Career Blog: Interviewing

Overview

Career Blog: Interviewing

Career Blog

Your Interview Outfit: What to Consider

Clothing on a Rack

Published: October 16, 2024 by Aryn Prestia 

When preparing for an interview, it’s common to brush up on potential interview questions but it’s also important to consider how you will present yourself to a potential employer. A huge part of your first impression relates to what you are wearing. 

Career Blog

A Student’s Review of This Summer’s ALA Conference

Conference Room

Published: August 7, 2024 by Aryn Prestia 

The American Library Association hosted its annual conference this past June in San Diego, California. Billed as “the biggest library event of the year,” ALA Annual was attended by dozens of SJSU iSchool alumni, faculty, and current students. I had the opportunity to speak with one student attendee, Eddie Lagos, to learn more about the experience.

Career Blog

What to Ask During an Informational Interview

Handshake

Published: July 17, 2024 by Aryn Prestia 

As we mentioned in a previous post, an Informational Interview is the perfect opportunity to get an understanding of the nuances of different library-related positions. 

While it may take some time to identify the right interviewee and schedule your meeting, planning for what to do during the actual interview is essential for ensuring its success.

Career Blog

How to Craft Your DEI Statement

Manicured Hands Writing with a pen in a bound notebook

Published: July 10, 2024 by Aryn Prestia 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become essential elements of library organizations in the past few years, and rightfully so! With libraries serving diverse communities and striving to be accessible for all, it makes sense that DEI statements are now a part of more than 63% of library job announcements and DEI is listed as a skillset needed for qualified applicants on 32% of job posts

Career Blog

How to Ask for an Informational Interview

Man at table talking with another professional

Published: July 2, 2024 by Aryn Prestia 

Once in grad school, you likely learned rather quickly (or will learn very soon) that there is more than one way to be a librarian. There are dozens of specialities when it comes to library science – Public, Academic, Special, Medical, Law, and Archives, just to name a few. As you navigate the maze of career choices, the journey from aspiration to actualization can be overwhelming. This is where informational interviews come into play, serving as invaluable tools for those looking to better understand the nuances and day-to-day responsibilities of librarians in practice.

Career Blog

Excellent Questions to Ask at the End of Your Next Job Interview

Woman talking during interview

Published: July 26th, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

The last question most people are asked in a job interview is “do you have any questions for us?” Experts agree that it is important to ask questions during this time to communicate that you are actively interested in the role. The answers you receive can also help you decide whether the institution is a good fit for you. Think about the questions you want to ask ahead of time so that you don’t freeze up and miss out on this opportunity. Here are some examples of the types of questions you can ask to leave a positive first impression.

Career Blog

Four Free Career Development Resources Every Student Should Be Using

Girl smiling next to her computer

Published: February 10th, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

Graduate students spend a significant amount of time juggling school, work, family and personal obligations. It can make it difficult to be aware of all the great FREE career resources you have as a student. Here is a list of four of the best career-building perks you can take advantage of right now.

Career Blog

Do You Need a Reference or a Recommendation? Know the Etiquette to Ask!

Published: April 5, 2022 by Jillian Collins

We started with the basics in “Do You Need a Reference or a Recommendation? Here’s How to Tell.” Our other blog posts, “So, You Need a Reference? Here’s What to Know,” and “So, You Need a Recommendation? Here’s What to Know,” explored and explained the nuances of each. Yet, a key aspect is the professional etiquette of requesting a recommendation or asking someone to be a reference – and that’s how this series is going to end and putting knowledge into practice begins.

Career Blog

Not in the Job Description? Sell Solutions to the Hiring Manager!

Published: June 4, 2021 by Jillian Collins

If you’re considering information work for organizations other than a school, public, or academic library, you’re likely to encounter interviewers (for example hiring managers or HR people) unfamiliar with the range of strategic skills information professionals can provide. Even the job description may use terminology that describes things you know you can do, but with non-library language. Not to worry – you’ve got this. Seal the deal by selling the solutions your skills provide.

Career Blog

Write for the Job? Strengthen Workplace Writing Skills with the SJSU Writing Center

Published: October 7, 2020 by Jillian Collins

A well-written 14-page paper is great for a grade. But would you want to read a 14-page email? Probably not! This is why you need the expertise of the SJSU Writing Center, an incredibly valuable professional development resource often overlooked by students. As you launch your career, you’re likely to find that the employer who wants you also wants you to be an effective business communicator. That’s where the Writing Center can provide you with a career competitive edge.

Career Blog

You Are the Best Candidate!

Published: October 5, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor

You know that feeling when you are cruising along in your interview and you just feel like the stars are aligned and everything is going so well? It is an amazing feeling. And then you get a seemingly simple interview question, “Why are you the best candidate for this position?” and you freeze. You feel completely stumped and tongue tied about how to respond. You may even eek out what you think is a humble response, “Well, I don’t know that I AM the best candidate for the job.” What did you just say? Oh no! I think you just blew your interview.

Career Blog

Interview with Confidence: Body Language and First Impressions

Published: September 11, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor

Your body language can communicate more about you than your actual spoken words in making a first and lasting impression during an interview. A commonly held belief is that 55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of your voice, and only 7% is the actual words spoken.

Career Blog

Answering the Question “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

Published: September 9, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor

“Why do you want to work here?” or “Why did you apply for this position?” These are common interview questions that you’ll want to put thought into before heading into your interview. Think about what prompted you to apply for this particular position and what is appealing to you about this job? Your goal is to show that you are a perfect fit for the position.

Career Blog

Answering the Question “Why Should We Hire You?”

Hire Me sign

Published: September 7, 2020 by iSchool Career Advisor

“Why should we hire YOU?” Before walking into any interview, be sure that you have the answer to this question ready to roll right off your tongue. Why? Because you are going to be asked this question or one like it, and you want to knock the interviewer’s socks off with a strong, well-thought-out response.

You may also be asked:

Career Blog

Wondering How to Market your iSchool Skills in the Unpredictable Future?

Published: April 12, 2020 by Greta Snyder

Hoping everyone is continuing to stay safe and healthy during this challenging and unpredictable time. The Covid-19 health crisis is impacting so many of us that right now that supporting each other as LIS professionals is more crucial than ever. Take pride in your skills, especially as an SJSU iSchool student, as you’ve mastered the world of virtual learning, connecting and working remotely so your infinitely equipped with the tools to succeed in the unpredictable future and changing job landscape. One thing you can count on is that organizations are going to be scrambling to adapt to an online format and you can help. In fact, you’re a pro! So know you can ride every crashing wave and survive with your hard-earned skills and enduring resiliency.

Career Blog

Career Questions Amidst the Health Crisis: You’re Not Alone

Published: April 12, 2020 by Greta Snyder

Career questions? Then, you’ve come to the right place:  this blog is dedicated to providing resources for current students, recent graduates and practicing professionals. I hope you and your loved ones and community are staying as healthy and safe as possible during this scary, challenging and unpredictable time. If you feel like you’re on your own that’s totally natural anytime and especially right now amidst the Covid-19 crisis. Keep assured that you’re not alone and you’ve got a strong system of virtual support through SJSU iSchool. Reach out to the faculty and staff if you are impacted and have questions about best practices for your organization or how to keep up balancing work, life and coursework during this time. And keep up to date with career advice, job hunting and virtual work strategies and online career development opportunities through the Career Blog. I’m here for you!