Pitch for Your NicheCultivating a Professional Image in the Information Age: A Panel Discussion

Cathy HartmanAcademic Libraries

Donna KearleySchool Libraries

Kris Helge &Julie Leuzinger Beta Phi Mu

TLA AustinApril 15, 2011

Toni LambertPublic Libraries

Valerie HillSpecial Libraries

Academic LibrariesJob Seeking: the pitch, from beginning to end

Cathy N. HartmanAssociate Dean University of North Texas Libraries940-565-3269

Cathy.Hartman@unt.edu

940-565-3269

Academic Libraries: Applying

• The position advertisement – Match?• The application

– In the cover letter: • Compare qualifications with job requirements• Note qualifications that make you a good match• Edit, edit, edit• Indicate your strong interest in THIS position

– Vita: well organized, not too wordy, length appropriate to experience

– Hoops: forms, process, following instructions

Academic Libraries: Interviewing

• Telephone, then Onsite Interview• Prepare:

– Read everything on the website – • Mission, vision, strategic plan (library and univ.)• Key personnel – names, their career activities• Search committee• Note questions you may have

– Be familiar with the current literature for the position (digital libraries, public services, etc.)

– Prepare for standard questions

Academic Libraries: Interviewing (cont.)

• Telephone interview:– Important! Determines if you stay in

applicant pool!– Find a quiet location, good land line– Focus and ask for clarification if needed– Expect questions to focus in area of position

requirements and your experience– Have your questions ready

Academic Libraries: In-Person Interview

• Good match: for them, for you?– Remember phone interview, indication of

what is important– More questions– Presentation: prepare, practice– Meeting with administrators– Faculty status? Evaluation process?

Promotion opportunities?– Full day or longer

Academic Libraries: Post Interview

• Send note of thanks to chair of search committee NEXT DAY, then WAIT!!!!

• Offer – initially offered verbally, then in writing– Negotiate salary, benefits– Academic rank, if faculty status– Start date– Saying “no, thank you”

• No Offer – accept graciously

School Libraries

Donna KearleyCoordinator of Library ServicesDenton I.S.D.

dkearley@dentonisd.org

940-369-0087

School Libraries

How you lay the groundwork counts.

School Libraries

• What you do counts.

School Libraries

• What you say counts.

School Libraries

• What you know counts.

School Libraries

• Shake hands.• Smile and call the interviewer by name.• Bring your resume.• Share your portfolio if it’s strong.

School Libraries

• If an interview goes wrong…

• Smile, share your passion for kids and libraries and good things will happen if you’re a good match for the job.

• Thank you to Leigh Ann Jones, Frisco ISD Library Coordinator for sharing her tips.

Public Libraries

Toni LambertAssistant Director of Public ServicesAustin Public Library

Toni.Lambert@ci.austin.tx.us

512- 974-7466

Getting an Interview

• Resumes• Cover Letters• Online Image• Professional Contacts• The Application• Screening Questions

Interviewing for a Public Library Position

• Visit the library’s website• Do your homework• Read the library’s strategic plan• Prepare for the interview• What about telephone interviews?

Public Library Professional Positions

• Youth Services Positions• Reference Positions• Management Positions• Technical Services Positions• Archival Positions• IT Positions – Virtual Librarians

Do You Have What We’re Looking For?

• Relevant Experience• Technology Skills• Leadership Skills • Flexibility• Communication Skills• Commitment to Excellent Customer

Service• Passion for the Public Library Mission

Special Libraries

Valerie HillLewisville ISDTWU UniversityDoctoral Candidate

vhilledu@gmail.com

972-350-5544

Special libraries come in all formats.

• Exploring new media formats• Embracing technology trends• Balancing tradition with emerging

information modes• All libraries are changing

Embracing technology trends

• Digital resources• Ebooks

Exploring new trends in information delivery

• User-generated content• Augmented reality• Virtual worlds

Exploring new media

• Social media• Social networking• Web 2.0 (blogs, wikis, RSS)

Balancing tradition with emerging information modes

• Knowing the community• Personal learning networks (PLN’s)

Virtual Texas: an exhibit by TLA SL Community Group

The Library and the Librarian

“It may be that the great age of libraries is waning, but I am here to tell you that the great age of librarians is just beginning. It’s up to you to decide if you want to be a part of it.”

~T. Scott Plutchak

PROPER PREPARATION CAN PRODUCE AN INTERVIEW THAT PROCEEDS WELL

Kris HelgePublic Services LibrarianTexas Wesleyan University School of Law

khelge@law.txwes.edu817-212-3812

– Some interviewers will read your body language.

• Consider all nuances of the position.

– How long is the commute?» E.g. “I will probably just take the bus.”

– Have you discussed this with your significant others?

– What skills are required (e.g. managing a website)?» Be honest with yourself about these required skills

Plan Ahead

• Plan and select an appropriate attire.– Double check yourself!

• E.g. Sock boy

• Be prompt.

• Use appropriate interviewing vernacular.

• Do not be afraid of selling yourself, but do not be arrogant.

Hone your overall interviewing techniques… keep it simple but profound.

• Research the company.– Ask questions.

• Where do you see yourself in twenty years?

• Give simple, common sense responses.

– E.g. “I want to be doing the same thing I am now.”

Think realistically about interviewer questions

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Websites

– E.g. Subway sandwich lady…

Clean up your electronic dossier!

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COVER LETTER

Julie LeuzingerReference & GLA CoordinatorUniversity of North Texas Libraries

Why a Resume is not Enough

julie.leuzinger@unt.edu

Five Reasons for Sending a Cover Letter with your Resume

1) You’ll increase your chances of grabbing the employer’s attention.2) Your letter can highlight aspects of your resume.3) It gives you a chance to start what could be the best conversation of your

career.4) Your letter is probably your first opportunity to make a personable

impression.5) You can directly ask for a job interview (Ireland, 48).

Catch an Interview with Your Cover Letter

1) “Casting the Line.” (Who is the hiring manager?)2) “The Hook.” (Get the reader’s attention.)3) “The Line.” (The sales pitch.)4) “The Sinker.” (Close the deal.)

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Do Don’t~Mention how you heard ~Forget to run spell checkabout the position~Mention the title of the position ~Use “canned” phrases~Include the job number ~Forget to sign your letter~Use action verbs ~Repeat your resume~Request an interview ~Use negative language~Answer the employer’s question: ~Use a generic letter“Why should I hire you?”

References

Ireland, Susan. 1997. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Cover Letter. New York: Alpha Books.

Plutchak, T. Scott. 2007. The Librarian: Fantastic Adventures in the Digital World. Serials, 20(2), 87-91.