Job Seeking and Interviewing: The Academic Perspective

Kelly Blessinger

Reference Assistant Coordinator,

LSU Libraries

Begin During Graduate School

• Take courses which support your interests

• Join an organization - ALA/NMRT• Work in a library• Establish relationships with prospective

references• Attend a local conference• Network

Looking for a job

• Look beyond Louisiana

• Libjobs-l

• Chronicle of Higher Education

• State Library of Louisiana

Applying for the Job

• Cover letter

• Resume

• References

Cover Letters-Appearance

• Correct spelling and grammar• 4 - 6 paragraphs• Under 2 pages – short and focused• Attention to detail-double-check and

make sure place of employment, job title and contact person are correct

Cover Letters-Content

• Don’t just repeat your resume• Don’t submit generic cover letter• Focus on how you are the best person

for this job• Display a knowledge of their library• Briefly state your best qualifications and

achievements• Show enthusiasm and potential

Resume

• Education• Job Experience• Other professional experience, skills,

service, research, etc.• For entry level, 1-2 pages

Resume

• Degrees- where and when• Job experience: Chronological order,

most recent first• Dates held, location of job• Only library experience, unless other

experience has given you skills for this position, or you don’t have any library experience

• List job titles, and basic job duties

Resume: Other ...

• Computer skills- only list if they are unique

• Service- to library organizations• Research interests - especially if you are

applying for an academic position• Publications

Resume (Do not Include)

• GPA• Classes taken (unless specifically relate

to job)• Church affiliations• Hobbies (although volunteer work is

good)• Objective

Other Information

• Start early: LJ’ 2009 Salary survey indicated the length of the job hunt as 4-5 months for academic jobs

• Computerized HRM systems• Search committees• Expect to apply to a lot of positions…

don’t get discouraged!

The Phone Interview

• Usually 20 –30 minutes

• Often a conference call

• Screens applicants before on site interview

Phone Interview

• Read job ad before the interview

• Look at web pages

• Get a good phone (preferably landline)

• Have some questions prepared about the job

On Site Interview

• Academic libraries: 1-2 days

• Meet with many groups

• Usually a presentation involved

• Meal functions

Dressing for the Interview

• Dress better than the staff does for your interview

• Men: wear either a dark suit, or slacks, a jacket, and tie

• Women: wear either a suit

(pants or skirt), or a nice dress.

What to Bring

• Two pens • Paper, for taking notes• A copy of the job ad, and a schedule, if

they have given you one• A list of questions you have• A watch

Research for Interview

• Know the names of key people in library

• Know what size the library is

• Read their web pages-have questions for them

Don’t

• Complain about your current job

• Criticize your current colleagues

• Correct people at the interview

• Overindulge at meal functions

Do:

• Research the location, know what makes the institution unique, how you can contribute

• Interview the employer as much as THEY interview you

• Reiterate your interest in the job at the end of the interview

Thank You Notes

• Keep it short• Confirm you interest• Professional tone and stationery• Send it right away• Some people object to email; no one

objects to a paper thank you note

Good Luck!

Questions

Kelly Blessinger

kblessi@lsu.edu