Career Blog: Job Search
Transitioning from a Library Assistant to a Librarian Job
Published: September 18, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
A majority of students in
the MLIS program here at the iSchool are already working in
library environments. Yet without an MLIS degree, the only
positions available to students are typically Library Assistant,
Circulation Aide, or Library Page. As you get closer to
graduation and begin thinking about the next step in your career,
what does it mean to take that jump from assistant/aide/page to
librarian?
How to Tailor a Resume Using AI
Published: July 24, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
AI Chatbots like ChatGPT are one of the most accessible avenues
to Artificial Intelligence for students. Not only is it fun to
play around with new technology, but it can actually be
beneficial to the job search as well. In this post, we’ll be
taking a look at how AI chatbots can be useful while crafting
resumes.
How to Craft Your DEI Statement
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.
Review Your MLIS Skills at Work
Published: June 18, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
For several years, the research-heavy MLIS Skills at Work report has been compiled by the Career Services department at the iSchool. The 2024 edition of this highly respected annual report for library job seekers nationwide is now available to help you get a jump on your career exploration!
Kickstart Your Career with Membership in a Professional Organization
Published: April 29, 2024 by Aryn Prestia
Tips for Staying Positive During the Job Hunt
Published: June 15, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen
The process of searching and applying for, interviewing, and
following up on available jobs can be exhausting. It feels like a
part-time job and requires a lot of energy and attention. If you
haven’t landed your dream job yet, or have experienced some
rejection, it becomes very easy to feel defeated. Here are key
tips to help you avoid burnout and maintain an optimistic
outlook.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Interview
Published: April 20, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen
Even in organizations where most work is completed in-person, it
is becoming more common to conduct interviews virtually. This
especially applies to the first round of interviews, sometimes
referred to as the “semi-finals.” In fact, according to a recent
Indeed survey,
82% of employers are currently using virtual interviews. This
format eliminates some of the stress of driving and locating
parking at an unfamiliar location, but it comes with its own set
of issues to consider. Although virtual interviews may feel less
intimidating, they are often more competitive because they take
less time and can be offered to more candidates. Here are some
practical tips to help you prepare for your next virtual
interview.
Alternative LIS Career Spotlight: Working at OverDrive
Published: April 19, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen
The unprecedented events of the past few years caused many
libraries to close to the public, resulting in a massive increase
in digital library usage. The company OverDrive provides the
largest digital media catalog in the world to libraries and
schools through their award-winning app Libby. They are a
certified B Corporation dedicated to improving literacy and
supporting libraries and schools with their shared vision. I
spoke with Mike Dresch, the recruiting manager at OverDrive about
what it’s like to work for them and why information professionals
in particular will find this work rewarding.
Alternative LIS Career Spotlight: Working at EBSCO
Published: March 23, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen
Have you ever explored working for a library vendor? Vendors in
the library and information science space make a massive impact
by serving libraries all over the world. Many of these
organizations share the same philosophy and goals as information
professionals, and your experience and field of study should make
you a competitive candidate. I spoke with Tammy Ross, the Senior
Product Marketing Manager at EBSCO Information Services (and
iSchool alumni) about her career with one of the largest research
database vendors serving libraries.
Understanding Industry Jargon in LIS Job Ads
Published: March 20, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen
Applying for jobs can sometimes feel like its own part-time job.
Library positions are competitive and can be confusing for those
unfamiliar with the process. Many library and information science
(LIS) positions are in higher education or government, which
often use specific industry jargon in their descriptions. Here is
a list of explanations for some of the common terms found in
library job ads to help those currently on the hunt.
What It’s Like Interning at the American Film Institute – Q&A with Sabrina Gunn
Published: February 17th, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen
Many Library and Information Science students worry about a lack
of experience or connections getting in the way of their career
prospects. Some students simply have a hard time narrowing down
their field of interest. An internship can be an excellent
solution for all of these issues. I interviewed iSchool student
Sabrina Gunn about her experience as a remote archival intern at
the American Film Institute (AFI). Find out what it was like to
work with their historic collection!
Four Free Career Development Resources Every Student Should Be Using
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.
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.
So, You Need a Recommendation? Here’s What to Know
Published: March 27, 2022 by Jillian Collins
A recommendation, in the professional world, is a glowing and
strong case made by someone on your behalf, when career goals are
within reach. There are so many situations that require a
recommendation. You need to know the types of recommendations you
can get, and help you understand when and how they can benefit
you.
Direct Your Career by Managing Up
Published: September 10, 2021 by Jillian Collins
Managing up is the process of learning your boss’s management and
communication preferences, and then adapting your communication
in the workplace that supports those preferences. Clear
communication among all staff members is one of the building
blocks of great working relationships that enable teams to reach
the goals of the organization. The same holds true for your
relationship with your boss.
Professional Visibility = Professional Opportunities
Published: August 20, 2021 by Jillian Collins
When you’re a student, it’s natural to focus your efforts on your
courses, your GPA, and for a few highly organized types,
your e-Portfolio items. But since the goal of getting a master’s
degree is to land a job that can help launch a career you love,
now is also a great time to be paying attention to an equally
important asset: your professional visibility.
Your First Job is Step One to Your Career
Published: July 13, 2021 by Jillian Collins
Your first job is a huge milestone! As you complete your MLIS
program, you’re gaining specialty tools to thrive in an expanding
market. Your first job with your master’s degree is just the foot
in the door. Your eventual career may end up being completely
different from the door you first walk in, which is part of your
growth as a professional, and the way your fellow professionals
grow, as well.
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.
How to Get the Most from Handshake
Published: February 16, 2021 by Jillian Collins
If you read the first part of my interview with
Carrie McKnight, SJSU graduate student career counselor,
you’ll already know that Handshake is way more than
a smaller version of LinkedIn. That’s important because
although you may be a student now, you’re going to be looking for
a job sooner than you can imagine. In the meantime, you want to
make the most of every SJSU career resource you can, including
virtual career fairs, vetted position postings, and tools that
curate your profile to boost your visibility.