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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</title> <atom:link href="https://www.libgig.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.libgig.com/</link> <description>Career resource for librarians & information professionals</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2020 22:53:52 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8</generator> <image> <url>https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-favicon.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=32&h=32</url> <title>Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height></image> <item> <title>How to prepare for a phone interview</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-phone-interview/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-phone-interview/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Katy Davis]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2020 22:53:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviewing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=18009</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The goal of the phone interview isn’t to get the offer, but to get a formal interview with the hiring manager. The best way to ensure you ace the phone screen is to prepare. Here’s how to do it.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-phone-interview/">How to prepare for a phone interview</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/prepare-phone-interview.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="prepare phone interview" loading="lazy" title="prepare phone interview" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/prepare-phone-interview.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/prepare-phone-interview.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/prepare-phone-interview.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/prepare-phone-interview.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>Job interviews look slightly different given today’s conditions. But one procedure still remains the same—the phone interview. First interviews are typically conducted over the phone and are usually a 15-20 minute conversation between you and the interviewer to discuss your resume. It’s an opportunity to go over the basics of the position you’re interviewing for to see if you are a potential fit. The goal of the phone interview isn’t to get the offer, but to get a formal interview with the hiring manager. The best way to ensure you ace the phone screen is to prepare. Here’s how to do it.</p><h2>Before the phone interview</h2><p>Make a list of questions the interviewer is likely to ask and prepare your responses. Some typical questions the interviewer may ask are:</p><ul><li>Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how it relates to this position?</li><li>Why are you interested in this position?</li><li>Why are you searching for a new job?</li><li>What are your salary expectations?</li><li>What is your availability for an interview in the next week – 10 days?</li><li>If we offered you this position, when would you be available to start?</li></ul><p>Re-read the job description and prepare specific examples of your experience that relate to the responsibilities and qualifications of the position. Remember, this is a 15-20 minute call, so keep your examples relevant and concise.</p><p>Decide where you will take the call. Make sure the space is quiet, with minimal background noise, so you can eliminate any distractions and focus on the conversation.</p><h2>During the call</h2><p>Actively listen to the interviewer. As they provide additional information about the role, adjust your prepared responses as needed.</p><p>Write down the moments that make you think “this job is perfect for me.” Reference one in your thank you note to give the interviewer an after-the-fact reminder of why you’re a great candidate. The rest will give you talking points for the in-person/video interview.</p><h2>After the phone interview</h2><p>Follow up the same way you would for a regular interview. Thank the interviewer for their time, reaffirm your interest in the position, and let them know you look forward to being able to sit down in person or on a video call to discuss the opportunity further.</p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 50px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-phone-interview/">How to prepare for a phone interview</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-phone-interview/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Highlighting your librarian skills for a new job</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/highlighting-your-librarian-skills-for-a-new-job/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/highlighting-your-librarian-skills-for-a-new-job/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Rogers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:45:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[First job]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=10239</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The job market in 2020 is starkly different than what we have seen in previous years. COVID-19 has resulted in record high unemployment numbers and workplace closures, especially in the public and academic spheres where many information professionals develop their careers. Today’s librarians must have a wide-ranging skillset and the ability to use those skills in areas that may be outside of their comfort zone to be viable in the job market.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/highlighting-your-librarian-skills-for-a-new-job/">Highlighting your librarian skills for a new job</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/transferable-skills.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="transferable skills" loading="lazy" title="transferable skills" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/transferable-skills.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/transferable-skills.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/transferable-skills.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/transferable-skills.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>The job market in 2020 is starkly different than what we have seen in previous years. COVID-19 has resulted in record high unemployment numbers and workplace closures, especially in the public and academic spheres where many information professionals develop their careers. Today’s librarians must have a wide-ranging skillset and the ability to use those skills in areas that may be outside of their comfort zone to be viable in the job market.</p><p>According to <a href="https://ischool.sjsu.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/career_trends.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this snapshot of job postings</a>:</p><ol><li>The number of job postings <strong><em>requiring</em></strong> “job-specific experience” declined from 83% in 2019 to 79% in 2020.</li><li>Job postings that <em><strong>preferred</strong></em> “job-specific experience” rose from 9% in 2019 to 16% in 2020.</li><li>In 81% of job postings, employers either <strong><em>required</em></strong> or <em><strong>preferred</strong></em> an MLIS degree.</li></ol><p>These substantial changes in experience being required or preferred indicate that employers are shifting to an expectation that applicants will have at least some level of previous, relevant work experience.</p><p>Most professional librarian jobs will have some of the following criteria:</p><ul><li>Four-year undergraduate degree</li><li>MLS degree from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited school</li><li>A teaching certificate</li><li>A second Master’s degree</li></ul><p>As newly-minted information professionals search for their first job, and experienced librarians look for jobs outside of traditional librarianship, they may experience hesitation in their job search. While there is no skill set definitive of every librarian, generally they should be keen on customer service, familiar with digital and physical resources, digitally literate, collaborative, creative and have good communication skills. They may need experience in certain software, be familiar with established principles or have a specific degree or background in a particular subject area. Making your skills transferable to another job in librarianship or in a completely new field is a skill within itself, and one that proves fruitful.</p><h2>Transferable skills</h2><p>Transferable skills are skills that can be applied to a bevy of situations and are indispensable when it comes to changing careers. Prospective employers need to be confident that a new hire will be able to do the job and do it well. The good news is that you already have a ton of transferable skills that you’ve picked up just by living your life, going to school or working at any job. Transferable skills are not limited to on-the-job experience. If you find yourself lacking, below are things you can do to make your skills relevant to a job you like.</p><h3>Take a class</h3><p>As anyone reading this knows, public libraries offer various classes for a variety of skills. Most, if not all, are free. They also have subscriptions to software that allows you to strengthen or learn new skills. Given today’s circumstances, you may want to check if your local library have these classes available online.</p><h3>Join a group</h3><p>Meeting new people with similar interests is a great way to pick up new knowledge. Your new group mates may have the experience you need and can assist you in achieving your goals.</p><h3>Get a mentor</h3><p>Connecting with someone who has your ideal career is a fantastic way to jump-start your professional prowess. They can give you tips and share anecdotes that may save you from missteps and keep you on a rewarding career path.</p><h3>Volunteer</h3><p>Volunteering looks great on any resume. It helps you develop and refine skills that may be new to you. It also makes you more confident and provides you with an opportunity to meet new people.</p><h3>Cultivate your network</h3><p>Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are a great way to virtually meet colleagues. You may get opportunities to collaborate and create more skills that you can put on your resume.</p><h3>Read books, articles, forums or subscribe to relevant podcasts</h3><p>Learning directly from subject matter experts is a great way to become one.</p><h3>Join a professional organization</h3><p>This gives you an advantage over your peers because with meetings, committees and conferences, you stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your professional community—keeping you active and informed. It also shows that you are committed to your profession.</p><h3>Participate in a virtual webinar or networking event</h3><p>Organizations like ALA and SLA have adapted to the COVID-19 landscape by offering more networking events and learning opportunities that you can take part in from your home. These are great options to network, improve your skills, or add new skills to your resume while in quarantine.</p><h2>Put your skills into action</h2><p>Not having the specific skills does not necessarily bar you from getting the job of your dreams. Identifying and highlighting examples of your transferable skills can go a long way. Doing such will give your potential employer assurance that you are the best fit for the job. A lot of employers are looking for talent and potential during the hiring process, and focusing on what you <em>can</em> do instead of what you cannot do may be the difference between you and another job candidate.</p><p>Skills such as project management, reading comprehension, analytical skills and the ability to do research are all skills that can be transferred to any job. Your skillset is ultimately your “bag of tricks” that may be the determining factor between you and another candidate. Make sure you plan accordingly.</p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 50px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/highlighting-your-librarian-skills-for-a-new-job/">Highlighting your librarian skills for a new job</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/highlighting-your-librarian-skills-for-a-new-job/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Career advice to 2020 LIS / MLIS graduates</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/career-advice-to-2020-lis-mlis-graduates/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/career-advice-to-2020-lis-mlis-graduates/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Rogers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2020 16:28:25 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviewing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Job tips]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=17958</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Over the years we have provided tips on everything from resumes to interviews, and we encourage you to peruse the LibGig blog for the job search topic you need help with. The advice holds true in 2020, only more so. You can’t afford to “call it in” or leave any stone unturned. Use every tool and resource available to you.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/career-advice-to-2020-lis-mlis-graduates/">Career advice to 2020 LIS / MLIS graduates</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/career-advice-2020-graduates.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="career advice 2020 graduates" loading="lazy" title="career advice 2020 graduates" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/career-advice-2020-graduates.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/career-advice-2020-graduates.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/career-advice-2020-graduates.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/career-advice-2020-graduates.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>The Class of 2020 faces unprecedented challenges and unknowns. High school grads looking forward to their first year of university and campus life may end up listening to lectures and accessing the digital library from home. College grads looking to enter the workforce are doing so in a period of high unemployment and economic uncertainty.</p><p>For the university graduating class of 2020, we hope the following advice will help you navigate the career twists and turns ahead.</p><h2>Do everything needed for an effective job search, even better</h2><p>Over the years we have provided tips on everything from resumes to interviews, and we encourage you to peruse the LibGig blog for the job search topic you need help with. The advice holds true in 2020, only more so. You can’t afford to “call it in” or leave any stone unturned. Use every tool and resource available to you.</p><h3>Learn all you can about potential employers</h3><ul><li>Don’t pursue any opportunity without learning as much as you can about the organization. Glean insights and nuggets that will show how serious you interest is and demonstrate your ability to find and utilize relevant information.</li><li>Research and connect with employers you’re interested in, even if they don’t have any current suitable openings. Follow their social media and make relevant connections on LinkedIn and you’ll be better situated if a job does become available.</li></ul><h3>Prepare to network via phone, platforms like Zoom, and social media</h3><ul><li>Create talking points in advance and practice online conversational / interview skills.</li><li>Google yourself and review the first 2-3 pages of results with a critical and discerning eye. Clean up your social media for anything that hints at a lack of judgment. Create a solid LinkedIn profile and explore groups and possible new contacts.</li><li>Demonstrate your willingness and discipline to work remotely, as that could be a top requirement for all job openings in 2020.</li></ul> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/prepare-to-network.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="prepare to network" loading="lazy" title="prepare to network" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/prepare-to-network.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/prepare-to-network.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/prepare-to-network.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/prepare-to-network.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <h3>Create a strong resume you can tweak for specific requirements</h3><ul><li>Your background and past experiences are what they are, but capabilities can be emphasized or fine-tuned for closer matches and to stand out for specific opportunities.</li><li>Be clear and detailed, as digital resumes and job applications are screened for keyword matches. “Data analytics” is good; identifying the technologies you know, like Google Analytics, is better.</li></ul><h3>Monitor the job boards focused on library and information management jobs</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.libgig.com/careers/job-search/">LibGig</a></li><li><a href="https://joblist.ala.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ALA</a></li><li><a href="https://careers.sla.org/jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SLA</a></li><li>No matter where you find opportunities, be open to positions that are not your ideal scenario. More than ever it will be important to get your foot in the library door and build your working experience. View any relevant job as a stepping stone.</li></ul><h3>Practice interviewing online</h3><ul><li>Find a person you trust and respect to help you practice your interview skills online.</li><li>Become familiar with and comfortable using the popular web conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype.</li><li>Even though you may be interviewing from home, put forth a polished appearance— combed hair, makeup if you wear it, and appropriate attire, at least from the waist up.</li><li>Consider what the interviewer will see in the backdrop of your webcam and remove or avoid visuals that could be distracting. You want the focus on you.</li></ul><p>Finally, we found <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/5-ways-for-recent-graduates-job-search-in-coronavirus-economy-2020-3#start-online-networking-now-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this article on Business Insider</a> from a career coach and author who got her first job after the 2008 recession, another difficult time to enter the job market. While not specific to librarianship, her advice is helpful to all people entering the job market.</p><p>One thing is certain: the Class of 2020 will go down in history. In 10-20 years, you will have a great story to share. In the meantime, we encourage you to get creative and remain hopeful and resilient.</p><p>We wish you all the best as you launch your career.</p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 80px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/career-advice-to-2020-lis-mlis-graduates/">Career advice to 2020 LIS / MLIS graduates</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/career-advice-to-2020-lis-mlis-graduates/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>6-week strategy to find a job</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/6-week-strategy-to-find-a-job/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/6-week-strategy-to-find-a-job/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Katy Davis]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:19:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[First job]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=17931</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Some weeks can overlap, and some steps will take more time, but this is a good roadmap. This approach will help you get on track, avoid dead ends and relieve some of the stress and anxiety of finding a new job.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/6-week-strategy-to-find-a-job/">6-week strategy to find a job</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/6-week-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="6 week strategy" loading="lazy" title="6 week strategy" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/6-week-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/6-week-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/6-week-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/6-week-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some job search timelines are more urgent than others. Maybe you’ve been let go, or you see the writing on the wall, or you’re done dealing with a difficult work environment, or your life situation is changing. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Maybe you just work better under a deadline!</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whatever the reason, and even if you’re not under pressure but you’re ready to make a career change, I’ve boiled down the job search into a 6-week plan with tips for every week. Included with each week is a link to a helpful article I found on that week’s assignment. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some weeks can overlap, and some steps will take more time, but this is a good roadmap. This approach will help you get on track, avoid dead ends and relieve some of the stress and anxiety of finding a new job.</span></p><h2>Week 1: Establish your job goals</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You may view this as an extraneous and unnecessary step, but it’s actually very important for a successful job search. Simply stating “I want a new job” is too vague. And vague search criteria lead to vague results, dead ends, wasted time and greater frustration and anxiety.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Put yourself in a quiet place and do some thinking and imagining about your ideal job. Start by identifying anything you do NOT want in your next job! </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Then start asking questions to identify what you do want:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What type of position, work and responsibilities would suit you best?</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What sector interests you—law, business, government, academic, science, nonprofit?</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are your core values and ideal work environment?</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How about location? Consider commuting, urban or downtown setting versus something more remote, working remotely from home, willingness to relocate and anything else.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As you answer these and any other questions, it’s important that you do so with an honest evaluation of your work history in mind. Identify not only your experience, but your underlying training and skills including soft skills like communication or time management. Identify what you are capable of doing and how you could demonstrate that if you have little or no experience to back it up. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While this step takes time, it also saves time in the long run. Plus, the more targeted you are, the easier it will be to develop and implement the right plan.</span></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/officehours-how-to-create-jobsearch-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to Create an Effective Job-Search Plan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (from Top Resume)</span></li></ul><h2>Week 2: Update your resume & LinkedIn profile</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you’re clear on what you’re looking for and have a full, honest assessment of your relevant skills and experience, it’s time to refine your resume and LinkedIn (LI) profile to match your goals and highlight the qualifications that will help you reach them. Create a cover letter template and revisit your other social media profiles. Since potential employers and recruiters are likely to do this, you should do a search on your name to see what they will see. (This article I wrote last year on </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/avoid-oversharing-social-media/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">social media oversharing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may be helpful.)</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your resume and LI profile should complement each other:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make the resume succinct and matter-of-fact, and most importantly, make sure it’s formatted for easy scanning and review. </span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Use your LI profile to share more information that shows your values, ambitions and more of who you are. Write and post articles related to your work and your audience, join groups, add skills and ask a few people in your network who know you well if they would give you a recommendation.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure they don’t contradict each other in any way, which could raise unwanted and unnecessary red flags.</span></li></ul> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/update-resume-and-linkedin.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="resume and linkedin tips" loading="lazy" title="update resume and linkedin" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/update-resume-and-linkedin.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/update-resume-and-linkedin.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/update-resume-and-linkedin.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/update-resume-and-linkedin.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you were going to run a marathon, you would need to invest in good sneakers—consider this week your opportunity to get the fundamentals of your job search marathon ready to go.</span></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/what-your-resume-should-look-like-in-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This Is What Your Resume Should Look Like in 2020</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (from The Muse)</span></li><li><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.findmyprofession.com/career-advice/19-essential-linkedin-profile-tips-for-job-seekers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">19 Essential LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (from Find My Profession)</span></li></ul><h2>Week 3: Reach out to your network</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Often the best jobs are the ones we find through our own networks. Now that you’ve laid a good foundation, you can feel confident directing people to your LI profile or sending them your resume. It’s time to talk to colleagues, peers and friends who work in your industry. Also start researching and attending conferences or events in your area or that you can travel to. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the same time, create your “elevator pitch” so you can describe who you are and the value you deliver. This will help you go to events confidently and prepared. And supplement in-person networking with online networking. Don’t be afraid to reach out individually to your LinkedIn network.</span></p><ul><li><a href="https://careersidekick.com/best-elevator-pitch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Best Elevator Pitch With Examples For Job Seekers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (from Career Sidekick)</span></li></ul><h2>Week 4: Apply to job openings</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can start applying for jobs in week 3, but make the application process your focus during week 4. Spend a set amount of time each day searching for and applying to jobs that look like a good fit. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While it’s okay to stretch and aim high, it’s better to apply to positions that are a close match to your experience and skills, especially online.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The big job search boards like </span><a href="https://www.indeed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indeed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.monster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monster</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will have the most listings, but you’ll also face the most competition. Niche job sites for library and information professionals are more focused, plus they give you an idea of skills that are in demand.</span></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.libgig.com/careers/job-search/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LibGig library and other information job openings</span></a></li><li><a href="https://careers.aallnet.org/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">AALL legal library and research job openings</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></li></ul><h2>Week 5: Interview scheduling and preparation</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal is to get as many suitable interviews as possible, even if the position doesn’t hit all your criteria for your ideal job. Practice makes perfect, and especially if you’re early in your career, every job can be a stepping stone in the right direction.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Identify typical interview questions (links on that to come) and practice your responses to them. You don’t want to come across being artificial and scripted, but preparation will boost your confidence and impress the interviewer.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preparation includes researching the company or organization you’re interviewing with and learning as much as possible about them.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recruit a mentor or friend for mock interviews in-person, over the phone, and online via Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts to cover all bases and get more practice.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plan your interview outfits, including bags. Even if you know the organization has a casual dress policy, it’s still best to dress in a suit or coordinated separates to show you take this opportunity seriously.</span></li></ul> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/interview-preparation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="interview preparation" loading="lazy" title="interview preparation" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/interview-preparation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/interview-preparation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/interview-preparation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/interview-preparation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <ul><li><a href="https://mrlibrarydude.wordpress.com/nailing-the-library-interview/library-interview-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commonly Asked Library Interview Questions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (from Mr. Library Dude blog)</span></li><li><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.job-hunt.org/job_interviews/smart-interview-answers.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Smart Answers to the 21 Most Common Interview Questions</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (from Job-Hunt)</span></li></ul><h2>Week 6: Follow-up, rinse and repeat</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this point and moving forward, you will be networking, applying and interviewing interchangeably. My advice at this point:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow-up every interview and networking opportunity with a thank you and confirmation of your interest in the opportunity. </span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be prepared for an offer, which means preparing to negotiate salary or anything else that matters to you.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also be prepared for rejection, and don’t take it personally.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re still not landing interviews or job offers after these steps, revisit each one to figure out where you can make improvements. For example:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not getting interviews? Revise your resume. </span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not getting offers after the interview? Work on your interview skills.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, if you’re in a dire situation, consider temping or a part-time job while you continue your search. And stay positive, no matter how many weeks it takes. </span></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/8-week-new-job-strategy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This plan can help you land a new job in 8 weeks flat</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (some of what I’ve covered and more from Monster)</span></li></ul> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 50px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/6-week-strategy-to-find-a-job/">6-week strategy to find a job</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/6-week-strategy-to-find-a-job/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Is a new job one of your new year’s resolutions?</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/is-a-new-job-one-of-your-new-years-resolutions/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/is-a-new-job-one-of-your-new-years-resolutions/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin5e79]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:18:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Job tips]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=17898</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The new year and new beginnings go hand-in-hand, and many of us include “get a new job” as a new year’s resolution.</p><p>If that’s part of your career plan for 2020 (or if you’re assessing whether it should be), here’s advice on some of the most important considerations and actions you can start taking now in preparation, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve conducted a job search.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/is-a-new-job-one-of-your-new-years-resolutions/">Is a new job one of your new year’s resolutions?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Blog_-2020-job-search.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Blog_ 2020 job search" loading="lazy" title="Blog_ 2020 job search" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Blog_-2020-job-search.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Blog_-2020-job-search.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Blog_-2020-job-search.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Blog_-2020-job-search.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new year and new beginnings go hand-in-hand, and many of us include “get a new job” as a new year’s resolution.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If that’s part of your career plan for 2020 (or if you’re assessing whether it should be), here’s advice on some of the most important considerations and actions you can start taking now in preparation, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve conducted a job search.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Compensation and job outlook</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We start at the top with pay and outlook, often the drivers for many job changes. Can you earn more money or find more attractive benefits to keep more of the money you earn? Do you know your worth and how to use that information in compensation negotiations? </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For pay and job prospects, we have a variety of surveys and sources for data benchmarking. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.libgig.com/what-you-are-worth-update/">This article</a> includes links for </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">checking salary information from a variety of resources: </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Career One Stop (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor), LinkedIn Salary, Simply Hired and the Librarians page in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Library Journal conducts an annual librarian job survey, available to subscribers. We’ve summarized findings for you from the </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2019 LIS Pipeline, Placements & Salaries</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> report.</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 28px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <a href="https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/" target="_self" class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Wage trend" loading="lazy" title="Wage trend" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 28px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remember to include the unique variables for each job seeker, like the dynamics of the local job market and your experience, when assessing your salary potential.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">New and different work</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of LAC Group’s research analysts <a href="https://www.libgig.com/staying-ahead-future-oriented-industry/">shares her views on how to get ahead</a> and stay ahead in a future-oriented industry of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">research and intelligence.</span></p><blockquote><p><em>“The industry is evolving to become more future-oriented. Long-term strategies for creating sustainable business value are becoming increasingly important, particularly as stakeholders put pressure on corporations to be more environmentally conscious—and having the right research is critical to supporting that. The challenge for us, as researchers, is to not only keep up to pace on what’s going on in the industry in the present but to understand broadly where industries are headed.”</em></p></blockquote><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Building your personal, professional brand</span></h2><div id="attachment_11064" style="width: 472px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.libgig.com/stand-out-on-linkedin/"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11064" class="wp-image-11064" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/LinkedIn-profile-tip-225x300.png?auto=format%2Ccompress" alt="LinkedIn edit URL" width="462" height="616" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/LinkedIn-profile-tip.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=225 225w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/LinkedIn-profile-tip.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/LinkedIn-profile-tip.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/LinkedIn-profile-tip.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1280 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 462px) 100vw, 462px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-11064" class="wp-caption-text">How to customize your LinkedIn URL.</p></div><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you end up making a career move or not, the concept of “personal branding” is worth your time and attention. Building a strong personal brand will increase your chances of a recruiter or employer discovering you and seeking you out as a possible candidate. It also confirms your capabilities and commitment to the library/information management profession.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most personal branding efforts start online, and you can start yours by Googling your name and seeing what comes up. Take time to <a href="https://www.libgig.com/stand-out-on-linkedin/">complete and refresh your LinkedIn profile</a>. Seek out and add some new recommendations and endorsements. Find new, relevant connections. </span></p><p>Networks like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook can also be used for professional networking and you should update the privacy settings to separate purely personal activity. You may even want to set up a personalized website or portfolio to showcase your goals, capabilities and accomplishments.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, be careful not to cross the line between building a personal brand and </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/avoid-oversharing-social-media/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">oversharing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. You don’t want a recruiter or employer questioning your maturity, values or judgment. The way you present yourself in your personal life could make the difference in either direction—moving forward or being eliminated as a candidate. </span></p><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Updating your resume</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best resume comes in different flavors, not to misrepresent your background and experience, but tweaked as needed to ensure that an employer or recruiter can easily find what they’re looking for to fill a particular position. The cover letter can also accomplish this, but it may get separated from the resume.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To make the most of your resume, see these </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/format-your-resume-for-job-success/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">tips on how to format it for success.</span></a></p><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interview skills</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not to make a stressful thing even more stressful, but know that interview performance is hugely important. An interview has lots of moving parts: appearance and demeanor, personal skills and engaging the interviewer, answering questions with both substance and style.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most important advice we have is to practice. Take interviews just for that purpose, even if the position doesn’t really interest you. You may end up rethinking the position, and you’ll gain interview practice in the meantime. Recruit a trusted peer or friend to practice online interviewing on Skype, Google Hangouts or over the phone.</span></p><p>Finally, be well-prepared, especially as librarians and other information professionals. Learn as much as you can about the position and the organization. <a href="https://www.libgig.com/how-to-research-companies-for-interviews/">Thoroughly research the employer</a> before the interview and consider how you may respond to potential questions while referencing your past experiences.</p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <a href="https://www.libgig.com/how-to-research-companies-for-interviews/" target="_self" class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1024" height="768" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1024&h=768" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Research checklist" loading="lazy" title="Research checklist" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1024 1024w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=800 800w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=700 700w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relocating for a job</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best job for you may be well outside your area code, far enough to make daily commuting impossible. Recruiters that focus on executive-level positions say that a willingness to relocate is an important factor. Relocation is a very personal choice, but it’s worth consideration. The </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/should-i-relocate-for-work/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">advice on relocating for a job</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in this article can help you get clear based on your needs and priorities.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working with recruiters</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We end with advice from LibGig Recruiting Director Brad Rogers on </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/how-to-work-with-a-recruiter/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">how to work with recruiters.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The most important thing to remember is that a recruiter is like a real estate agent—they represent the seller (the employer), not the buyer (you as a candidate). The recruiter’s job is to find and present the best candidate in the best possible light for their hiring client. Help them do that and they will be more willing to help you in return!</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We wish you well in your job search and </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/careers/job-search/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">invite you to begin on our own job board</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/is-a-new-job-one-of-your-new-years-resolutions/">Is a new job one of your new year’s resolutions?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/is-a-new-job-one-of-your-new-years-resolutions/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>2020 recruiting advice for employers</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/2020-recruiting-advice-for-employers/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/2020-recruiting-advice-for-employers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Rogers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2019 22:04:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career development]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=17786</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>As we’re entering a new year, I’ll finish up with some tips and resources to help you create your recruiting plan and strategy for finding the workers you need in 2020. I hope you find them helpful and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need immediate recruiting help during or after the holidays.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/2020-recruiting-advice-for-employers/">2020 recruiting advice for employers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-cover.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Recruiting strategies cover" loading="lazy" title="Recruiting strategies cover" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-cover.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-cover.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-cover.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-cover.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My last article of 2019 will be a compilation of thoughts and tips that employers can use to make the most of their recruiting efforts in 2020, not only for library positions but other knowledge and information workers.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I hope you find them helpful and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need immediate recruiting help during or after the holidays.</span></p><h2>Three magical words to look for in every resume</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Algorithms in candidate tracking and talent acquisition platforms do a good first cut at screening job applicants, but they can’t spot the differentiators and nuances you need to identify the best person for the job.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to Inc., Google receives some two million applications annually. One tactic the company uses to identify the best of those applicants is the “XYZ” formula. The Inc. reporter says:</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Google talks about looking for the ‘</span><a href="https://www.understandably.com/p/heres-why-google-wants-to-see-the" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">XYZ Formula</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’ on successful applicants’ resumes: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].”</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the Inc. writer describes it, the XYZ factor can be found by looking for three basic words that are mostly ignored: from, by and to. For example, you want to look for language in a resume or cover letter like the following:</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-quote.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Recruiting strategies quote" loading="lazy" title="Recruiting strategies quote" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-quote.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-quote.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-quote.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Recruiting-strategies-quote.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The XYZ formula can be a great way to review applications and resumes for the experience and outcomes you want, even if you don’t have nearly as many applicants as Google!</span></p><h2>Essentials for finding good job candidates</h2><h3>Brand your business to attract talent</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The concept of employer branding is becoming increasingly important. To reach the best candidates, both passive and active candidates, you need to explore all your options and implement as many different ones as possible: </span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Begin with market research. </b>U<span style="font-weight: 400;">nderstand where and how your current best employees learned about you and your opening, and continue to post jobs or reach out there.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Look at your job description as an advertisement.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Clearly describe your needs and expectations, while at the same time selling the job and your organization by positioning them in the best light.</span></li></ul><h3>Implement a multi-channel strategy</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You have many options for making your openings known:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Online job boards.</strong> I recommend listing on multiple sites that includes one of the big online job boards like Indeed, along with niche job boards for specific skills, like LibGig. </span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Leverage all social media networks.</strong> By keeping an active and engaged presence, you can build a following for greater reach and impact for free, and explore the paid and sponsored advertising options that could help you. Make sure you’re maintaining an active presence on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, as they’re attracting more candidates doing their own employer research. </span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Talk to current employees.</strong> Ask current employees about their networks and incentivize them for referrals.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Use your resources.</strong> Take advantage of local resources like universities and other educational institutions and state job services.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, make sure your website helps paint a picture of what it’s like to work for your organization, like our own <a href="https://lac-group.com/working-lac-group/">“Working for LAC Group” page.</a></span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Blog_-multichannel-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" loading="lazy" title="Blog_ multichannel strategy" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Blog_-multichannel-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Blog_-multichannel-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Blog_-multichannel-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Blog_-multichannel-strategy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <h3>Consider working with external recruiters</h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Well-known companies like Google that have potential employees going to them directly can choose from a wider and deeper talent pool. You may not have that recruiting advantage and many employers lack internal resources and recruiting expertise. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working with outside recruiters allows you to tap into a recruiting infrastructure that’s already in place to identify and recruit the skills and experience you’re seeking. For example, LibGig is focused on library staff and other positions in information management and services; we already have active job seekers as well as currently employed workers in our applicant pool, which shortens the recruiting process.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plus, recruiting is my team’s focus so we are experts in finding the best match for your employment objectives and company culture to help ensure a good fit. The combination of our candidate pool and recruiting process enables you to find and hire the best candidate, faster and more efficiently.</span></p><h2>Recruiting preparation for 2020</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we’re entering a new year, I’ll finish up with some tips and resources to help you create your recruiting plan and strategy for finding the workers you need in 2020.</span></p><h3><b>Library and</b> librarian<b> recruitment</b></h3><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check the related link below to my post on The Library Journal’s (LJ) 2019 LIS Pipeline, Placements & Salaries report. LJ subscribers can get access to the complete findings and though my summary was directed toward job-seekers, job-posters will get top-line information and benchmarking data on pay as well as an idea of the different types of libraries and library jobs they’re competing against.</span></p><h3><b>General recruiting trends</b></h3><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Technology continues to evolve rapidly, leading to emerging markets and players that are attracting and competing for talent. </span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Demographic shifts are creating a new dynamic—some Baby Boomers are retiring while others are staying in place and Millennial and Gen Y are the bulk of the workforce, creating a multi-generational setting. There is also greater diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity and other factors.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the exception of some traditional workplaces, a typical career ladder is becoming a thing of the past. More employees are remaining individual contributors rather than managers, whether that’s by choice or necessity since org charts have flattened. They may move in a zig-zag pattern rather than going up rungs on a ladder, which employers need to embrace and understand.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A methodical, responsive hiring process with good communication is more important than ever. In a candidate-driven market, you don’t have the luxury of keeping a good potential employee hanging.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I like to tell candidates that first impressions matter and they matter to employers as well. You need good employer branding to attract talent, a good recruiting experience to win them and a supportive work environment to keep them.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Again, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or immediate recruiting needs.</span></p><h3><b>Related links</b></h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/want-to-hire-best-look-for-these-3-key-words-on-every-single-resume.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Look for 3 key words to hire the best</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Google XYZ formula)</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://lac-group.com/working-lac-group/">Working for LAC Group</a></span></li><li><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/">Latest on librarian salaries and jobs from Library Journal</a></li></ul> </div> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/2020-recruiting-advice-for-employers/">2020 recruiting advice for employers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/2020-recruiting-advice-for-employers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>2020 job application advice for job seekers</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/2020-job-application-advice-for-job-seekers/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/2020-job-application-advice-for-job-seekers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Katy Davis]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2019 21:54:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career development]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviewing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Résumés & cover letters]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=17804</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The end of the year and the beginning of the next are good times for introspection. For anyone resolved to find a new job in 2020, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 pieces of job-seeker advice that we found in 2019. These particular bits of wisdom go beyond the standard recommendations that most job-seekers have already heard and provide some extra perspective on the process.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/2020-job-application-advice-for-job-seekers/">2020 job application advice for job seekers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Job-application-tips.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Job application tips 2020" loading="lazy" title="Job application tips 2020" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Job-application-tips.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Job-application-tips.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Job-application-tips.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Job-application-tips.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The end of the year and the beginning of the next are good times for introspection. For anyone resolved to find a new job in 2020, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 pieces of job seeker advice that we found in 2019. These particular bits of wisdom go beyond the standard recommendations that most job seekers have already heard and provide some extra perspective on the process.</span></p><ol start="1"><li><a href="https://careersherpa.net/tips-for-2019-job-search/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hope comes from choices</span></a></li></ol><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to Jason Alba, one of the most important aspects of a job search is hope. And, hope comes from having options. If you have multiple skills and more than one income stream, or can change industry or professions, your hope will carry you through a difficult job search.</span></p><ol start="2"><li><a href="https://thevoiceofjobseekers.com/14-easy-modern-job-search-tips-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prepare for new interview tools</span></a></li></ol><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mark Anthony Dyson recommends taking some time to learn about the latest interview techniques, particularly those that make use of video and artificial intelligence. Many companies also incorporate behavioral assessments. With video interviews becoming commonplace, it pays to prepare ahead of time to make the best impression. </span></p><ol start="3"><li><a href="https://careerconfidential.com/8-ingenious-job-search-tips-for-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Write a 30-60-90-day plan for every interview</span></a></li></ol><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The experts at Career Confidential suggest writing a 30-60-90-day plan for every interview. This forward look at what you can do for the organization demonstrates that you have what it takes to do the job in addition to the initiative and communication skills every hiring manager wants to see.</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/job-planning.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Interview position planning 2020" loading="lazy" title="Interview position planning 2020" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/job-planning.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/job-planning.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/job-planning.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/job-planning.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <ol start="4"><li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/07/success/job-search-2019/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Build/re-energize your personal brand</span></a></li></ol><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kathryn Vasel at CNN Business writes, it’s never too late to build your personal brand through professional online activity. Choose the platforms that make the most sense for your chosen industry—whether it’s LinkedIn groups, Twitter, user groups or other discussion forums—and become an active participant and contributor. You want to be in the same online places as potential hiring managers. While this approach takes time, it will pay off when a hiring manager recognizes your name from your posts. </span></p><ol start="5"><li><a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-strategies-for-a-successful-job-search-2060714" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rank well on Google</span></a></li></ol><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alison Doyle at The Balance Careers reminds us about the importance of being found by recruiters who perform Google searches to vet candidates. In addition to your LinkedIn profile, she recommends creating profiles on other professional networking sites that are likely to rank in Google searches. Use your name for the URL, if possible. This goes hand-in-hand with your personal brand, so take the time to build a complete profile on the sites where you’re active. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you do need to brush up on the basics, whether it’s how to dress for an interview, negotiate salary or prepare for the tough questions, these sites provide the ongoing advice and guidance that will make your job search a success. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.libgig.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/social-linkedin-square2-512.png"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-17811 alignright" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/social-linkedin-square2-512-300x300.png?auto=format%2Ccompress" alt="" width="158" height="158" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/social-linkedin-square2-512.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/social-linkedin-square2-512.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=150 150w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/social-linkedin-square2-512.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=100 100w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/social-linkedin-square2-512.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=512 512w" sizes="(max-width: 158px) 100vw, 158px" /></a><a href="http://linkedin.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>LinkedIn:</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> In addition to extensive job listings and the ability to connect directly with potential hiring managers, LinkedIn offers a wealth of resources for the job seeker. These include resume writing services, short videos on how to respond to </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/interview-prep/assessments/urn:li:fs_assessment:(1,a)/question/urn:li:fs_assessmentQuestion:(10011,aq11)/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">common interview questions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a nationwide </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/salary?trk=jobshome_linkedin_salary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">salary guide</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/resources#linkedin-workforce-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">workforce reports</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on hiring trends. These resources are complemented by the thousands of groups, thought leaders and articles focused on job seekers. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.libgig.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/glassdoor-social-icon.png"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-17812 alignright" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/glassdoor-social-icon-300x300.png?auto=format%2Ccompress" alt="glassdoor-social-icon" width="157" height="157" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/glassdoor-social-icon.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/glassdoor-social-icon.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=150 150w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/glassdoor-social-icon.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=100 100w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/glassdoor-social-icon.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=502 502w" sizes="(max-width: 157px) 100vw, 157px" /></a><strong><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="http://glassdoor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glassdoor:</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Glassdoor provides employees with an opportunity to anonymously </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">review their current and </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">former employers—giving job seekers an insider’s perspective. Glassdoor offers a </span><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/know-your-worth.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">personalized salary calculator</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> so you can assess your market worth, as well as the ability to search salaries by geography. It also provides insights into the interview questions you might encounter at a particular company based on the experience of prior interviewees. Finally, Glassdoor also has a </span><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.glassdoor.com/research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">research arm</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that reports on hiring and market trends, </span><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guides/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">career guides</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and an </span><a style="font-size: inherit;" href="https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">active blog</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with helpful articles.</span></p><h2>Seeking a librarian or information position?</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For our fellow librarians, LibGig offers industry-specific advice for standing out in your job search:</span></p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.libgig.com/stand-out-on-linkedin/">Stand out on LinkedIn:</a> </strong>F<span style="font-weight: 400;">or more discussion on personal branding and how to maximize your LinkedIn profile, view this helpful advice from Nathan Rosen. </span></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.libgig.com/reinventing-yourself-professionally/">Reinventing yourself professionally:</a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> See what Logan Tapscott, an LAC Group librarian, has to say about how librarians can reinvent themselves and reframe their career approach. </span></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.libgig.com/highlighting-your-librarian-skills-for-a-new-job/">Highlighting your librarian skills for a new job: </a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get some pointers from LibGig Director of Recruiting, Brad Rogers, on what you can do to build the skill set you need to be viable in the job market.</span></li></ul><p>If you have any questions about applications, interviews or the recruiting process, feel free to contact me.</p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/2020-job-application-advice-for-job-seekers/">2020 job application advice for job seekers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/2020-job-application-advice-for-job-seekers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Making gratitude a career soft skill</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/making-gratitude-a-career-soft-skill/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/making-gratitude-a-career-soft-skill/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin5e79]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:53:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Career development]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=11254</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>“Oftentimes expressing gratitude suggests that I was in need, or I am putting myself in a vulnerable situation where I didn’t have the expertise or the confidence to solve my own problem.” With the holiday season upon us, the message of gratitude and thanks is once again being promoted and communicated everywhere we look. Yet in all the ways we can express appreciation and recognize goodness, the one place we neglect is the workplace. All we need to do is think about the last time our efforts were recognized. Even a simple thank you and good job sent via email or posted to an internal communication network makes us feel better. Conversely, when our efforts are ignored and unappreciated, we have one less incentive to excel and one more reason to consider leaving.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/making-gratitude-a-career-soft-skill/">Making gratitude a career soft skill</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1280" height="1280" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hanny-naibaho-0YbeoQOX89k-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1280&h=1280" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Coffee appreciation" loading="lazy" title="Coffee appreciation" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hanny-naibaho-0YbeoQOX89k-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=150 150w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hanny-naibaho-0YbeoQOX89k-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hanny-naibaho-0YbeoQOX89k-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=100 100w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the holiday season upon us, the message of gratitude and thanks is once again being promoted and communicated everywhere we look.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet in all the ways we can express appreciation and recognize goodness, the one place we neglect is the workplace. Most of us are not likely to thank coworkers, supervisors and managers—even those we like and respect.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Perhaps we think it’s unnecessary, that people are just doing their job. Some of us may feel uncomfortable expressing gratitude, or believe it doesn’t matter. We may fear showing weakness or incompetence. According to organizational psychologist and Wharton professor Adam Grant,</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Often times, expressing gratitude suggests that I was in need, or I am putting myself in a vulnerable situation where I didn’t have the expertise or the confidence to solve my own problem.”</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grant and Francesca Gino, behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor, discussed their research on gratitude and generosity in a podcast interview with an accompanying article for Harvard Business Review. The gist of it is reflected in the title: </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Big Benefits of a Little Thanks.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They say people are surprised to hear how powerful it is to give and receive a little thanks and appreciation. Yet of all the higher needs of human beings, our yearning for acknowledgment and recognition is at the top of the list, and it’s not a coat we remove and check at the workplace door. Grant and Gino mention various studies, along with their own, backing this up. In a 2017 survey done by the American Psychological Association, the top determinant of employee satisfaction and trust in their employer was supervisor support.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other findings from this report:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Employees who feel supported by their supervisors were more than twice as likely to report job satisfaction and to recommend their company as a good place to work.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nearly 80% of those who said they feel supported also indicated trust in their employer.</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Employees with college degrees (in higher-level positions and more opportunities for growth) seem to fare better, with nearly 75% reporting supervisor support compared to only 55% of those without a college degree.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All we need to do is think about the last time our efforts were recognized. Even a simple thank you and good job sent via email or posted to an internal communication network makes us feel better. Conversely, when our efforts are ignored and unappreciated, we have one less incentive to excel and one more reason to consider leaving.</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="800" height="900" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ways-to-show-appreciation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=800&h=900" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" loading="lazy" title="Ways to show appreciation" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ways-to-show-appreciation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=800 800w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ways-to-show-appreciation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=267 267w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ways-to-show-appreciation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Ways-to-show-appreciation.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">About one-third of our time is devoted to work, which means we spend as much time (or more) with coworkers as we spend time with family and friends. This holiday season, let’s include our colleagues and supervisors by expressing our appreciation for all they do to make our work lives better.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Related links:</span></p><p><a href="https://hbr.org/2013/11/the-big-benefits-of-a-little-thanks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Big Benefits of a Little Thanks (Harvard Business Review)</span></a></p><p><a href="https://qz.com/work/1108444/employee-satisfaction-and-trust-is-tightly-linked-to-manager-support/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How managers can double employee satisfaction and trust</span></a></p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/making-gratitude-a-career-soft-skill/">Making gratitude a career soft skill</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/making-gratitude-a-career-soft-skill/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Latest on librarian salaries and job prospects</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Rogers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:14:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Compensation & benefits]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=11207</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Librarians have been experiencing something of an existential crisis in the last decade or two, thanks to the rise of the internet and sophisticated search engines, eBooks, budget pressures and other trends.</p><p>But the past few years have been positive, and good news is on the horizon. </p><p>The Library Journal (LJ) has released its 2019 LIS Pipeline, Placements & Salaries report and salaries are up, while the gender pay gap is down. In addition, LIS candidates have numerous options for networking and identifying active opportunities. The report looks at grads entering the field from 41 ALA-accredited universities.</p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/">Latest on librarian salaries and job prospects</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/librarians-salary-title.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="librarians salary title" loading="lazy" title="librarians salary title" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/librarians-salary-title.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/librarians-salary-title.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/librarians-salary-title.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/librarians-salary-title.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Librarians have been experiencing something of an existential crisis in the last decade or two, thanks to the rise of the internet and sophisticated search engines, eBooks, budget pressures and other trends.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But the past few years have been positive, and good news is on the horizon. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Library Journal (LJ) has released its </span><a href="https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=Survey-Methods-Placements-Salaries-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2019 LIS Pipeline, Placements & Salaries</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> report and salaries are up, while the gender pay gap is down. In addition, LIS candidates have numerous options for networking and identifying active opportunities. The report looks at grads entering the field from 41 ALA-accredited universities.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete survey results are available to LJ subscribers, but I’ll weigh in here with some of the highlights to help students, new grads and working librarians understand their options and make the right career moves.</span></p><h2>Latest library salary information</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As I mentioned already, library compensation is on the upswing, with librarians earning 6.2 percent more than they did last year and 24 percent more than 2011. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the report, 2018 graduates who are salaried earn an average of $55,357 while those paid hourly earn an average of $19.76 per hour. Librarians that performed the best are working in the private sector or special collections. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regarding the gender pay gap, it’s encouraging that the differential between a male graduate working full time versus a female graduate has dropped just under 10 percent (9.9 percent). </span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gender-wage-gap.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="gender wage gap" loading="lazy" title="gender wage gap" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gender-wage-gap.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gender-wage-gap.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gender-wage-gap.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gender-wage-gap.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s important to note that these are averages that cross different types of libraries with different levels of compensation. Also, these days the definition of “librarian” has become fuzzy. There are people in settings that do library work, but do not consider themselves a librarian, which can skew these numbers. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet salaries are going up for jobs, and we’re seeing that ourselves at LibGig. Employment is really good through all industries, including LIS positions. This results in employers needing to pay more or increase benefits to attract and hire top talent. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I think 2020 will continue to see salary growth as long as the employment numbers and economy stay steady. It is tough to find top talent, and as long as that dynamic remains, employers will pay more for those top skills.</span></p><h2>Where the jobs are: overview of library types</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The LJ survey represents virtually all kinds of librarians and library settings. It also delivers results for each school, showing average, median, low and high salaries for their alumni, as well as the number of placements. The total number of placements for all schools included in the report came to 813.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The majority of respondents work in public libraries, followed by university libraries. Private and special libraries appear in the middle of the pack while government had the least number of respondents at 3 percent.</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="where library jobs" loading="lazy" title="where library jobs" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of our recruiting is outside the public and academic space, because LAC is focused on corporate and legal libraries and higher level positions, which have fewer candidates with the right experience and are much more difficult to find. In addition, we find that most people go to library school to be a public or academic librarian, so those institutions usually don’t have issues finding candidates.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most people we speak to and the candidates we work with have experience working in the setting for a given position. Generally, they started their career in a law library and are still working as a law librarian. I’ve found that most people seem to not compromise on their preferred setting in the library world. If they want to be a public librarian, they are not going to take a corporate or law firm role and instead will keep trying to find public or academic work. In other words, they are not becoming librarians to make money. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Positions in legal and corporate settings are increasingly being filled without LIS degrees because of experience. These employers want candidates with experience and that trumps the degree. If you have a background working for a law firm or corporation in a role other than a librarian, those employers find that experience more valuable than a library degree. </span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <h2>Where the money is: salary info</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regarding the compensation levels in this report, remember again that they are truly average and skewed toward new hires. Most of the positions we have that require experience will pay more. If anything, I would say these figures are low for special librarians, but pretty accurate on the other library types.</span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Wage trend" loading="lazy" title="Wage trend" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Wage-trend.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <h2>Job search advice for current LIS students</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of the students represented in the LJ survey started their job search four to six months before they graduated, and 44 percent were hired before they graduated. </span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=600" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" loading="lazy" title="5" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My advice is to get started as soon as possible, especially with employers that have long processes, like those in academia. However, I would not suggest applying for a position that you can’t start as soon as the hiring decision is made, unless the potential employer is fully aware of your constraints. While it’s good to start early to see what type of jobs are out there or what locations are good for your preferred work, you should really be able to commit to a job within a month of applying.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And since most library jobs now go hand-in-hand with information technology, learn as much as you can about commonly used systems and tools and emerging technologies, especially the ones used in the setting you prefer.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most importantly, I always advise young candidates or those seeking a big change to take any experience they can get, even if it doesn’t pay well or pay at all, if that’s an option. Find a place where you really would like to work and volunteer your time. The hardest part about finding a library job is the initial entry-level work experience; once you have that, it’s much easier to find or transition to a different role. To start, do whatever you can to gain experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">LAC Group represents employers with a posted position that are looking to fill that position right now, which is why they use our <a href="https://www.libgig.com/careers/job-search/">LibGig job board</a>. And I should note that we’re proud to be included in the LJ report as one of the job boards that focuses on library and information work.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As far as other ways to find opportunities, I suggest you cast a wide net. Besides library-specific job boards like LibGig, INALJ, LibJobs, Libtech jobs and ArchivesGig, don’t neglect the general employment sites like Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn and Glassdoor.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The LIS profession also has many professional associations including:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.aallnet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Association of Law Libraries</span></a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.arl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Association of Research Libraries</span></a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.ala.org/lita/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Library Information Technology Association</span></a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www2.archivists.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Society of American Archivists</span></a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.sla.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Special Libraries Association</span></a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.ala.org/aboutala/affiliates/chapters/state/stateregional" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Various state library associations</span></a></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regarding your resume, that’s what gets you the interview, so <a href="https://www.libgig.com/format-your-resume-for-job-success/">make it shine</a>. Without that, nothing else will happen. It should be dynamic, tweaked to meet specific requirements of the job you are applying for. Also maintain an active and professional <a href="https://www.libgig.com/stand-out-on-linkedin/">LinkedIn presence and profile</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’ll finish with peer-to-peer advice from the LIS class of 2018 that was included in the report, because all their tips are valuable:</span></p><ul><li>Gather multiple opinions on your application materials</li><li>Develop your presentation skills</li><li>Be willing to relocate</li><li>Practice mock interviews</li><li>Demonstrate your social skills and personality</li><li>Remember you’re interviewing the employer, too</li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, make sure to check the </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/careers/job-search/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LibGig</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> job board, join our </span><a href="https://www.libgig.com/career-connection-newsletter/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Career Connection</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> newsletter list, and good luck!</span></p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/">Latest on librarian salaries and job prospects</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/latest-on-librarian-salaries-and-job-prospects/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Effective interviewing for interviewers</title> <link>https://www.libgig.com/effective-interviewing-for-interviewers/</link> <comments>https://www.libgig.com/effective-interviewing-for-interviewers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Rogers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2019 16:27:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Career blog posts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Interviewing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.libgig.com/?p=11169</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>“So, where do you see yourself in five years?”</p><p>It’s a dreaded interview question, usually asked by interviewers who either lack interviewing experience or who think it’s a useful indicator of a candidate’s ambitiousness. When there are so many innovative ways to conduct an interview, and so many creative interview questions, there’s no excuse for interviewers to fall back on clichés. If you don’t know what to ask during an interview, read on. </p><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/effective-interviewing-for-interviewers/">Effective interviewing for interviewers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="wpb-content-wrapper"><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1280" height="1280" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1280&h=1280" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="Interviewing tips" loading="lazy" title="Interviewing tips" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=150 150w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=100 100w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></div><figcaption class="vc_figure-caption">Photo from Unsplash Photos</figcaption> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 12px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So, where do you see yourself in five years?”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s a dreaded question, usually asked by interviewers who either lack experience or who think it’s a useful indicator of a candidate’s ambitiousness. When there are so many innovative ways to conduct an interview, and so many </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">creative questions</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, there’s no excuse for interviewers to fall back on clichés. If you don’t know </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">what to ask during an interview</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, read on. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We’ll explore ways you can provide an interesting and challenging experience that demonstrates respect for the candidate, enhances their impression of the organization and ensures you’re finding the right person for the job. </span></p><h2>Understand the job requirements</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s incumbent on the interviewer to understand exactly what the position entails. A formal and detailed job description is the basis for attracting the right candidate, and for formulating the questions that assess whether the candidate is a good fit and can perform the job satisfactorily. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not any job description will do. According to hiring guru, </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/louadler/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lou Adler</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, job descriptions should not just be lists of skills and competencies, but rather should focus on what the person in that role must accomplish in a given time frame in order to be successful. Adler calls these key performance objectives (KPOs), and they take the form of SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based). </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As an example, a performance-based job description for a sales person could include the following objective:</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Within 60-days assess the current territory and develop a sales plan. Meet all existing customers, evaluate leads and assess the overall territory potential. Launch and implement a strategy to achieve sales targets, maintain relationships with existing customers and establish a presence in each target account. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re worried that a job description like this won’t effectively assess soft skills, it’s easy to see how skills can be converted into objectives. For example:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Cultural fit and team skills</strong> </em>can become “collaborate closely with engineering and operations to ensure a successful redesign and launch of new product lines.”</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Results-oriented</strong></em> can become “implement a project management system to ensure critical launch and customer delivery dates are met.”</span></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Strong verbal and written communication skills</strong></em> can become “prepare and lead the monthly operational reviews at the executive board sessions.”</span></li></ul><h2>Ask the right questions</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once you know what the candidate must do to be successful, that’s when it’s time to formulate the questions that indicate whether the candidate has done something similar that can be applied to the situation. Past performance is a predictor of future success, so take the time to learn what the candidate has done before. According to Adler, you only need </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20130117183637-15454-the-most-important-interview-question-of-all-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">one simple question</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for this: </span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1000" height="300" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/most-significant-accomplishment-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000&h=300" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="" loading="lazy" title="most significant accomplishment (1)" srcset="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/most-significant-accomplishment-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1000 1000w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/most-significant-accomplishment-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=300 300w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/most-significant-accomplishment-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=768 768w, https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/most-significant-accomplishment-1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With that opener, then you probe more deeply to learn the specifics of why that accomplishment was so significant, the results, their challenges, the skills they applied to achieve the objectives, the ways they engaged and influenced others, and anything else that would illustrate how their achievement relates to the objectives of the position. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It should take around 15-20 minutes to fully explore a significant accomplishment, and you can ask the question again to explore another accomplishment from previous positions the candidate has held. By the end of the interview, you should have a very good idea of how the candidate approaches and solves problems, interacts with others and whether they possess the skills, competencies and motivation to perform the job. </span></p><h2>Other parts of the interview</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, there are </span><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3056142/36-interview-questions-that-are-actually-fun-to-answer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">plenty of other </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">creative interview questions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> you can ask to determine whether the candidate is right for the job, able to think on their feet and a good fit with the team. Just be sure the questions really tell you something about the candidate and are not just for the sake of shaking them up or putting them on the spot—interviews are stressful enough as it is. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In fact, it’s been shown that unconventional questions or brain-teasers don’t result in better hires. Google was well-known for asking puzzle-type questions, but </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/business/in-head-hunting-big-data-may-not-be-such-a-big-deal.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">discontinued that practice</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> after realizing “brainteasers are a complete waste of time…They don’t predict anything. They serve primarily to make the interviewer feel smart.” </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, what works well are structured interviews, where each interviewer has a consistent framework for assessing candidates. Since all interviewers probably won’t conduct the performance-oriented part of the interview, a framework that helps them score the answers to behavioral and situational questions will give the team a common basis for comparison. </span></p><h2>Sell the position</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today’s competitive talent environment, it’s important to realize that candidates are also interviewing you as they decide whether to join your team. If you believe that a candidate is right for the job, then spend some time selling the role and the organization to the candidate. Highly-qualified candidates will likely have multiple opportunities, so if you want them to also choose you, then give them a good reason. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond the basics of health coverage or vacation time, choose a few benefits or perks that you can brag about—whether it’s gym memberships, education allowances or bagel Fridays. These all contribute to a candidate’s overall impression of the organization and can affect their decision about whether to accept an offer. </span></p> </div> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_single_image wpb_content_element vc_align_left"> <figure class="wpb_wrapper vc_figure"> <div class="vc_single_image-wrapper vc_box_border_grey"><img width="1280" height="1000" src="https://libgig-media.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/4-tips-effective-interviews.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&w=1280&h=1000" class="vc_single_image-img attachment-full" alt="4 tips- effective interviews" loading="lazy" title="4 tips- effective interviews" /></div> </figure> </div><div class="vc_empty_space" style="height: 18px"><span class="vc_empty_space_inner"></span></div> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <h2>Perfecting the interview</h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like any other skill, interviewing improves with training and practice. If you’re uncomfortable about your interviewing skills, don’t be embarrassed; take the initiative to improve them. Your HR or recruiting team can help and will gladly work with you to ensure you understand the organization’s process and interviewing techniques. After all, you all have the same goal when it comes to hiring the best person for the job. </span></p> </div> </div></div></div></div></div><div class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper"></div></div></div></div></section><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com/effective-interviewing-for-interviewers/">Effective interviewing for interviewers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.libgig.com">Information & library jobs | careers | recruiting services</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.libgig.com/effective-interviewing-for-interviewers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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