interviewing tips : how to land that library job

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HOW THE HIRING PROCESS REALLY WORKS: AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO GETTING THE JOB

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How the Hiring Process really works: An Insider's Guide to getting the job

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Page 1: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

HOW THE HIRING PROCESS REALLY WORKS:

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO GETTING THE JOB

Page 2: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

SPEAKER BIOSBeth Anderson Schuck has served in different capacities in academic libraries for twenty years. She received her MLS degree from Indiana University. Beth served as Associate University Librarian at Northern Arizona University for 6 years directing multiple units and is now Director of the College of Southern Nevada Library Services. She has experience with coaching, human resources issues including salary and position benchmarking and building collaborative partnerships with other institutions.

Sam Leif started her career in academic libraries where she gained experience hiring, training and mentoring staff. Recently, she has

switched tracks to manage the largest Correctional Library in Colorado. This setting comes with its own set of unique challenges in hiring and managing both staff and offender library workers. In addition to her work, she is involved in a number of ALA activities

including the New Members Round Table and serving as a “buddy” in the GLBT Round Table.

Page 3: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

Landing the Interview

Apply to jobs that you actually want!Customize your letter and update that CV/Resume Help the search committee: Include details in your resume such as how many people you have

supervised, if you were a team lead or team member etc. Google yourself and see if anything should be removed or locked away.Join organizations now so that you can include them on your resume. Get involved in libraries

anyway you can. Small things can make the difference in a competitive landscape. Be true to yourself. If you are not equipped to be a children’s librarian, don’t apply. If you want a

tenure track position, keep trying for one.

Page 4: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

Landing the interview

EXPLICITLY link your skills and experience to EVERY required/preferred qualification in the job posting. (This is how search committees decide who to interview!)

If you don’t have direct experience with a preferred qualification, let them know you are interested in learning that skill and/or have some knowledge of the topic.

Give the search committees enough information so they can accurately assess you. Link out to your e-portfolio or other online projects you created.

Page 5: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

Application Horror Stories

The first step sometimes doesn’t even look at your documents!Customize your CV/Resume and cover letter…and then make sure to send it

to the correct place! Details in the application are great – if they are relevant! Employers will Google you. They will search for your Facebook, Linkedin,

and other social networking sites. Be prepared.Make sure you’re active in the organizations you say you are - the library

world is small!

Page 6: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

After you land the interview:

Research the institution.If you know the names of Selection Committee members, see what departments

they work in and prepare accordingly. Understand what you can about the culture and activities at the library-visit if

possible to see what you can about the service areas and collections. Based on the job posting, think about what questions they may ask you—and then

think about how your skills and experience apply to those areas. Have examples ready!

Page 7: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

Horror Stories Before Meeting

Research the institution.Professional voice mailAsking for directions - use a map! Calling to reschedule – ok…onceDo your research – but don’t be bothersome!

Page 8: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

On the Interview Day:

Be prepared. Know the institution size, student characteristics and # of libraries-work

these details into your interview responses. Have a number of questions prepared for each group/person you will meet with as part of the interview. Take notes during the interview if you want to follow up later.

Be excited about this job at this institution in this moment of your career!

Page 9: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

On the Interview Day:

ContdDo ask about typical duties, hours, support for travel/professional

development and management style of the supervisor. Do ask about biggest successes, what library staff are proud of so

that you can hear directly what they like about the library/institution. Stay positive about current place of employment. Think carefully

of what you will say if your current position isn’t working for you.

Page 10: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

Interview Horror Stories

Be ready to answer situational and what-if questions! Do not bring friends, family or pets to the interview with you. Don’t belittle the place you are interviewing. Bring extra copies of your documents, and something to take notes

with.

Page 11: Interviewing tips : how to land that Library Job

Post Interview

Write and send your thank you’s quickly. If you wanted the position and didn’t get the offer, ask the search

committee or director what could have helped your application. The Library World is actually a small one, so don’t go negative with others. Stay professional in every work situation such as conferences, twitter, blogs