Its getting to be that time of year! I am in my final semester at the University of South Florida’s School of Library & Information Science, I have just finished taking COMPs (and am eagerly awaiting the results), and am on my way to being a bona fide librarian. All that is left is to do is to find the job.
In my opinion, finding the job is the most overwhelming and stressful part of my entire graduate experience. It is worse than that final project that will determine my entire grade. It is worse than the stressful week I spent preparing for and taking COMPs. The job hunt is the beginning of my career! This first job has the potential to define what I will be doing for the rest of my life! And lets not forget that I need to earn an income to live.
So suffice it to say that I am at a major crossroads in my life. What do I want do? Do I work in schools, universities, public libraries, or for corporations? Where do I want to work? Do I look where I am or do I move? How do I make myself stand out from all the other graduating librarians? What is the best way to market me?
As I have begun the job hunting process, I have come to a few conclusions about the entire process and have created a few pointers that I now use to help market me. So here are my pointers for a successful job hunt.
1. The resume is important! It should be clean, concise, and grammatically free of errors. This is where you sell your experience and skills.
2. The cover letter is a way to share your passion and enthusiasm! This lets the employer know that you care about the job you are applying for. It also allows the employer to get to know you the person, giving a personality to your resume.
3. Pick references that know you well. Your references are your cheer leading squad. If they know who you are and are familiar with your work product and work ethic, they will be in a better position to sing your praise. And trust me, you want people singing your praises.
4. Include a portfolio of all the work that you have done in graduate school. You have worked hard in creating products that show your understanding and mastery of what you were being taught. Show it off! This will allow the employer to get a better understanding of what you are capable of doing.
5. When you go to an interview, dress professional. I would also recommend dress minimally. In other words, tone down the jewelry and any other accessories. Keep it simple, keep it clean!
6. Finally, do not forget to write a thank you letter. This is simple etiquette. Employers appreciate receiving the letter, and it leaves them with a good impression of you. You always want to leave the employer with a good impression!
Hopefully, these tips help you as you are looking for your job. I know that they have been helping me! In fact, I have gotten a couple of interviews this week! With any luck, I will be transitioning from a graduate student to a working professional in a couple of weeks!
To all of you who are job hunting, good luck! And to those of you have just found jobs, congratulations! What an exciting time of life this is!
You are gonna make it. Yes this is tough and dreadfully stressful but once you have your pieces in place, your attitude adjusted, and that willingness to get what you want regardless of the nuances you despise, it gets easier. I believe in you!