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.

Reading Declines: A New NEA Report

Our Reading Chops Decline

A new report out by the NEA finds that there has been a steady decline in reading skills in American youths. Hardest hit are teens and young adults.

Any thoughts?

Here is the link for the full report:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/18/AR2007111801415.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Virtual Online Service

What is your service game?

Recently I was chatting with a friend about online services that work and why. We got on the topic of "Ask a Librarian" services. As someone who enjoys virtual online services, I thought it would be the wave that all libraries would be cresting on. But despite its implementation in libraries across America, it has problems. Some libraries have live service, others do not. But they still seem slow and cumbersome.

This friend of mine is in sales and works for a major online retailer. He says that current virtual services are too slow and cumbersome for most people. He thinks that online web cams and phone contact should be used by libraries, and that real time service is the best way to go.

Any thoughts?

A Call to Posts

A call to all librarians.

WELCOME!

Rock hard, be professional. Have fun. Bitch a little, and then help your fellow librarians to a piece of "In my opinion" pie!

Please forward any topics on employment, librarianship, and other random thoughts on the profession to this page.

I hope everyone can play nice and be friendly.

Look forward to your post.

Later,
DH

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