Career Blog: Interviewing
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.
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.
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.
Interviewing as a Career Changer: Making Your Past an Advantage
Published: July 20, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Many LIS students are career changers. I, myself, started out as a writer/editor before deciding that I needed a change. While it is exciting to start on a new path, it can also be very intimidating to show up to an interview with no professional experience apart from an internship and lots of skills that seem like they don’t transfer to the LIS world. But there is good news! You can actually use your background, no matter what it is, to your benefit in an interview. Read on to learn more!
Informational Interviews 101
Published: July 10, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Q: What is an informational interview?
Summer Reading: Get Ahead While You Relax
Published: July 3, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Summer is finally here! Whether you’re on break from classes or just enjoying the warmer weather, these temperatures make everyone want to grab a beach chair and a good book for some relaxation. Why not make that time as productive as possible with a fascinating—yet still educational—book? Here are five titles to choose from that will help you land your dream job with your toes still in the sand!
Listen Up: How Library Podcasts Can Put You on the Path to Success
Published: June 29, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Podcasts are currently all the rage. You might even already have a few favorites. But did you know there are several library-related podcasts out there? These podcasts are a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the library world outside of academia and learn about new career options you never considered. Their topics also make great conversation starters during an interview! Without further ado, here are five library podcasts to keep you entertained and informed.
10 Takeaways from the MLIS Skills at Work Report
Published: May 25, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Whether you are getting your diploma this month or just starting the MLIS program, your end goal is the same: landing a great job. The iSchool at SJSU conducts an annual study of LIS-related job posting to see what employers are looking for. They reviewed 400 job postings in February and March of this year to determine the similarities among them. The MLIS Skills at Work: A Snapshot of Job Postings Spring 2018 report is an excellent resource for students at any stage in their schooling.
You.com: Creating a Website to Market Yourself
Published: April 27, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
You may already have a LinkedIn profile, a professional Twitter account or a detailed Indeed profile. But what about a website? Employers want to see samples of your work, descriptions of your job responsibilities and a showcase of your skills—preferably all in one place. What platform gives you all this and more? A personal website.
Lessons from a Teacher Librarian: What I Wish I Knew for My Interview
Published: April 20, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Going into my first job interview for a teacher librarian position, I had no idea what to expect. I had not worked in the field before, so I wasn’t sure what to emphasize as my strengths. The administration took a chance on me and now I am in my second year as a teacher librarian.