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.
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.
Career Resources Webinar Re-Cap: Your LIS Career Starts HERE!
Published: September 10, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Do you consider yourself an expert on all the career resources on the iSchool website? If not, there was a great webinar to catch you up! This past week, students were treated to insider tips on how to best use the iSchool career resources by Jill Klees, iSchool Career Consultant for Students and Alumni. Klees hosted the webinar “Your LIS Career Starts HERE!” for nearly three dozen attendees.
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.
Going Up: The Elevator Pitch
Published: August 21, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
The elevator pitch or one-minute commercial is an essential tool to have in your back pocket when looking for a job. It’s perfect to use in so many situations—like on the elevator ride with a potential employer. A little thought and practice beforehand will give you an essential tool for networking and putting your best professional persona forward.
What to Say
Break the Script: Connecting on LinkedIn
Published: August 7, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Everyone knows LinkedIn is a great way to network. This is one of the best ways to connect with other professionals around the world. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to write personalized messages when connecting. Instead, they use the script automatically provided by LinkedIn.
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
10 Tips for Finding an LIS Job on LinkedIn
Published: July 31, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for job searching and networking. With a little work, it could become the key to your dream job. Here are a few tips to maximize your job search on LinkedIn.
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!
Volunteering: A Great Way to Boost Your Resume
Published: July 17, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
If your resume is looking a bit sparse but you don’t have the time to dedicate to a formal internship, consider volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community while adding some important lines to your resume. You can also add volunteer experiences to your LinkedIn profile. Even if your volunteer experience is outside of the LIS field, it is still great to use in an interview.
Informational Interviews 101
Published: July 10, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Q: What is an informational interview?
10 Ways to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile
Published: July 9, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
If you’re like most job-seekers, you have a LinkedIn profile. Maybe it’s pretty generic. Employers do use LinkedIn to learn more about job candidates, so it is important that your profile is looking great. Here are 10 quick ways to make your LinkedIn profile stand out.
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.
Creating Your Dream Internship
Published: June 19, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
Have you always planned on doing an internship before you graduate? Do you know exactly what kind of internship you want?
But, what happens when you can’t find that dream internship?
The answer is simple: create it yourself!
Yes, you really can! With a little prep work, you can create the internship of your dreams at any organization you choose, even if they don’t offer it now.
Prep Work
Top 10 Tips for an Eye-Catching LIS Cover Letter
Published: June 9, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
How many cover letters do you have in your arsenal? Just one? You might want to reconsider your strategy. Cover letters are your potential employers’ first impression of you. You don’t want to send them a generic form letter that doesn’t properly show your enthusiasm for the job. So, how do you craft that perfect cover letter that demonstrates both your skills and your excitement about the job? Read on.
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.