Career Blog
Career Blog
Career development is on everyone’s minds. After all, that’s why most, if not all, of our students come to us. This blog is all about giving you the latest and greatest in what’s going on in the job market. Chock-full of tips and guidance, the Career Blog is a must-read for all students and job seekers.
Did You Blow Your Last Job Interview: How to Turn It Around
Published: October 12, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like you belong on a “best of” job-interview fail compilation. Oh, guess what? You’re not alone; we all do. So, let’s be real, the self-doubt fallout is tough to navigate. But deep down you know that to get that dream job you have to keep growing and trying. Time to start adulting: don’t think of it as rejection and another reason to feel intimidated, spin it as an opportunity for updating your interview prep strategy.
LIS Career Books Roundup
Published: August 26, 2019 by Kim Dority, SJSU iSchool Career Consultant
Looking for a good career book to help you explore your options
in the library and information professions? You’re in luck! The
following nearly two dozen titles all address aspects of being an
LIS professional, and should help you expand your thinking when
it comes to what career paths might fit you, how to build an
information career (or careers) that will be rewarding both
financially and personally, and how to move from student to
happily-employed LIS professional.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Published: August 21, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Okay, so the summer was busy. No matter if you were working tons of hours, applying for jobs, taking classes, or attempting to finally do some self-care and binge watch your favorite series, go for a hike, or just relax (what’s that again?) you were trying to stay focused in the world-record heat. With fall about to kick in, don’t stress, just find strategic ways to catch up. That’s why I put together a June and July SJSU iSchool News and Blogs highlight reel. So, get smart, and watch this quick recap video, read the overview below and click on stories that will inspire you to keep pushing forward with your education and career.
Unexpected Benefit of the Interview: Confidence
Published: August 9, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Nothing like working a job that doesn’t utilize your education
and talent to suck the life out of you and drain your confidence.
If you haven’t already moved on, it is time to start breaking up
from this vampire job. This isn’t Twilight, you need to
leave all the drama and frustration behind and find a new job.
You are the star of your own career; when you start going for new
opportunities it will re-energize your passion, clarify your
goals, and give you that burst of confidence you need to succeed.
Go to that interview and get your groove back!
Did You Read the 2019 SJSU ‘MLIS Skills at Work’ Report?
Published: July 17, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Don’t worry; I did! It probably got lost in the mix of heat,
fireworks, and endless emails that queued up when you finally
tried to take that well-earned one day off ever, and
that is why this blog is here to make sure you don’t miss
out.
Summer Reading List: Can’t Miss Essentials and Innovator Guidebooks
Published: June 12, 2019 by Greta Snyder
You started the SJSU iSchool
MLIS program because of your insatiable curiosity and desire
to grow your career; so, let’s keep up the momentum! Summer is a
great time to hit reset, recommit to your values and take some
time out for self-care and refreshing your thirst for knowledge
by reading some game-changing books. This week’s post will give
you a great reading list of interesting and essential nonfiction
books for LIS professionals to explore.
Immerse Yourself in New Ways to Learn
Published: May 31, 2019 by Greta Snyder
This summer, take the plunge into new approaches to learning!
There is no reason to limit where and how you learn, so take a
break from Canvas and explore. And what better way than to close
your eyes, recline by the pool, and pop in your headphones with
some brilliant LIS advice for company? Luxuriate poolside, hike a
new trail, go for a road trip, or enjoy an extra popsicle while
you keep building your career and expanding your perspectives
with podcasts: summer’s most portable learning tool.
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.
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!
Facebook: For Friends & Job Hunting
Published: September 21, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
If you’re like one of billions of people around the world, you have a Facebook account. You probably use it to catch up with friends and see what’s happening in your community. But did you know that Facebook can also be used to find jobs? Well, it can! Here are a few tips to make job hunting on Facebook a fun and fruitful experience.