Job Seeking and Interviewing: The Academic Perspective

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

2. 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

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

4. Applying for the Job • Cover letter • Resume • References

5. Cover Letters-Appearance • Correct spelling and grammar • 4 - 6 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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!

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

13. 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

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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. 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

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

21. Good Luck! Questions Kelly Blessinger kblessi@lsu.edu