Career Blog: Interviewing
LinkedIn: These Tips Will Keep Your Profile Working for You 24/7!
Published: May 22, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Congratulations to all SJSU iSchool students, staff and faculty on a fantastic semester! I remember the thrill of approaching summer break in Undergrad; the stress in the air, some of us studying frantically while enviously watching those students who had already completed finals drive off into the sunset blasting Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” out of their rolled-down windows. Online learning can sometimes dull the impact of all your hard work and perseverance. Please take a second right now to give yourself a celebratory pat on the back, a chance to take a deep breath, and dedicate a few hours to reflect on your learning and how you can share all of your accomplishments with the world!
The Summer of LinkedIn: Let the Adventure Begin!
Published: May 14, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Summer break is in sight! What are your plans for the break? I plan to go canoeing, dust off the grill to try out some new recipes and to finally update my LinkedIn profile. Summer is the best time for both outdoor adventures and investing in yourself and future career. What better way than by updating your LinkedIn profile? It is time to show off all the amazing things you learned, skills you mastered and the amazing projects you completed this semester.
Why LinkedIn, Why Now?
Published: April 29, 2019 by Greta Snyder
I have to admit that 5 years ago or so when more of my friends and co-workers started using LinkedIn, I thought “oh no, not another Facebook!” While my initial cynicism was understandable, this service has evolved into a powerful niche platform. LinkedIn is now the ultimate online destination for connecting professionally, expanding your network, and marketing yourself in a concise, transparent and fluid way. In fact, LinkedIn has become a key tool for LIS students seeking to find jobs and build relationships that will lead to a wide range of career opportunities. Now is the time to diversify your job search and let LinkedIn do the hard work for you!
One Thing You Can Do Right Now to Build Your Career
Published: April 23, 2019 by Greta Snyder
At this point in the semester, it can be challenging to not feel a little burned out and unsure of the best way to forge ahead. First, we are almost there; I can’t believe it is only a month away until end of Spring semester! Next, ask yourself “what can I do right now to build my career?” This focus is a great way to re-set your perception of progress and growth and re-center your approach to intentional development. Your vision can be telescopic in terms of envisioning your future pathways, but it also needs to be microscopic, otherwise you might miss out on the chances right in front of you, right now.
Searching for Twitter Advice and Interview Tips? You’ve Come to the Right Place…
Published: April 9, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Social media is an important tool for fast-forwarding professional development and engagement and a very useful resource for job and opportunity hunting, so I want to start exploring specific social media tools in the upcoming weeks. This week we will start with Twitter.
How to Answer that Pesky ‘Greatest Weakness’ Question
Published: April 1, 2019 by Greta Snyder
As I mentioned previously, I signed up for a free “5-Day Interview Bootcamp” through Big Interview. Day 2 focuses on a tricky question that comes up in most interviews: “What is your greatest weakness?” Is it okay to respond with “interviewing?” Luckily Big Interview once again comes to the rescue with an excellent strategy for nailing this question.
Exploring Opportunities for LIS Professionals
Published: March 22, 2019 by Greta Snyder
To learn more about LIS career paths and emerging nontraditional opportunities for information professionals, I interviewed Kennedy James, who currently works as executive director of operations at The Gottman Institute, a psychology research institute in Seattle, WA.
How to Answer the Dreaded Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself”
Published: March 11, 2019 by Greta Snyder
As I mentioned in my last post, I signed up for a free “5-Day Interview Bootcamp” through Big Interview and will be sharing what I am learning. Day 1 focuses on a question which shows up in 99% of interviews: “tell me about yourself.” Ugh.
Review of Big Interview and Resources Roundup
Published: February 27, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Interviews can be terrifying, and there is no better time to start conquering our fears than now.
Exploring Non-Traditional Careers
Published: February 19, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Hi! I am excited to introduce myself as the Career Team Writer for 2019. My name is Margaret Snyder, and I go by Greta. At the iSchool, I am currently an MLIS student, and work as a Research Assistant and a TA for a MOOC on Blockchain Technology. I totally recommend checking out this free online course beginning March 11, 2019 and ending April 21, 2019.
Preparing for an Internship Interview
Published: November 30, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Interviewing for an internship is similar to a job interview, but not exactly the same. You most likely aren’t getting paid, so the stakes aren’t as high, and you are looking for more of a learning experience. Preparing for the internship interview is also a bit different. Follow these tips to properly prepare yourself for the interview and have a better chance of landing the internship!
Winter Break: Cozy Up with a Book
Published: November 16, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Thanksgiving is approaching, which means it is almost winter break! If you’re not taking a winter course, this means you have seven weeks to relax. While you’re hiding from the cold weather, why not read a book and learn something that might help you land your dream job? The following are five new books that are each a great choice for winter break reading.
How to Prepare for a Job Interview
Published: November 9, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Preparing for a job interview can be a stressful process. But it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning, your job interview preparation will be low-stress and actually help you when you’re sitting in front of a potential employer. So, what does good job interview preparation look like? Read on!
What is a Leader? Hear from the Experts
Published: November 2, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Leadership is an essential quality in almost every job out there—and LIS careers are no exception. But what does it mean to be a leader in different LIS environments? Earlier this year, the iSchool’s Leadership & Management Program Advisory Committee presented a four-part webinar series where library leaders shared the qualities that put them in their positions and gave advice to those looking to follow in their footsteps. Take some time to listen to their experiences and you might just learn the secret to landing your dream LIS job!
Five Things Not to Do During an Interview
Published: October 29, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Last week, we covered five things to do during an interview. But remember: just as important as what to do is what not to do. There are some things that will simply turn an interviewer off and make your chances of getting that job drop like a stone. If you prepare for your interview properly, you can avoid these bad behaviors and ensure you make a good impression on your interviewer. If all else fails, be sure to avoid the following five things.
Five Things to Do During an Interview
Published: October 19, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Everyone knows interviews are very important. A good interview can land you a coveted position, while a bad interview can do the opposite. Preparation is very important. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable during the interview if you spend some time preparing beforehand. But what about during the interview? What’s important to do during the actual interview? Read on to find out!
No Experience; No Problem: Applying to LIS Jobs Without Professional Experience
Published: August 31, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
A recent article on The Wall Street Journal website announced that many employers are now placing job ads with the phrase, “No experience necessary.” Just a few years ago, it seemed impossible to find a good job that didn’t require at least two years of experience.
10 Things You May Have Missed on the iSchool’s Career Development Site
Published: August 8, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
As an iSchool student (current or alum) you have access to a really fantastic resource: the Career Development website. This site is chock-full of great advice, how-to’s and more, all relating to landing your dream job. Unfortunately, you may not have been using it to its full potential. Here are just a few of the things you should go check out right now.
The Icing on the Interview: A Thank You Note
Published: August 3, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Thank you notes are an essential footnote to any interview. In them, you remind your interviewer of the high points of your interview and give a lasting impression that you are a conscientious and thorough potential employee. However, writing a good thank you note is not always the easiest task. But fear not, dear reader, this post will walk you through crafting the ideal thank you note.
Introduction
Eight Ways to Stand Out as an LIS Job Candidate
Published: July 27, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
In the current economic climate, it’s more important than ever to stand out (in a positive way) as a job candidate. There are lots of other people applying for the same jobs as you, so catching an employer’s eye is essential. Here are eight ways to stand out and make an employer give you a second look.