Job Seeking and Interviewing: The Academic Perspective
Kelly Blessinger
Reference Assistant Coordinator,
LSU Libraries
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
Looking for a job
• Look beyond Louisiana
• Libjobs-l
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• State Library of Louisiana
Applying for the Job
• Cover letter
• Resume
• References
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
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
Resume
• Education• Job Experience• Other professional experience, skills,
service, research, etc.• For entry level, 1-2 pages
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
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
Resume (Do not Include)
• GPA• Classes taken (unless specifically relate
to job)• Church affiliations• Hobbies (although volunteer work is
good)• Objective
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!
The Phone Interview
• Usually 20 –30 minutes
• Often a conference call
• Screens applicants before on site interview
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
On Site Interview
• Academic libraries: 1-2 days
• Meet with many groups
• Usually a presentation involved
• Meal functions
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.
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
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
Don’t
• Complain about your current job
• Criticize your current colleagues
• Correct people at the interview
• Overindulge at meal functions
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
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