Resume Tips

Planning Process (once you have received interview)
Look at the organization’s website, mission statement/strategic plan
If you know names of interviewers, look them up, maybe even use Google
Ask them questions about their job and interests, but not questions that are readily available on the website – show you are engaged in position, that you have done your research, and you want the job
Is this the job you really want?
Research your general area – shows you are committed to professional development
i.e. mention an article you just read, or a blog
Bring multiple copies of your file: email it to yourself, bring it on multiple drives
Anticipate generic questions and practice your answers – don’t ramble and be an active listener
It is ok to ask them to repeat a question, especially if they are multipart
Ask for clarification if you don’t know what they mean; interviewers don’t always know what they are doing
Really pay attention to the people there; are they rigid, late, bad personality, bad questions? Do you really want to work there?
When you apply places, think of the setting? Do you want to live in the area?
Bring pen and paper for notes
Clothes – no cleavage, no sneakers, no jeans, wear a tie…: MAKE AN EFFORT
Look like you want to work there


Resumes:
Make sure they are clear and neatly typed
1-2 pages max.
Concise
Attach a real letter to the real resume and mail/bring in, in addition to the online application
I think I would be good for this decision because…
Shows lifelong learning willingness


Phone Interview as Screening


You will receive an itinerary ahead of time, usually a few days where you can look up names and positions of committees you are meeting with


Public Library Interview Process:
1 Hour
Sometimes a lunch or second visit if it is close between candidates
Look for people who can smile, make eye contact, and will look approachable on the floor – people skills cannot be taught


Academic Interview Process:
Vitas instead of a resume
List of presentations
Continuing Education Experiences (Conferences)
Committees
Usually requires a presentation
Use visuals
Practice time limit – will kill your interview if you go over
If you can, show personal examples (even if it is something you did in SLIS
Meet with search committee
Typically people from throughout campus; some will be faculty, some will be staff (7-8)
Meet with department
Meet with potential supervisor
Meet with the dean (if available)
Meet with promotion tenure committee
Extremely important
Ask lots of questions, especially about presenting and publishing requirements
Meet with Human Resources (benefits, tuition questions)
At least 1 day, sometimes 2
Why?
To show you are comfortable with public speaking
Tenure Requirements
Get to know your future colleagues
Can you socialize “appropriately”
They will take you to meals, maybe a happy hour J


NOT APPROPRIATE QUESTIONS DURING INTERVIEW :
Salary
Except when making arrangements for interview/travel, especially if a range is not published and you are moving to a new location
Days off/vacation
Benefits (unless with an HR person)
GOOD QUESTIONS DURING INTERVIEW:
What are your challenges/future goals?