HOWTO:Apply for a library job
From LISWiki
If you're new to the profession or haven't searched for a library position in a while, this guide is designed for you. It contains some checklists, guidelines, tips and tricks for how to get a library job. Questions candidates should ask are also listed.
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Find Job Listings
Here's where you can benefit from the nature of the profession. Librarians have a natural tendency to gather and organize information. As a result there are several ways that you can search for library job advertisements. However, plan ahead when starting your job search! The time between a job's posting and hiring dates can be as much as six months or more.
The best place to start is. This list contains many combined postings from other sources, like a POS Inventory. It is searchable and even has an RSS feed. Lisjobs.com also offers a professional development e-mail newsletter and a resume posting service (although, in the current employment market, do not expect merely posting a resume anywhere to accomplish much).
E-Mail discussion groups are a good source for job postings. Topical groups are also a good place for finding advertisements in a particular field of librarianship. For example, Web4Lib often receives Web and systems librarian job postings.
Another place to check is the major library trade publications, such as Library Journal and American Libraries custom term papers. There's also related publications, such as The Chronicle of Higher Education for academic library postings or Aviso for archivist jobs.
If you're targeting a specific institution like Interior Design Education or geographic area, take a look at individual sites. The Folger Shakespeare Library, for example, has their own page.
Lastly, if you are a library school student, be sure to check out and what career resources your school offers. Many library schools have placement offices which offer help with the application process, including web and e-mail lists for job openings.
Prepare Your Application
Plan ahead in gathering materials that are sometimes required for a library job application. These include writing samples, official copies of academic transcripts, and professional references (choose these wisely).
Microsoft Word has a Resume Wizard that can help you create or update your resume. See the book Writing Resumes that Work: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians by Robert R. Newlen (Template:ISBN) for guidance on preparing your resume..
Your cover letter explains why your resume is the best match for the position to which you are applying. Take a look at the organization and find out as much information as you can from biletul zilei essay writing services website.
Many institutions are now accepting applications submitted online or via e-mail. Pay attention to each posting's file format preferences (and required application materials!) when dealing with such situations.
Practice Interview Questions
During the phone and in-person interviews you are usually presented with a standard set of questions asked to all candidates. Good reads in preparing for such questions include:
- [1]List of Tested Questions from Indiana University Bloomington Libraries and Conservatories
- [2]Interview Questions and Training sessions
Preparing for Interviews
If your resume and cover letter make the first round of cuts you are usually contacted for a phone interview. There are a number of things you can do in order to prepare yourself for the interview.
- Read the board/committee minutes for the organization going back at least six months.
- Read the strategic plan (if any). Be prepared to ask questions based on this .
