Need To Know

Elisa contributes to the "LibGig Top Ten" with, "Topper's Top Ten Tips for a Successful Job Search"

Question: I am the librarian for a special library headquartered in a corporation. With the current economic climate, I am very concerned that soon the library will be eliminated as a cost saving measure. Whereas I am not sure what will happen, I would rather be proactive now should this be inevitable. What advice can you give me?

You are to be commended for taking a proactive stance in preparing for the future. The thought of unemployment is on the minds of every worker in America these days if not worldwide. Through the first 11 months of 2008, the nation’s economy lost 1.9 million jobs. Just as we know that it is a buyer’s market in the real estate field, it is an employer’s market for new hires. But also know that even during a recession, organizations still have jobs to fill. Your job is to get noticed and get hired. You can approach the job search in the following steps:

• Taking Time to Regroup- Should your job be officially eliminated, you will need to take some time to heal from the shock of loosing your job. If you are not mentally ready to start a new job search it will show in your interviews. Be sure to file for unemployment if you are eligible-check your state requirements right away. Depending on your eligibility, that money is there for you for six months and maybe longer.

• Target Your Approach-The key to finding another job is to focus on jobs you are interested in and qualified for-a mass mailing of resumes is a waste of time and effort. Where do you begin? Although you primarily have worked in a special corporate library do not limit yourself to only this type of library especially if the trend is to cut back in corporate America. Don’t rule out the possibility that your skills might be easily transferred to another work setting.
Keep in mind that growth areas within libraries are in technical services (cataloging and digitalization work) and in children’s services. Within the general employment areas for growth as outlined by the Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index, these are health care, education and government.

With the unemployment rate the highest in many years, this means that your approach needs to be focused and more assertive than ever. “ Do not take a job just because it is job”, said Paul Schneider, managing partner of SSP, a human resources consulting firm. “If it doesn’t work out, six months later you’ll be back on the job market and now what’s your excuse of why you left?”

• Online Applications- Most job seekers make the mistake of concentrating too much on sending out resumes either electronically or via snail mail. Never underestimate the power of positive networking. Make a list of everyone that you know and begin to “work your Rolodex.”

• Temp Services- Consider working for a temporary library placement service if available in your geographic area. Often times a temp job may result in full time employment. If not available, list yourself with general temp services and emphasis your project management and organizational skills.

• Networking- Begin to develop your network of contacts within the library areas as well as outside vendors. Update your membership renewals while still employed and bookmark web site library employment pages. Do not forget to contact your alumni association’s career services department to obtain access to their job listings and for assistance in the job search. Area career job search help organizations are available to provide you with support. Do not try to do it alone.

Final Words- Be sure to remember that as you look for your next position (whether eliminated or just taking the next step in your career), that it be one that is a good fit for both you and the employer. The job of finding a job is a job in itself. Above all, remain positive and enthusiastic. Good luck.

Elisa Topper brings over 30 years of professional librarianship with experience in special, public and university libraries as well as a national position at the American Library Association and serving as Assistant Dean at the Graduate Library School at Dominican University. Most recently, she was the Director of the Dundee Public Library.

Ms. Topper received her BA in American Studies from the University of South Florida, her MLS from Florida State University and a Master’s degree from Loyola University of Chicago in Industrial Relations/Personnel.