Insider Tips from Library HR Directors: Resume, Interviewing, and Salary Negotiation Tips for Librarians
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Recap by Kimba M Azore

Knowing how to write the best resume that highlights your interests and skills, how to interview, and how to negotiate the best salary for you is very important when entering and making a professional change.  This session focused on sharing insider tips for presenting the best “you” to recruiters during the job search and acceptance portion of the job seeking process. Although all the speakers had a background in Academic Librarianship, they stated that these tips can work for any segment of the profession. There were plenty of topics covered during this session such as:

Resume

  1. Know what the committee is looking for: This can save you time when job hunting, ensure that you are applying for the job that meets your qualifications, and allow for you to personalize the resume to highlight the qualifications that you have that the committee is looking for.
  2. What makes an applicant stand out: Have a cover letter that is specifically written for each position that you are applying for.  Cover letters show your communication style. They also make a case for why you are a good candidate.
  3. Write your resume specific to each position as well.  Make sure that your resume is clear and concise.

The Interview…Do’s and Don’ts

  1. If you receive a clarification call, make sure you are prepared and make sure that you address all qualifications.
  2. During any interview (on the phone or in person) ask questions and take notes.  You have to show that you are interested in the position and organization.
  3. Before any interview, learn about the library and the community that it serves.  This will help you to be knowledgeable when speaking to interviewers and it will also help you to formulate questions during the interview.  
  4. Make eye contact…say hello…be yourself…
  5. Practice telephone interviews with friends.  This will help you polish up your phone interview skills and allow for another person to give you feedback.

Relocating

  1. Advancement opportunities are greater when you are available to relocate for more opportunities.
  2. You can build a network of new colleagues and experiences when you are open to relocation.
  3. Relocation also offers more opportunities for career advancement and money.

Factors Affecting the Job Offer

  1. Years of experience
  2. Additional advanced degrees
  3. Other skills and experiences
  4. Equity considerations within the organization
  5. Union contracts

Negotiating the Job Offer…Before you accept the offer

  1. Ask about rank and salary structure when you receive the offer.  
  2. Find out about advancement opportunities.
  3. Explore other perks and opportunities.
  4. Explore counter offers.  It’s okay to have a conversation or counter before you accept the offer.
  5. Be careful to not be too determined.  

Getting Connected Once Hired

  1. It’s good to set achievable goals and develop an annual work plan.
  2. Participate in workstyle self-assessment profiles.
  3. Find a mentor—other than your boss—that you can speak to and learn from.
  4. Get involved with professional originations that offer you an opportunity to network and keep on trend with the latest in the field.
  5. Ask for an “On Boarding Plan) if available.
  6. Get involved with your community (especially if you are relocating—learn more of the community and become a part of it).

During question and answer session, there were interesting questions from the audience that resonated with everyone:

Question: “What impresses you about non-experienced candidates”

Recruiters: Passion – Reveal how you feel about the job when you are in the interview. Emphasize your internships (if you’ve worked any). Personality. References (if necessary) reveal to recruiters who you are.  Make sure your references are enthusiastic about you and your work.

 

Question: What type of appearance is appealing to you for interviews?

Recruiters: A “put together” look. Present yourself in a fashion that shows you care.

 

Question:  Is resume paper still important when submitting your resume to recruiters?

Recruiters: Most applications are online now because of that, resume paper is not important.