A Few Spoonfuls of Job Hunting Advice

While it can be tempting to just take any library related job that comes your way when you're starting out, it is just as important to make sure that it will be a good fit for you. I will admit though on a recent interview, the library manager revealed that she once took a job that she knew that her boss wasn't going to be quite a good fit but she decided to overlook that in an effort to get more experience. I found an article in Library Journal titled, "How to Find the Right Fit". Even though it may seem it's more related to recent MLS graduates, I found a lot of insightful information in this article.

One thing that hadn't really occured to me think about is if the library's mission and vision would be compatible with my vision of a library. But even as a library page or assistant, that can be quite important in the long run.

In my search for more helpful job hunting advice, I came across "Some Hard Lessons on the Job Search ". This showcases one of Library Journal's Student Affairs bloggers, Staci Elliott, on her long, rocky road in job searching which she still travelling on. You can find out more about her job hunting trials and tribulations at the Student Affairs blog on Library Journal's website. In addition, it was wonderful to read about others as well who commented in response about their experiences in job hunting as well.

It's nice to be able to get some perspective from those who have been there. So take some of this inspiration and continue on what feels like a solitary road in the job search not quite so alone.

What Are You Worth? Salary Guides

One of the most annoying things about finding a job is being asked "What is your salary range?" My mischievous side wants to say "$100,000 base with full benefits, liberal vacation time and a cookie."

However in the real world it is a challenge to find out the salary range, particularly if you don't know what the actual base level of the salary is in the first place. Knowing the salary range can help you negotiate to a higher starting salary or the inclusion of perks to make it worth you time.

Before we jump into salary resources, I have the need to beg, implore and otherwise strongly suggest that you know what your true budget requirements, what does your lifestyle require and the income you need to support it. There are times when you do have to take the first thing offered but even then take a moment to make sure this is a good financial match.

Certainly you should pay a visit to the PCC Student Services Career Center in Building L Room 103, the online version contains links to many helpful and vetted sources of information. Use both!

Salary Surveys

Pay Scale.com and ERI have figures for LT and Assistants. The good news is that California techs seem to be paid more but when you factor in our cost of living expenses it balances out with other cities.

You will have to check the sites to see if this includes or excludes benefits. That will add to the overall compensation package.

Salary Information

Everyone should know about Job Star - Currently this is managed by the Bay Area Library and Information Systems. Yes, an employment online resource developed and maintained by
librarians.

And in this particular section of Job Star not only do you get the links to other online salary sources but what to do with that information.

Other Resources

About.com has a full page on career information on Library Assistants. The LIS Wiki has a short post on evaluating Library Technicians and Assistants job offers.

Another way to get career information is to listen to someone who has been where you want to go. CareerTV displays videos on a wide range of companies and careers.