Job Seeking and Interviewing: The Academic Perspective Kelly Blessinger Reference Assistant Coordinator, LSU Libraries

Begin During Graduate School Take courses which support your interests Join an organization - ALA/NMRT Work in a library Establish relationships with prospective references Attend a local conference Network

Looking for a job Look beyond Louisiana Libjobs-l Chronicle of Higher Education State Library of Louisiana

Applying for the Job Cover letter Resume References

Cover Letters-Appearance Correct spelling and grammar paragraphs Under 2 pages – short and focused Attention to detail-double-check and make sure place of employment, job title and contact person are correct

Cover Letters-Content Don’t just repeat your resume Don’t submit generic cover letter Focus on how you are the best person for this job Display a knowledge of their library Briefly state your best qualifications and achievements Show enthusiasm and potential

Resume Education Job Experience Other professional experience, skills, service, research, etc. For entry level, 1-2 pages

Resume Degrees- where and when Job experience: Chronological order, most recent first Dates held, location of job Only library experience, unless other experience has given you skills for this position, or you don’t have any library experience List job titles, and basic job duties

Resume: Other... Computer skills- only list if they are unique Service- to library organizations Research interests - especially if you are applying for an academic position Publications

Resume (Do not Include) GPA Classes taken (unless specifically relate to job) Church affiliations Hobbies (although volunteer work is good) Objective

Other Information Start early: LJ’ 2009 Salary survey indicated the length of the job hunt as 4- 5 months for academic jobs Computerized HRM systems Search committees Expect to apply to a lot of positions…don’t get discouraged!

The Phone Interview Usually 20 –30 minutes Often a conference call Screens applicants before on site interview

Phone Interview Read job ad before the interview Look at web pages Get a good phone (preferably landline) Have some questions prepared about the job

On Site Interview Academic libraries: 1-2 days Meet with many groups Usually a presentation involved Meal functions

Dressing for the Interview Dress better than the staff does for your interview Men: wear either a dark suit, or slacks, a jacket, and tie Women: wear either a suit (pants or skirt), or a nice dress.

What to Bring Two pens Paper, for taking notes A copy of the job ad, and a schedule, if they have given you one A list of questions you have A watch

Research for Interview Know the names of key people in library Know what size the library is Read their web pages-have questions for them

Don’t Complain about your current job Criticize your current colleagues Correct people at the interview Overindulge at meal functions

Do: Research the location, know what makes the institution unique, how you can contribute Interview the employer as much as THEY interview you Reiterate your interest in the job at the end of the interview

Thank You Notes Keep it short Confirm you interest Professional tone and stationery Send it right away Some people object to ; no one objects to a paper thank you note

Good Luck! Questions Kelly Blessinger