The Ins and Outs of Job
Hunting for Library Positions

- An Insider's Perspective


ALA


Placement


Center


S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Brian W. Keith


Assistant Dean
George A. Smathers Libraries
University of Florida


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA






















http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/pers/careers.htm


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










What will we cover?


1. Overall Advice and Background Info


2.


The Job Posting and Applying


3. Preparation for the Interview


4. The Interview


5. Closing Thoughts on Improving Your Odds


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Overall Advice


-Determine your salary requirements, and apply
accordingly
*Trailing partner considerations?
*Refer to the ARL Salary Survey or others


-The fewer the better


-The better the better


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












Overall Advice

-Develop your message
*How your qualifications (uniquely) match the job
*Why the job makes sense for you

-Deliver your message
*Application materials, interview, reference selection, etc.

-Do not rely on the search committee to determine the above on
their own
and
-Be able to answer, "Why do you want this job?"




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Overall Advice


-Take advantage of the unique


opportunity afforded by


your cover letter


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Overall Advice


This market means more deliberate
recruiting-


-Which positions to post
-Selecting a candidate to hire


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Overall Advice


Consider your employment alternatives



Possible references:

www.simmons.edu/qslis/careers/lis.php
www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/careers/librarycareerssite/home.cfm


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Overall Advice


-Seek out opportunities that reflect...


*Engagement


*Enthusiasm, and


*Leadership


... in the field of Librarianship


S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












What you need to know about search committees


Selection is weeding out


Assessing qualifications takes 2 forms

1. Measurement
Years of experience
Educational credentials

2. Judgment or inference
Good colleague?
Inventive?


U F George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











What you need to know about search committees


They have limited means to learn about you and use those to
learn different things

Documents
CV or Resume
Cover Letter
References
Interview Sessions
Presentation (Do not underestimate the importance of this!)
Your interactions with staff




U F George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











What you need to know about search committees


Members:


IU They are conscientious


U They are likely to be intelligent


IU They likely have a stake in the position
and, therefore, the search


IU They may not be skilled recruiters...


U FP George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










The Job Posting


-Read it and assume it was written deliberately by intelligent
people with a real stake in finding the right person for this
position


-Assess your fit
*Interesting?
*Responsibilities
*Qualifications
-Required v.
*Salary and location
*Deadline


Preferred


S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA














The Job Posting


-Submit all of the required information in the
requested format


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Job Posting


Sample Position


Vacancy


Announcement


Caribbean Basin Librarian


S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Your Applicant Submission


*These documents are your representative to the
screening committee


*Tailor these documents to information in the
posting
-Explicitly state how you're qualified


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Your Applicant Submission


How is your submission used and


how are


you assessed by


the Search


Committee or


Hiring Authority?




Sample Criteria Chart


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Your Applicant Submission


*Grammar, punctuation and decorum
in all documents and communication
are critical


*Enth


usiasm


referred


S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Your Applicant Submission


-Cover Letter


*Use correct address information


*Refer to the correct position, including
requisition number, in the subject line


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Your Applicant Submission



-Cover Letter
*Use the opportunity
*This is your narrative
*This is the 'mortar' for your packet
*Can be up to 1 or 1.5 pages




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












Your Applicant Submission


-Cover Letter


*Explain your interest -why this position is a
good move for you


*Connect your qualifications to the unique job
(why you are a good bet for them)


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Your Applicant Submission


-Cover Letter
*Explain your career or personal path


*Address
-Significant changes in job types or
institution types
-Breaks in employment
-Frequent or numerous job changes



S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












Your Applicant Submission



-Cover Letter
*How have your experiences improved your
suitability for this position:

-Relevant experience might come from...
A different Industry
A different Professional Level
While in School
Through your Professional Service



S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Your Applicant Submission


Curriculum Vitae Resume
Primary Academic or professional Business
Audience
Covers Complete and detailed list Education,
of employment, education, employment, awards,
training, presentations, and accomplishments
publications, professional
memberships, etc.




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












Your Applicant Submission


Curriculum Vitae Resume

Length Unlimited 1-2 pages


Format List of Lists A list of
accomplishments -
including facts, figures,
measurements, etc.




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Technology
*Email
-Send messages from a suitable address
-Treat this as professional correspondence
*Voicemail Message
-Is it suitable for potential employers?
*Social networking
-Do you have a Facebook account?
*Listservs
*Google
*Telephone Interviews
-Prepare, plan and take advantage of this
medium




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Preparation for Interview

*Practice
-Role play with someone


-Practice touting your strengths get over
being embarrassed


-Practice discussing (and addressing)
your weaknesses


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Preparation for Interview

*Practice


-Prepare for common interview questions
(the internet abounds with lists)


-Assess and work on your interview
weaknesses


-Learn as you go on interviews through
self-assessment


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA









Preparation for Interview

Prepare for the 6 things interviewers want
to know


1. Do you have the necessary skills,
knowledge and abilities?
2. Do you have the untrainable attributes?
Attitude
Aptitude
Motivation
3. Will you fit in? (Personality)


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Preparation for Interview


Prepare for the 6 things interviewers want
to know


4. Do you understand the job and its
purpose?
5. How do you compare to other applicants?
6. Do you want the job and will you stay?


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA









Preparation for Interview

Learn about the organization
Key people
Services and products
Patron/Student population
Size
Structure
University/Parent Organization
Peer organizations
Latest news


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Preparation for Interview

Learn about the position
- What it does
- How it fits into the organization
- Status
Faculty
Tenure
What do those mean?
- Additional expectations for the position
Scholarship (Publishing)
Service



SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Preparation for Interview


Prepare questions to ask and be ready to
interject them to relevant folks throughout
the interviews


Why is this position available?

Expectations for the position?
from various stakeholders, including supervisor

Are there opportunities for advancement?


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Preparation for Interview

Prepare questions to ask and be ready to interject
them to relevant folks throughout the interviews

What are they looking for as far as candidate
attributes?

Questions for interviewers or others might
include:
What do you like best about the institution?
What do you like most about your position
here?
What was your background?




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












Preparation for Interview


- Do not ask about salary or benefits,
first.


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Preparation for Interview


* How will you get around campus, from the
airport, etc.?
Ask if not discussed


* Stake out the location and parking before
the day of the interview


* Communicate any special needs


S George A. Smathers
W Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Preparation for Interview

Learn who you will be meeting with


- Review the itinerary, if available


- Make some assumptions as to why
individuals or groups are on the
schedule and plan for what they may
want to know and what you might learn
from them


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Preparation for Interview


Sample Interview Itinerary


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview


* Bring extra copies of your resume
Preferably the same version


* Introduce yourself courteously


* Thank people for their time


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview

Appearance

Fresh and rested
Alert
Relax Your talent got you here
Listen
Do not smoke or smell like smoke
Dress for the position, lean towards
conservative





SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview


Conduct

Learn people's names and positions

Indicate where your previous training or
experience applies

Attitude and demeanor are as important as
responses to questions


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview


Conduct


Be polite to everyone


Interested and show it with body language
and feedback to interviewer
Lean forward
Maintain eye contact
Nod your head


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










The Interview

Conduct


Effective answers to questions
Be positive about your qualifications
Describe how your qualifications relate
specifically to this job
Mitigate weaknesses with your strengths
Avoid judgmental or negative remarks
about previous employers




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










The Interview

Conduct


Effective answers to questions
Be brief but thorough in your
communications
Use specific examples from your
experience to illustrate your points
whenever possible
Be sincere and direct





SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












The Interview



Conduct


Don't talk over people
Don't be too serious
Don't look at your watch
Be honest
Be on guard
Ask great questions



IJF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview


Conduct


Enjoy yourself, people are going
to be really nice to you


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










The Interview



Honestly address issues in your
employment history:


- Gaps
- Demotions
- Terminations


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview


For all phases and sessions


- What are they looking for?


- Get across your information/message


- Do not count on the interviewer to do a
great job


U FP George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











The Interview In Summary



Strive to express these sought after qualities:


- Communications and Interpersonal Skills
- Intelligence
- Enthusiasm and Energy
- Flexibility
- Leadership
- Maturity




SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











After the interview


In anticipation of an offer, consider


Do you want the job?


How much would you need to be paid?


How will you negotiate your salary?


Partner considerations?


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











After the interview


In anticipation of an offer, consider

When could you report for work if
offered?
Notice to current employer
Completion of school
Move and other personal arrangements

What other information do you need:
Benefits
Relocation assistance, if relevant
Trailing partner assistance



SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











References

Select according to what the search committee is
looking for

Cultivate them
Work
School
Professional Service

Coach them
- Provide a current resume for their reference
- Share your cover letter



SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Credential yourself now


Seek:
Training
Leadership and professional service
opportunities

In order to:
Build competencies
Prepare for the next job
Keep yourself relevant
Demonstrate interest
Demonstrate aptitude and ability
Network



SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Credential yourself now

Examples:


1. Lead a student group
2. Convert papers or blogs into
scholarship
3. Attend professional meetings or
discussion groups
4. Attend state, regional or national
conferences
5. Join a professional association like
LLAMA



SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Credential yourself now


Incorporate these experiences and
accomplishments into your
application materials and
interviews


Use these to distinguish yourself


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











LLAMA Information


http://www.ala.org/ala/mqrps/divs/llama/ab
out/index.cfm

Student membership is only $15
(http://www.ala.org/ala/mqrps/divs/llamalabo
ut/join.cfm)


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Helpful Links


General Resume Tips
(UVA College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences)
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschoolcareer/career
sbeyondacademelapplicationmaterials/generalresumeti
ps.html


Writing the Curriculum Vitae
(Purdue Online Writing Lab)
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/1





SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA










Helpful Links


Sample Interview Questions
(UF Career Resource Center)
http://www.crc.ufl.eduluploadedFiles/Students/llnterviewing Ti
ps/InterviewQuestions.pdf


25 Weirdest Interview Questions of 2010
(BNET.com)
http://finance.yahoo.com/career-worklarticle/l 11757/the-
25-weirdest-interview-questions-of-2010



SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA











Helpful Links


First Time on the Market?
(The Chronicle of Higher Education)
http://chronicle.com/section/First-Time-on-the-Market-/146/


JF I George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA












Thank You and Best Wishes!


Brian W. Keith




Check out the UF Library Employment website:
http://www. uflib.ufl.edu/pers/careers.htm


SF George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA