Comments on: Advice for librarian job applicants

By: Julie Andel

Julie Andel — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:38:31 +0000

Thanks for the great post Cliff. I agree with many of the statements you’ve made and I would add that candidates should be prepared in terms of what questions they might be asked. These can range from “what are your strengths and weaknesses” to “How would you help a patron who needs information on X?” The variety of information on the web really sticks to mainly typical business interviews and the standard type of questions. There are some sites that have examples of more specific library interview questions, which definitely help new grads. I think it is also great to think of questions that might be more specific to the library and community of users that the candidate would be serving. Sometimes I have become so focused on the organization’s plans, mission, and other documents that I forget about the community of users. I think that is another important component to the interview process as well.

By: RMSJr

RMSJr — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:17:57 +0000

As a professional and certified HR Manager, Cliff’s list is comprehensive, concise and portable across many professions. Very well done.

A couple of my own thoughts.

Your cover letter needs to speak to the qualifications of the position. Bonus points if you can integrate the organization’s mission statement and values.

I have applied for jobs and turned down the offers extended. Mostly because of cultural misfit or work/life conflict. My purest of intentions became stained by reality.

Be Well.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:07:59 +0000

Hi Emily! If you’re interested in library work in nonprofits, be sure to check out the Special Libraries Association (esp. their Student Groups, in your case).

There’s also a great selection of books out there on “non-traditional” jobs in librarianship. If your library uses LCSH, check out “Library science Vocational guidance.” and ” Librarians Employment.” for good starting places.

And don’t forget to keep an eye on the job boards for nonprofits. But be warned–the librarian job may not have the title “librarian.” Good luck, and feel free to ask me any more questions–I’m glad to help!

By: Peter Bromberg

Peter Bromberg — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:53:48 +0000

Great, great, great stuff! I have a few minor quibbles, but only one real beef: What’s this about not applying for jobs you’re not qualified for???

I’ve always preached just the opposite to friends and relatives (often female), who resist applying for jobs because they don’t think they’re qualified. Over and over again I’ve seen them gather their courage, put in an application, and get job offers (sometimes accepted, sometimes not–that’s my other quibble–you may not know for sure whether the job is right for you until after you’ve gone through the interview process.) I say, don’t count yourself out. Apply and let THEM decide whether or not your qualified. You might be pleasantly surprised. (Oh, and that also goes for anyone thinking they’re not qualified for awards, leadership programs, etc.)

Anyhoo, great piece, very practical, thanks for sharing!

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:41:00 +0000

Thanks so much for this post! The internship advice is especially helpful for me because I’m just starting out. Question - I’m an aspiring MIS/LIS student, most interested in Community Informatics, currently working for a nonprofit in Minnesota. The way I see it, nonprofits need librarians and don’t know it. What advice or resources do you have about librarians looking to work outside of libraries? Or specifically about bridging library and nonprofit work?

By: T Scott

T Scott — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:39:05 +0000

I agree completely with Lazygal (I would’ve added something to that effect earlier, but I try to stick to one point per comment). Don’t undersell yourself. We (and I say this as someone who’s been a library director for nearly twenty years) often write the qualifications for our “ideal” candidate, without thinking through the fact that we may be discouraging people who would be very good, but might not be a perfect 10 for every item on our list. If you think you can do the job, and you have some evidence in your background to make that case, go ahead and apply. Guts also counts for something when I’m looking at applications.

By: Lazygal

Lazygal — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:06:42 +0000

I’ve been on both sides as a librarian, and I’ve worked as an outplacement counselor and an executive recruiter, so I’ve seen it all! Most of what you say is very on point; the quibble I have (and Karen S. had) is with “Don’t apply for a job you’re not qualified for — Again, you’ll be adding more paper to stack that’s already too big. If you don’t have strong qualifications or missed out on getting a relevant internship, apply for an entry-level position (and yes, they are out there!).”

If you can show, via courses, internships, etc., that while you might not have the exact qualifications they [think they] want, you do have experience that would make you a good fit, I say go for the job. Don’t apply if your experience is seriously outside the job description (I once had a law librarian get snippy because we wanted someone with prior school library experience!).

I’d also recommend being reflective in an interview: what do you do/read to help you improve your practice? The last thing I’d want is someone who thinks they’ve basically learned it all and has no one they turn to for inspiration or reality checking.

By: D Fulton

D Fulton — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:52:12 +0000

Here’s how I got the job. Before the interview, I got the names of the team that would be interviewing me. I also composed thank you letters ahead of time, with blank areas. When I got home, I personalized each letter, filling in the blanks with specific things that we talked about. Then I took the letters to the post office in our local mall, which is open late. The letters were delivered the next day. Score!

By: BW Diederich

BW Diederich — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:58:03 +0000

Unfortunately, the “give a land line number” item is a luxury some people just can’t afford. I live in the Bay Area and having a “house phone” is impractical as most of my years here have been spent living in shared houses with complete strangers. Speaking as someone who only has a cellphone, and is often as frustrated as anyone else about cellphone reception, this shouldn’t be taken as anything other than a simple economic decision.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:47:41 +0000

T Scott, I completely agree. Some things look great on paper, and not so hot once you get on site…and vice versa. More good advice–thanks!