade is an Australian coach. I found her through her website, which is lively, well-designed, and popped up in my top three results when I searched “librarian career coach.” It’s no surprise that one of her specialties is marketing.

Tell us a little bit about your own career path. What did you do before you were a coach (or what do you do in addition to coaching)? How are you connected to libraries or LIS?

One thing you should know about me is I’d rather be busy than bored (a saying from my Grandma). I’m a Graphic Designer, Coach, and Librarian and I do Library Marketing. I started as a Graphic Designer but found the cutthroat nature of that industry so demoralising. So when I had my 1st child, I went back to University and did a Bachelor of the Arts in Librarianship and Corporate Information Management. I remember hours of reading my lecture notes to my then-newborn to help me study. 

Fast forward a few years when I got work in the industry, I realised each workplace was excited to learn I had design, web, and marketing skills. Over the years I also learnt about the particulars of the job application process for GLAMR (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Records Management) roles, how to teach people and organisations the importance of having a good online presence, refined my knowledge of communication policies, and constantly dived into the analytics of any and all marketing software.   

About 8 years ago, a colleague suggested I create a business and sell the skills I was already giving to the industry. When they suggested that, it was like a light bulb moment, if I had an actual brand it would be easier for people to find me and I could help MORE PEOPLE! So Misskoko the Librarian was born. I don’t make nearly enough money to live off of my business, but for me, it has always been about helping someone get that next job or helping a small organisation get their footing when it came to social media and marketing.

And I’ve helped many do that, which is worth the world to me. 

Why did you decide to become a coach?

Suppose I could help someone cut their time in half reaching a goal with their next job, or in marketing their organisation. Then that is time well spent. 

How long have you been coaching? 

About 8 years and a good 8 years it has been too. 

What’s your coaching philosophy? Or give us your elevator speech!

/opens a tab to her website because I like the elevator pitch I have there 😛

A good online presence is everything and I’m here to help you make the best impression you can with yours.

When you are seen, you get more job offers and you get more loyal clients. I use my library and marketing knowledge to effectively get you on people’s radars and help you develop lasting connections.

Because let’s face it, once you’ve connected with someone, they remember you and that’s always good for business! If you want to get a kick start on your ultimate goals, get in touch and let’s find out how I can help you become GLAMRous.

Do you have a specific demographic or specialty?

Well, looking at the GLAMR acronym, I have helped more librarians, libraries and museums than I have anyone else. But when it comes to applying for jobs in galleries, archives and record management there are so many cross-over skills with libraries and museums. A lot of the same language is used in job applications too. There is a reason why we are all usually placed together under the “Information Management” umbrella.

When it comes to marketing each organisation in the GLAMR acronym, some have it easier than others. Galleries have physical items to sell and Museums and Public libraries have such a wide events program that there is something for everyone. Archives, Records and Libraries that aren’t public libraries don’t have it so easy. 

I currently work part-time in an awesome library, called the PMI Victorian History Library. I do their Communications and Marketing and they are what you’d call a special library that’s a bit of a hidden gem (I’m working on making it not so hidden!). I am in a position to constantly learn what works and what doesn’t for an organisation that doesn’t have it so easy. And I’m more than happy to share those learnings in a workshop or coaching session for anyone else who does marketing in the GLAMR industry too!

But in saying all that, if you work in GLAMR and need to become GLAMRous, hit me up. 

How does it work? What are your services, how do you meet with clients, and how much does it cost?

I am willing to meet clients online and in person, however, in this post-COVID world I’ve found that more people prefer to do online things. This also gives the option of our session being recorded for people to refer back to later. I have separated my services into three sections: for Librarians, for Libraries and Speaking. 

For Librarians, I focus on helping you make your job application and/or Online Presence rock. 

For Libraries, I focus on helping you build your Online Presence from the ground up or I upskill current staff so you can pivot your content marketing strategies to use social media, video and email marketing better. 

Speaking…. Well, it speaks for itself, yes? 

Pricing reflects the activity and hours I’ll be working with my clients to achieve their goals. But my hourly rate is $170 AUD.

If someone is interested in being coached, what should they ask in order to find the right person to coach them?

Firstly, I ask people to reflect on what sort of guidance are they looking for: someone who will tell them step by step what is next or someone who will help them creatively achieve their goals? How a person answers that question usually guides them to the type of coach they need. 

It’s also important to know a coach’s qualifications and/or experience, what their coaching philosophy is and if it’ll vibe with them. 

How can you tell coaching is working?

Whenever I start with a new client we set some goals together. I also encourage people who are looking for a coach to have two or three things they want to achieve with the experience. But overall, if you feel an increased self-awareness, you are changing how you do things at work and you have increased energy at work, those are indicators to me that you have reconnected with your career and are benefiting from coaching.  

What are some indicators that the coaching relationship might not be working?

Self-doubt, that is a big one. If you find you are negatively questioning your actions or abilities after a coaching session. You should kindly thank your coach for their time and then discontinue any future work with them. 

Do you want to share any success stories?

I had one client who was really struggling to put their value down on paper. They had worked for the same company for twenty five years, and worked their way up within it. In that time, they had not needed a resume to get to the next position or project they worked on within that company. 

So basically we have someone who had done a massive amount of really interesting work, but no experience in qualifying it for an job application or interview process. 

My client could talk circles around me when it came to the technical side of the work they did. But we needed to work on their confidence in other aspects like showing and not telling about their amazing work ethic and interpersonal skills that made them so likable and so good to work with. After a few sessions with me, they finally understood the idea of writing an application to show the hiring company how each of their skills and talents would be of direct benefit to them. 

We were doing all this work on a time limit too. My client had gone for a couple of jobs already and not heard anything back, but they had one more in their sights that they wanted to apply for. They realised they needed help and employed me. With my help, they applied for the job they really really wanted…and got an interview. 

They did their interview, came back from it feeling really positive but unfortunately didn’t get the job. However, my client was over the moon. They felt, with my help, it had finally clicked and they had cracked the code of the job application process. They’d been applying for roles they KNEW they had the experience for but couldn’t understand why they weren’t even getting an interview call.  

Do you have any top-level advice for job hunters?

Learn to network. It’s really just making professional friends. No matter where you are in the world, in the GLAMR space, especially in libraries, everyone seems to know everyone else. We are a small industry so networking gives you a chance to: 

  1. control the narrative that your colleagues know of you,  
  2. learn from people within your industry
  3. find people who get just as excited as you about… the abundance of community shaped classification systems that are popping up recently that are much more relevant than Dewey! (yes, this might be something I’m watching with fascination and excitement).  

You don’t need to go to networking events to network, it is something that can be done anywhere, anytime. Honestly, just think of it as making a new friend. 

Introduce yourself, talk about something you learned recently, ask them about their professional journey, find some common ground. The most important thing however is to follow up, make the connection and keep it thriving.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about coaching, job searching, or life in general?

I usually say the same thing every time to this type of question, I learned it from Hank and John Green and by being a nerdfighter. This saying is something I remind myself of often, because it pushes me to bring my best self to the table. And when I do that, I know I’ve done the best I can, even if things don’t quite go as planned.

DFTBA – Don’t Forget to be Awesome. 

Are there any links you’d like to share? (For example your website or other work, or career resources you particularly like. Please try to keep it to around 3)

Sure! Here are a couple links to my: 

Products (practical guide for job hunters coming soon!): https://misskokothecuriouslibrarian.com/shop/ 

Website: https://misskokothecuriouslibrarian.com/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Misskokolib
Redbubble Shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/misskoko/shop 

And LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misskokolib/ 

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by | May 6, 2024 · 11:00 am

“A librarian hasn’t been hired in 20+ years. (I’m the only one.)”

Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by filling out the survey here. 

Current Hiring Practices and Organizational Needs

These questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).

Where do you advertise your job listings?

On our district website and our region service center

Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?

no

Do you include salary in the job ad?

√ No  

Do you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  

√ Other: not on our website, but the service center allows you to narrow the search

Do you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?

√ Other: normally no, but yes if we are desperate

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)

√ Other: A librarian hasn’t been hired in 20+ years.  (I’m the only one.)

What is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Known issues within our community

Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)

√ No : 

Do you provide interview questions before the interview? 

√ No 

Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?

√ No, and I don’t think we ever have 

How much of your interview process is virtual?

√ None 

Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No 

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?

Consistent work history comes to mind

I want to hire someone who is: 

reliable

Is there anything else you’d like to say about hiring practices at your organization or in current trends?

We have found it difficult to find people who want to work and who are reliable and without ulterior motives for working in the school.

Your Last Recruitment

These are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.

Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?

Library aide (all of my answers on this survey are about hiring an aide, not librarian.

When was this position hired?

√ More than a year ago, but less than two years ago 

Approximately how many people applied for this position?

√ 25 or fewer 

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less 

And how would you define “hirable”?

Someone who meets the minimal requirements for the job

How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?

About the same number of applicants, but it’s getting harder to find people who want to work for the right reasons.

Your Workplace

This section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 0-10 

Are you unionized?

√ No 

How many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ None!

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ None!

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are fewer positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  

√ No 

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?  

√ No 

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ I don’t know 

Why or why not?

Conservative politics have hurt librarianship, in my opinion, but it is definitely alive and well in elementary and middle schools.  High school’s are struggling with the move to online research.

Demographics

This section asks for information about you specifically.

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southeastern US 

What’s your region like?

√ Rural 

What type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):

√ School Library 

What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? 

just aides (I hope that doesn’t mean my answers are irrelevant!) [Emily’s note: I find these answers relevant!]

Are you a librarian?

√ Yes 

Are you now or have you ever been: 

√ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise)

√ A member of a hiring or search committee 

Do you have any other comments, for job hunters, other people who hire, about the survey, or for Emily (the survey author)?

I want people who WANT to work in the library, who are professional, punctual, and don’t miss much work.  A good attitude is imperative. 

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by | May 5, 2024 · 11:00 am

“don’t settle”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Six months to a year 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I want to work with a different population

√ I want to work at a different type of library/institution

√ I want to work with a different type of collection

√ Looking for remote/virtual work (or at least hybrid) 

√ Because I reassessed my priorities after COVID 

Where do you look for open positions?  

INALJ, archivesgig, linkedin, google jobs, ala, American Archivists, college listserv

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Archives 

√ Special library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Mid-Atlantic US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, to a specific list of places 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

hands-on collection work, same or higher pay, ability to learn and grow

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

50

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well 

√ Funding professional development 

√ 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 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

requiring a lot of experience for little pay, “temporary”

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

2 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

poring over the listing to write my cover letter

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Phone for good news, email for bad news 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application 

√ 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?

6 weeks

How do you prepare for interviews?

going over my usual answers and stories, reading up on the organization and specific projects

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

tell us how you stay organized – I feel like they want a specific answer and if I don’t use their efficiency program then it won’t work

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened the majority of the time or always 
  • Had an interview and never heard back √ Not Applicable
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen  √ Happened once 
  • 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 want to share a great, inspirational, funny,  horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

I was just so sure I was going to get offered this job – they were effusive in my second interview and even said I was “perfect” so that was a big disappointment when I didn’t get the offer.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Be honest, don’t be forced to interview when you already know who you are going to hire, always list salary! offer hybrid!

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m somewhat depressed 

√ I’m frustrated 

√ I feel alone in my search 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

only apply for the ones that can support me financially, honestly, no other strategies

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?

If you are still in your MLIS program, make all of the connections and take all of the opportunities that you can because you won’t find much support after you graduate.

Do you have any comments for Emily (the survey author) or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?

Thanks for asking haha it’s been tough, I’m trying not to give up the 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?)

2013

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ I was actually hired before I graduated 

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)?

no, just the listservs

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

don’t settle

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by | May 5, 2024 · 11:00 am

“how do you be honest and confident while not knowing if everything will be a good fit”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree 

√ I’m underemployed (not enough hours or overqualified for current position)

√ I’m employed outside of the field and I’d like to be in it 

√ Looking for a promotion/more responsibility 

√ My current job is temporary

√ My current job provides insufficient or no benefits (Healthcare or beyond) 

Where do you look for open positions?  

LinkedIn, networking 

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Special library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Midwestern US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area

√ Suburban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, to a specific list of places

√ Yes, as long as at least some of my moving costs are covered 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Unique collection, flexible hours, control of interpersonal interactions

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

Very few

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 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

A year or two ago University of FL or something seemed to have every library position. This made me wonder about possible toxic environment 

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

Weekish

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Research , write resume/c.v., write cover letter, contact references 

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ 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?

Couple weeks to a month 

How do you prepare for interviews?

Fret

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Strengths and weaknesses; how do you be honest and confident while not knowing if everything will be a good fit 

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened more than once 

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m maintaining 

√ I feel alone in my search 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Positive attitude, patience 

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?)

2021

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?

√ Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking 

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position? 

√ N/A – hasn’t happened yet 

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

Kind of; they send announcements of positions open in the field 

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by | May 4, 2024 · 11:00 am

“I am non-confrontational and will usually just ignore the situation but that is not the answer interviewers want to hear”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Six months to a year 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I want to work with a different type of collection 

√ My current job is awful/toxic 

Where do you look for open positions?  

INALJ, ALA JobLIST, TxLA JobLIST, Indeed, LinkedIn, Archives Gig

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library

√ Archives 

√ Public library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southwestern US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, to a specific list of places 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

salary, location, type of work

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

at least 12

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well 

√ 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 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

the length of time the job has been posted, the number of other position available in the same institution for the same department

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

30 min

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

carefully read through the job post multiple times and tailor the cover letter to highlight their requirements

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ 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?

30 days

How do you prepare for interviews?

research the company, prepare my own questions for the interviewer, read the job description again to make sure I have examples for their preferred qualifications

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Describe how you handled a conflict with a co-worker; I am non-confrontational and will usually just ignore the situation but that is not the answer interviewers want to hear

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened more than once 
  • Had an interview and never heard back  √ Happened once 
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ I don’t know 
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Happened more than once 
  • Turned down an offer √ Happened once  

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

It involved a move several states away, moving expenses were not offered, and the salary was not high enough to justify the cost

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

The salary was way too low to cover basic expenses and there was no relocation assistance being offered.

If you want to share a great, inspirational, funny,  horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

I went to a library job fair and they had me go through two different interviews at the event.  A couple of weeks later I heard from the hiring manager of a specific department that they wanted to bring me in for another interview and I needed to prepare a presentation on a specific scenario.  After the interview they said I would hear from them in approximately two weeks.  Three weeks passed with no word so I emailed the hiring manager asking for an update and she never responded.  I feel this is very disrespectful and disappointing.  I’ve been a manager before and I know how awkward it is to tell someone they didn’t get the job, but it is better to hear “no” than to be left hanging.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Keep them informed.  Let them know when you are reviewing applicants.  If they don’t make it to the interview stage, tell them that too.  Tell us so we don’t put off applying or accepting elsewhere because we are still hoping this one will come through.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m frustrated 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

I don’t have any

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 am so unhappy in my current position that I started applying for every position I could find.  This meant I was applying for positions I was overqualified for, or positions that were identical to what I’m already doing, but I don’t like the job I have.  My boss is a big reason for wanting to leave, but I also don’t like the job I’m doing and want to move into a different area of librarianship.  I had to take a break from job hunting so I could re-focus on what I was looking for and only apply for those positions.

Do you have any comments for Emily (the survey author) or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?

I think that employers get so caught up in looking for candidates with the “preferred qualifications” that they dismiss people who have diffent skills that could still apply to the position.  Skills that show “I have a brain and can be taught to do what you need”.

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?)

2020

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?

√ Six months to a year 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)?

no

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

I was looking for a job during pandemic, so it was very difficult to find a position with no experience.  My current employer offered me a position (which meant switching departments) and I accepted just because it was the only offer I’d had.  I knew it wasn’t the type of library work I wanted to do but I was so desperate to start getting experience that I accepted.  Now I regret it because I feel I’ve been pigeonholed in this department and can’t jump into the areas I’d prefer to work because I still don’t have experience there.

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by | May 1, 2024 · 11:00 am

“I had a zoom panel interview where one of the participants was actually driving their car while ‘participating’ in the meeting”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ More than 18 months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I’m underemployed (not enough hours or overqualified for current position) 

√ My current job provides insufficient or no benefits (Healthcare or beyond) 

√ Because I reassessed my priorities after COVID  

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Northeastern US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, to a specific list of places

√ Yes, as long as at least some of my moving costs are covered 

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 

√ 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 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

more responsibilities than the salary supports.

The Process

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ No preference 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ 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?

no more than three months. 

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened more than once  
  • Had an interview and never heard back √ Happened more than once  
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ I don’t know 
  • 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 want to share a great, inspirational, funny,  horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

I had a zoom panel interview where one of. the participants was actually driving their car while “participating” in the meeting. their phone was mounted low in the car and the camera was pointed at their midsection. you know, because candidates always want interviews with headless torsos, right?

Also, more than once I’ve been asked “will you accept $n” before interviews begin (I guess they really didn’t mean to post a salary range when they posted a salary range with the position announcement. 

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

they should know how.to read the room. they should also know that their grand ambitions must be supported by actual resources. 

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m optimistic

√ I’m maintaining 

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?)

2017

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ I was actually hired before I graduated 

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)?

not really. 

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