Comments on: Advice for librarian job applicants

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:24:16 +0000

What is the point of going to grad school if coursework counts for nothing?! I know that job experience is important, but it’s an insult to say that coursework doesn’t count for much. So we’re spending tens of thousands of dollars a year for NOTHING????

I am beyond angry at this article. Way to discourage us new graduates.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:43:18 +0000

Thanks Liz! I suppose that’s the perils of doing my own proofreading on the blog!

By: Liz Green

Liz Green — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:47:05 +0000

Great advice, and thanks, but did notice your spelling error in the following: “Ask your references if you can list them — Imaging the awkward silence …”

Did you mean “Imagine”?

By: Louise Alcorn

Louise Alcorn — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:49:25 +0000

Cliff, I couldn’t agree more on the “If there is a single spelling, spacing or grammatical error anywhere in your packet, you drop off my list” thing. I’m astonished on a daily basis by the level of “professional” writing that’s allowed to slip through. I don’t mind a casual, respectful tone, but I expect you to know the difference between their and there and they’re!

By: Library Job Hunting Advice « lissaland

Library Job Hunting Advice « lissaland — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:18:08 +0000

[...] http://clifflandis.net/2008/05/21/advice-for-librarian-job-applicants/ [...]

By: Cliff

Cliff — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:32:44 +0000

Hi KMN! I think the openness depends on the institution. Most of the reference librarians we’ve hired here have been straight out of grad school (myself included!), and several of them as a second career. In many cases, a non-library work background can be seen as an asset instead of a detriment, but that depends on the attitudes/perceptions of the search committee, as well as your presentation of yourself. Remember–they’re interviewing you, not your past.

By: KMN

KMN — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:56:29 +0000

Your point about coursework versus internships is well-taken and something I’ll try to address in my remaining MLIS semesters, but I wonder if you have specific advice for someone transitioning from another profession/field. I know it’s up to me to make a solid case for why aspects of my previous career are relevant to librarianship and the specific position, but how open do you think libraries are to these kinds of claims? (Asking for a horrible generalization, I know, but it’s an issue that weighs on my mind!)

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!