ALA Conference 2009: TacticsforJob Hunting in Hard Times

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ALA Annual Conference: Panel for job seekers stressed preparation, professionalization, persistence, and realism

Katharine Johnson -- Library Journal, 07/15/2009

Finding a job a job in itself
Best practices reviewed
Important to be realistic

The New Members Round Table's (NMRT) President’s Program, “Job Hunting in a Recession: Tips from Experts in the Field,” added a most pertinent discussion for American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference attendees. The Saturday program featured three panelists who highlighted the best ways to approach job searching, resume and cover letter–writing, the interview process, and more.

Deb Schwarz, founder and president of the recruiting and employment firm Library Associates Companies, humbled the crowd by opening with: “I have been a librarian since 1979 and I have never seen it this bad.” In the current chilling economic reality, she said, finding a job is a job in itself and should be treated that way.

Defining your scope
Pat Hawthorne, director of Library Human Resources at the University of California-Los Angeles, told attendees to define their job-search market and be realistic. Asking yourself why you are in the job market and what you are trying to accomplish, she said, will aid in refining your search. She highlighted geography and type of position as key considerations, adding that, in this type of economic environment, job seekers may to need to look beyond the type of library or city they favor.

Tailoring your application
Schwarz stressed that each and every resume and cover letter should be tailored to a particular position, an effort showing both professionalism and interest in the organization. Sarah Johnson, creator of the long-running career site libraryjobpostings.org, agreed. She suggested job seekers take a thorough inventory of their skills and use this as a base for tailoring applications, also expounding on personal experience and giving specific examples that directly apply to the given position.

The panel agreed that most librarians, even those fresh out of graduate school, have a lot more to show for their experience than what can be expressed in a single page, and so—contrary to the standard opinion that resumes should never exceed one page—a second page can be appropriate.

Protocol on following up
One question from the audience regarded following up, especially within academic library settings, where an application is often submitted through an online system and candidates are rarely informed of its status. Schwarz suggested speaking to an actual person (as opposed to leaving a voice-mail message) and cordially asking, "What is that status of the position? Did you get my resume? Is there anything else you might need from me?" Inquiring with human resources for details on the hiring process and time line, she said, is also a good way to feel more connected to the status of the application. While it is likely that no one will be able to give specifics on your application, Schwarz acknowledged, you can at least get a sense of what to expect.

Interview tips
Echoing Schwarz's earlier advice on tailoring cover letters, Hawthorne said that preparing for the job interview is essential. Before a phone call interview or site visit, she said, writing mini abstracts that speak to the posting’s required skills and your prior experience allow you to have well-prepared answers to draw upon quickly. She further stressed the importance of following all directions on the day of the interview; something as simple as parking in a lot different than indicated speaks of your inability to read instructions and react properly. Finally, she said, it is important to arrive with your own pre-prepared questions for the interviewers, who want an indication of the applicant’s interest in the position and the organization.

Once you get the job
Another audience member asked what is expected of candidates after they receive an offer. Hawthorne urged that one should never accept an offer on the spot. A week to consider an offer is always appropriate, and, she said, you can ask for more time if needed. Jobs requiring a substantial move can often be in negotiation for as long as a month. She encouraged candidates to keep in touch with the person hiring and never make them feel as though you are dragging them along.

Gaining value while you search
Between applications and interviews, job searchers can continue to add value to their resumes and be an asset to the field. Especially in this economy, said the panelists, temp and contract work are great ways to remain active. Johnson suggested seeking publication, presentation venues, or volunteering for an association or committee; additionally, courses and training opportunities can demonstrate commitment. Johnson’s other web site, beyondthejob.org, provides additional ideas for professional development while job seeking.

Being realistic
Finally, the panel agreed, as difficult as it may be to accept, in this market, it may be in your best interest to settle to some degree. Schwarz noted that everyone is experiencing this economy firsthand, and job seekers can take advantage of this fact. No one is going to look down on you for taking a job outside your area of expertise, she concluded. “You may have to lower your expectations right now."

Katharine Johnson, an LJ guest contributor, is a recent MLIS graduate of Dominican University, River Forest, IL, and works as a Temporary Reference and Instruction Librarian at Dominican's Crown Library