Early Career Survival

I got my dream job as a reference librarian in a public library shortly after graduating from library school at Dominican University in River Forest, IL, in 2001. Ten months later, I was laid off owing to budget cuts. Although devastated, I was determined to bounce back. I kicked off a high-energy job search using networking and online sources. In less than a month, I landed a full-time job as a librarian in a public library. For others like me who are soon to graduate or don't have a lot of experience, here's how I did it.

After I got laid off, I let everyone in my circle know that I was looking for a job. I told friends, relatives, former classmates, colleagues from my library and others, former coworkers, church members, and more. I was amazed at how many contacts and leads I received in response. Many career management experts concur that most jobs are found through personal contacts. In the article "New Rules for the Hunt" (Newsweek, 2/17/03), Linda Stern advises job seekers to "hit everyone up you know for introductions." It worked for me.

Altogether, I applied for 25 full- and part-time jobs. I got called for five interviews and eventually accepted an offer for a full-time position that I found using a web site recommended by a colleague, Lisjobs.com (see "Resources for the Hunt," p. 41). This web site, created by Illinois public librarian and LJ columnist Rachel Singer Gordon, lists, by state, web sites that advertise library jobs. I may not have found this site on my own so quickly, or at all, if I had not been told about it. I also used other library job sites from local, state, and national library associations; publications; library schools; and regional systems, as well as more general, comprehensive job search sites.

Target your search to the type of library that you want to work in and determine how far you are willing to travel and if you are willing to relocate. Be as geographically mobile as your circumstances permit. The job market is usually very competitive in large metropolitan areas, especially those that have a library school. Also, be open to taking a job at less than an ideal salary to get a foot in the door. Better opportunities are more likely to become available if you are working than if you are not.

Since I worked full time as an information manager for a YMCA job-training program while attending library school part time, I was unable to get any library work experience while in school. I compensated by developing relationships with instructors, classmates, and people I met during informational interviewing and class projects. I also joined the American Library Association (ALA) as a student member and made contacts at a Chicago chapter of the Special Libraries Association (now, SLA) student outreach event. Before graduation, I had my first job lined up thanks to people already on staff who guided me through the application process. Here are some other things that you can do to make yourself a more attractive candidate while in library school:

• Apply for internships and or practicums.
• Work in a library part time or sign up with a library placement firm if there is one in your area. A former classmate landed some great assignments while in library school through the Midwest firm C. Berger Group (www.cberger.com). One led to a permanent part-time job.
• Regularly scan want ads to see what qualifications employers expect.
• Conduct informational interviews and network with professionals. The purpose of an informational interview is to find out more about a career. They can be conducted by email, phone, or in person. Develop a list of people to interview from personal contacts, professional events, etc. Before I started at library school, I had lunch with my mother's boss's best friend, who was a longtime librarian at an area community college. I asked her questions about her career path and the various areas of librarianship. I still email her periodically to let her know what I am up to. You never know where you will meet a librarian. I dressed up as a stereotypical librarian—bun and all—at a Halloween party in 2002 and got into a conversation with an academic librarian who noticed my costume. I still keep in touch with her, as well.
• Connect with a mentor through your career placement office. If your career placement office does not offer a mentoring program, suggest they start one.

When I received my first unemployment check, I said to myself, "I can't survive on this!" So I turned to friends to brainstorm about how to bring in cash quickly. We came up with substitute teaching and registering with a library placement firm. Since I got a job within weeks, I did not have to register for any temporary assignments. However, I did put together a list of options to draw on should I ever need them. Here are some other suggestions to help you remain confident and solvent between jobs:

• If laid off, throw yourself an unemployment shower. In "Going Out in Style" (Newsweek, 2/14/03), Daniel McGinn recommends that you ask coworkers to bring you networking contacts and job leads instead of cards and cake.
• Join a job club or support group. Many churches and nonprofit agencies have support groups for people in career transition. People share leads, help prepare for interviews, and celebrate successful outcomes.
• Do freelance or project-based work like word processing or research. Post fliers on community bulletin boards and place ads in community newspapers to drum up business.
• Volunteer at a library or other organization. You can gain new skills, keep active, and add the experience to your résumé.
• Get a part-time job. Many libraries have a hard time filling part-time positions, and part-time library work is worth including on your résumé to qualify for a full-time job. Or, if there is nothing directly related to libraries, check with your local school district about becoming certified as a substitute teacher to earn some money while you are conducting your job search.
• Take a yoga or exercise class. The routine will get you out of the house, the physical activity will keep your spirits up, and you can network while getting fit, too.

Once on the job, it's important to maintain your contacts, keep learning, and continue to add to your résumé. Shortly after I started my first library job, a coworker recommended that I create a portfolio of my work. In it I put bibliographies, program fliers, and photographs of my displays. I took this portfolio with me on interviews, presented it when appropriate, and got positive feedback. Such portfolios will also come in handy when applying for promotions.

There are many ways to keep expanding your career as you work. Associations provide a wealth of opportunities for professional development and networking via their publications, conferences, and discussion lists. Many have local and student chapters, also divisions focused on specific areas of interest such as children's services, reference, and technology. Since taking my new position, I was invited to join the Chicago chapter of the Black Caucus of ALA. I was elected to the position of recording secretary and have developed many contacts with active members.

I also take advantage of the great workshops that are offered by my library's staff development department. This article is the product of a staff development class on writing for the library literature. Speaking at conferences is another way to add to your résumé. Last year, I presented a program at the Illinois Library Association's (ILA, www.ila.org) annual conference. This October, I will be a panelist in the ILA conference program "Start Publishing Now."

My story has a happy ending. Not only did I find a job after being laid off, but I did it relatively quickly. Being laid off was painful, but it also was a learning experience that should prove useful to others.