How to be Successful When
Searching for Academic

Library Positions

- An Insider's

Perspective

ALA

201

Placement

I Annual

Center

Conference

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Brian W. Keith

Assistant Dean
George A. Smathers Libraries

University

of Florida

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

http://www.uflib.ufl.edulpers/careers.htm

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

What will we cover?

1. Overall Advice and Background Info
2. Where to Find Job Postings
3. Search Committees and Hiring Authorities
4. The Job Posting
5. Your Application
6. Preparation for the Interview
7. The Interview
8. Post-Interview
9. References
10. Closing Thoughts on Improving Your Odds

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Disclaimers

Too much to thoroughly cover everything in the
time permitted
-links throughout

There are no "tricks"
-information and technique will improve your odds

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

2.

Overall Advice

This market means more deliberate
recruiting-

-Which positions to post
-Selecting a candidate to hire
-Distinguishing between minimally, well,
very well, ideally and overly qualified

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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?"

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Overall Advice

-Take advantage of the unique
opportunity afforded by your cover letter

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Overall Advice

-Seek out opportunities that reflect...

*Engagement

*Enthusiasm, and

*Leadership

... in the field of Librarianship

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Overall Advice

Consider your employment alternatives

Possible references:

www.simmons.edu/gslis/careers/Iis.php
www.ala.orq/ala/educationcareers/careers/Iibrarvcareerssite/home.cfm

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Overall Advice

General reference:

ALCTS e-Forum:
Job Hunting: A Conversation About How To Do It Well (5/4-5/5/11)

Led by
Tiffany Eatman Allen, and Erica Findley

Archive:
http://www.ala.orq/ala/mqrps/divs/alcts/confevents/upcominq/e-

forum/0504job.cfm

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Overall Advice

General reference:

In the Library with the Lead Pipe
What Not to Do When Applying for Library Jobs (Group post)
http://www.inthelibrarvwiththeleadpipe.orq/2009/what-not-to-do-when-applyinq-
for-library-jobs/

Quintessential Careers
Career Resources Toolkit for Job-Seekers
http://www.auintcareers.com/career resources.html

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Overall Advice

General reference:

ALA JobLIST
Career Development Resources
http://ioblist.ala.org/modules/iobseeker/controller.cfm

San Jose State University
School of Library & Information Science
http://slisweb.sisu.edu/resources/career development/

C George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Posting Sites

* Regional/Consortia

* Professional Associations

* Specific Employers

* List serves

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Posting Sites

ALA Joblist
http://ioblist.ala.orq/

The Chronicle
http://chronicle.com/iobCateqorv/Librarv-information-sciences/58/

LibGig

httD://libqiq.com

LISJobs.com
httD://www.Iisiobs.com/

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Posting Sites

Lists of posting sites available at:

http://slisweb.sisu.edu/resources/career development/iobsearch resources.htm

http://www.librarviobpostinqs.orq/

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Posting Sites

Tools for managing your search:

Aggregators
www.indeed.com

RSS Feeds
www.LibWorm.com

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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?

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

What you need to know about search committees

Members:

L They are conscientious

L They are likely to be intelligent

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

L They may not be skilled recruiters...

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Job Posting

-Submit all of the required information in the
requested format

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Job Posting

Sample Position

Vacancy

Announcement

Caribbean Basin Librarian

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Job Posting

Make sure you have the full advertisement

-short ad

V.

-full ad

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Your Applicant Submission

*These documents are you
screening committee

r representative to the

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

SGeorge A. Smathers
A 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

SGeorge A. Smathers
A Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Your Applicant Submission

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

*Enthusiasm preferred

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Your Applicant Submission

-Cover

Letter

*Use correct address information

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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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)

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

U C George A. Smathers
SILibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Your Applicant Submission

Cover Letter Links

Making Your Cover Letter Work For You
http://liscareer.com/allenmurray coverletters.htm

Cover Letters, Resumes, and Interviews, Oh My!
http://mrlibrarydude.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/cover-letters-resumes-and-interviews-oh-my/

Avoid These 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes
http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-tips/Avoid-7-Killer-Cover-
Letter-Mista kes/a rticle.aspx

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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, grants and
fellowships, awards, and
honors

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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.

C George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

CV and Resume Links

5 Resume Mistakes You're Making and How to Avoid Them
http://www.careerrocketeer.com/cateqorv/resumes

Crafting a Winning Resume
http://liscareer.com/allen resumes.htm

How to Write a Resume
http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writi n-tips/how-to-write-a-
resume/article.aspx

Writing the Curriculum Vitae
http://owl.en lish.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/1/

Sample CV's
http://iobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/Sample Curriculum Vitae.htm

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Communication

*Email
-Send messages from a suitable address
-Treat this as professional correspondence

*Voicemail Message
-Is it suitable for potential employers?

*Telephone Interviews
-Prepare, plan and take advantage of this
medium

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Online Presence and Branding

Use this to distinguish yourself...

*Social networking
-Do you control access?

*Google and Google Alerts
(http://www.qooqle.com/alerts)

*Slideshare

*Scribd

*List serves

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Online Presence and Branding

See:

Social networking with a brain: a critical review of academic sites, Kim Leeder
http://www. inthelibrarvwiththeleadpipe.org/2008/social-networking-with-a-brain-a-
critical-review-of-academic-sites/

You: The Online Version, Michael Porter
http://www.librarvman.com/bloq/2009/10/02/vou-the-online-version/

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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)

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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?

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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?

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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?

Expectations for the position?
from various stakeholders, including supervisor

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Preparation for Interview

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

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 or career path?
Where did you go to school?
What are you professional affiliations?

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Preparation for Interview

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

Is there a relevant "hot topic" you could bring
up?

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Preparation for Interview

- Do not ask about salary or benefits,
first.

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Preparation for Interview

Learn who you will be meeting with

- Review the itinerary if not offered,
inquire

- 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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Preparation for Interview

Sample Interview Itinerary

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Preparation for Interview

If there is a presentation, solicit reasonable
information about:

Audience
-affiliation
-expertise level

Topic

Media

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

C 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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview

Conduct

Effective answers to questions
Be brief but thorough in your
communications

* Use specific examples
experience to illustrate
whenever possible
* Be sincere and direct

from your
your points

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview

Conduct

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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview

Honestly address issues in your
employment history:

- Gaps
- Demotions
- Terminations

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview

For all phases and sessions

- Get across your message

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

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview In Summary

Strive to express these sought after qualities:

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

George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview- Links

Sample Interview Questions
http://www.crc.ufl.edu/uploadedFiles/Students/Interviewing Tips/In
terviewQuestions.pdf

25 Weirdest Interview Questions of 2010
http://finance.vahoo.com/career-work/article/l 111757/the-25-
weirdest-interview-questions-of-2010

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

The Interview- Links

First Impressions, Lasting Impressions: Tips for Job Interviews
http://www.ala.orq/cfapps/archive.cfm?path=nmrt/footnotes/interview.html

Interview Checklist
http://www.careeronestop.org/Resumeslnterviews/lnterviews/Checklist.aspx

Interview Advice
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightqroups/comm/resreview/interview.
cfm

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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?

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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 and job posting
Tell them why you picked them what they speak to

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

References

Current Employers

* It is fine to request that your current employer not be
contacted unless you are a serious candidate and/or
with advanced notice to you

* Most employers are going to understand and support
advancement

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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

George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Credential yourself now

Incorporate these experiences and
accomplishments into your
application materials and
interviews

Use these to distinguish yourself

C George A. Smathers
SLibraries
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.orq/ala/mqrps/divs/llama/abo
ut/ioin.cfm)

S George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
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/

C George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Helpful Links

One last piece of advice for interviewing:

get sleep

eat lunch

drink coffee

C George A. Smathers
A FLibraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

Thank You and Best of Luck!

Brian W. Keith

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

C George A. Smathers
Libraries
UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA