Published: my InCite article on NLS5!

In addition to winning a complimentary ticket to NLS5 (the 5th New Librarians Symposium) in Perth this past September, I was published in ALIA's InCite! The January/February 2012 issue included my thoughts on NLS5, professional development, and emerging professionals.

You can read it here, in the Energise, Enthuse, Inspire column.

How to Get THE Job

It’s time for practicum applications and job hunting, so with that in mind, I thought I’d share some point-form notes from a workshop I attended in Perth. In “How to get THE job” (September 16th, ALIA's NLS5 weekend) Karen, Michelle, and Emma shared their tips on resumes, selection criteria, being prepared, and staying positive.

Resume
Use the CCR model – be Clear, Concise, and Relevant.
Include an overarching statement (some call this a summary or snapshot) that gives the employer an idea of who you are.
The first half of the first page is the most important. Don’t be generic – make it stand out!
Include professional memberships and highlight key skills, tech skills, and achievements.
Adding “contact details available on request” alongside names & job titles of your referees is better than the standard “References available on request” because it shows you have people on hand as referees, but if they call you to ask for their phone numbers, you’ll have the advantage of knowing they’re interested!

Selection Criteria
Provide evidence of how you can meet the criteria with previous experience. Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Use the same language as the potential employer. Imagine them going through your selection criteria with a highlighter.
Be reflective.

Before the Interview
Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Research the company/industry
Have examples ready for job situations – they’ll look for how you handle problems in the workplace
Remember, you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you
Have questions or comments ready for them – it shows your interest, respect, and thoughtfulness
Have a “wrap-up” comment or pitch ready for the close of the interview
Presentation: be early/on time, dress well, use non-verbal cues like a smile and a handshake.
I asked whether you should meet the interviewer on their level if they are more casual in their approach or dress, but Michelle said to maintain professionalism.
If you don’t get the job, call and ask for feedback (but be respectful and polite).

Other Tips

• Highlight your transferable skills and consider life experience as skills
• Don’t forget the cover letter, and tailor it closely to the application/company every time – it tells the employer why you’re applying
• Call ahead and ask questions; eg, What software do they use, or why is the position vacant
• It’s okay to say you’re open to training if you don’t have the qualification they’re asking for
• If they ask about your greatest weakness, turn it into a positive and mention an area you’re working on
• Take a pen and paper with you so you can take notes – it’s terrifying to receive a double or triple-barrelled question and be unable to recall the whole question when you’re halfway through replying!
• Don’t underestimate or undersell yourself

Look Out Perth!

We were absolutely thrilled to receive a great range of diverse and passionate entries, but there can only be one winner - look out Perth, here comes Julia Garnett!
- ALIA NGAC

I've received official word that my NGAC (New Generation Advisory Committee) metamorphosis entry was chosen as the winner! So, it's off to Perth in September, where I'll be tweeting and blogging and networking with other new grads and librarians. I am so excited!

Thanks to my PLN (personal learning network) on Twitter, my video entry is racking up views on YouTube, and my followers are growing. I've been tweeting since February, and I've been rewarded by connecting with some great people and organisations.