Published: May 19, 2015 by Jill Klees

Graduation is a time to celebrate! It can also be a time of stress when confronted with putting your MLIS to work. Start your post-graduation journey off on the right track by ensuring that you have a realistic and focused plan of action.

Many people start their job search by jumping right in with a general resume and applying online to a variety of jobs that sound interesting and look like something they qualify to do. They upload their resume, hit the send button, and call it a day.

With this job search approach, people feel like they have spent their time wisely and at first feel hopeful they will hear something back on the job they applied for. Sometimes they do hear back, but many times they do not. They wonder what went wrong and the feeling of rejection starts to take a toll on their confidence and that is exactly what you do not want to happen.

So let’s back-up from this approach and start again with a plan.

1. Know what you want – it is very difficult to conduct a job search if you don’t know what you are searching for. Take time to reflect on your answers to these questions:
   • What elements of the LIS field drive me?
   • What type of work function or job titles am I drawn to?
   • What type of industry (academic, public, government, medical, high tech, etc.) excites me?

2. Know who you are – it is very difficult to tailor your resume and articulate your value-add to an employer if you don’t know your strengths and how you can contribute to the organization. Take time to clearly and concisely answer these questions:
   • What are my interests and how do they relate to potential jobs?
   • What am I good at? What are my strengths?
   • What skills and expertise can I contribute to the organization?
   • How do my qualifications fit the type of job I am seeking?

3. Get started – it is important to have your job search “tools” such, as your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and your network, set and ready to go. Review this checklist:
   • Have I tailored my resume to “match” the job I am seeking?
   • Have I crafted a well-developed cover letter that communicates why I am a good candidate for the position?
   • Have I updated my LinkedIn profile so it represents me as a professional?
   • Do I want to create a career e-portfolio or blog to demonstrate my work?
   • Have I identified my references?
   • Am I making the most of my networking connections by reaching out and conducting informational interviews to expand my knowledge and increase my network?

Conducting a successful and intentional job search takes time. Be patient with yourself and stay positive. For more detailed information on conducting your job search, check out the iSchool Career Development Workshop, Graduated – Now What?