Campaigning for a Library Job: Maximizing Professional Development Opportunities to Differentiate...

Campaigning for a Library

Job:

Maximizing Professional Development Opportunities to

Differentiate Yourself from Other Applicants

Introduction

Suzanna Conrad, Cal Poly PomonaAmanda Bjorling, Deer Creek

Mackinaw School District

Current Challenges in

the Job Market

"Day 12 - Jan 12: Madame Librarian" from howardpa58 at http://www.flickr.com/photos/phowardphoto/7872337078/

"Daring Standing Hand Boots" from The Daring Librarian at http://www.flickr.com/photos/info_grrl/6441665459/in/set-72157625843116187

Misconceptions of new LIS graduates

"CB101780: Smiling Graduate 2002" from Spirit-Fire at http://www.flickr.com/photos/spirit-fire/4964476269/

How can you avoid being overlooked?

Career goals

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Holly_Madison_6.jpg

Downloaded from: :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wik

ipedia/commons/e/ee/British_

Policeman.jpg

Provided by:Wikepedia Common

ownloa from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kokjebalder/174621456/sizes/m/in/photostream/

"Looking back at LIFE" from c.a. muller at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cliff_robin/2041192065/

Importance of Associations

"Spacebar Spacing Sucks" from The Daring Librarian at http://www.flickr.com/photos/info_grrl/6493098441/in/set-72157625843116187

"Super Librarian Launch 2007" from nancydowd at http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewordblog/487127613/

"Super Librarian & Wonder Woman" from London Public Library at http://www.flickr.com/photos/londonpubliclibrary/5638139996/

Your strengths

Fresh perspective

Energy

Innovation

AmbitionZeal Motivation

Focus Vision

Verve

Social

Willingness

"The Road Less Travelled" from Ann Douglas at http://www.flickr.com/photos/anndouglas/573132523/

Growth positions

"Internet" from hdzimmermann at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hdz/5623651313

"weightloss 001" from Kristin Brenemen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/wyldkyss/436895044/

"Luggage handling" from Shanghai Daddy at http://www.flickr.com/photos/shanghaidaddy/4206816335/

Your resume & the

importance of selling yourself

On paper

● Modesty never wins● Create a relevant story● Tailor your resume● New cover letters for every

application● Examples of real projects● Tailored letters from references● You on paper = your future in the

process

Your interview process as a sales pitch

Continued sales pitch

● Confidence - this job is your job● Multiple interviews may be required● Challenges of phone interviews● Preparing for interviews individually

● Making an impression in a short amount of time

● Keeping your stamina up for long interviews

● Doing your research● Showing samples of projects and work

Second round interviews

"Austin marathon runner" from charlie llewellin at http://www.flickr.com/photos/charliellewellin/4359756110/

Suzanna Conrad, Digital Initiatives Librarian,

Cal Poly Pomona skconrad@csupomona.edu

Thank you!

Amanda Bjorling,District Media Specialist,Deer Creek-Mackinaw

School Districtabjorling@deemack.org