Bobbing for Apples: the Job Hunt

Where and When Shall I Get the Gig?


Have you ever felt like a pawn in the game of life? Are you tired of just carping? Not ready to give up? Have no fear. There are tons of services and resources out there that can be really helpful for the new librarian.

Applying for jobs, sending out resumes and interviewing for a librarian with little or no experience can be a hard life. I am including the following link and will be providing more as time goes by.

http://wwwlibrarysupportstaff.com/libjobs.html

http://liswiki.org/wiki/HOWTO:Apply_for_a_library_job

http://warriorlibrarian.com/HUMOUR/jobapp.html

http://www.lisjobs.com/

http://www.ala.org/

I recently interviewed a local HR manager and asked for some basic advice for librarians applying for a job. This is what I heard:

Some simple opening tips:

1. Network. Get to know your local library community. Make friends. Build a reputation where you live. Go to job fairs and join library organizations such as the ALA.

2. When applying, follow the instructions at the site you find the posting. If a posting says no e-mails, then don't send your resume through the e-mail. When I asked this manager what bothered her most she said that she was shocked at how many applicants do not read job postings with care.

3. Do not apply to jobs blindly. Sending out hundreds of resumes is a waste of time. Research the library you are interested in. Learn as much as you can about the place you are applying to. Why apply for a job you don't really want? For example: if you do not want to work in a law library do not apply to one. Chances are that you do not have the qualifications or experiences that the posting demands.

4. Spend a little money on getting the best resume you can afford. Most resumes are read by professional HR personel. They expect a polished document. Proof read it for mistakes.

5. Write a clear and brief cover letter. Don't bore the person reading it with your life story. Highlight your qualifications and experiences. Explain why you think you would be a great fit for the job.


Coming Soon:
more topics on the library job market.