Author: Susanne Markgren

Assistant Director of the Library for Technical Services
Q: What can I do to get a job, when facing possible discrimination?

Q: What can I do to get a job, when facing possible discrimination?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q1: I am a new graduate living in Canada. I was confident that I could locate a professional job in an academic library or public library with my MLIS and Doctorate degree of Philosophy in Chinese History. I have been searching for jobs for seven months, but I have only had one in-person interview and one telephone interview. I am not a native English speaker, and I admit that I have an accent; however, I am confident that I can communicate very well in English. Also, I do not have much experience working in libraries. I did work-study while I was in library school and I volunteered in a public children’s library. What can I do to get a job?

Q2: How does age figure into a beginning library career? I’m almost 60 years old and obtained my MLS in 2002, but have been traveling with my husband since then. When I settle, I’d still like to work in a library, even as a part-time librarian. I know age discrimination should not factor in, but in reality it does. Which do you think are my most severe stumbling blocks, my age or lack of experience? What is the best way to gain experience at my age?

TA and SM: Both of these questions come from recent graduates concerned about possible discrimination by potential employers. In an effort to address both of these questions, we thought we would provide some advice and information for recent library school graduates and librarians who might find themselves in similar situations. At the same time, we hope to provide some insight for library managers and administrators who might be dealing with difficult decisions as they seek to hire the most qualified candidate for a given position.

Discrimination, in Libraries?

Discrimination exists in many different forms, in most professions, in most cultures, and in every part of the world. Sometimes it is deliberate, and sometimes it is unintentional. Ultimately, it is hurtful and discouraging for anyone trying to move forward with her or his career. One definition states that: “To discriminate is to make a distinction between people on the basis of class or category without regard to individual merit. Examples include social, racial, religious, sexual, disability, ethnic and age-related discrimination.”

Many of us, at one point or another, may have experienced some form of discrimination in our jobs or in the job hunt process. Whether we like to admit it or not, this does happen in libraries. This profession, often viewed as diverse, liberal, laid-back, progressive, and mainly female, can still be very competitive, political, and unfortunately discriminatory.

Age discrimination is a concern for a growing number of library school graduates who have chosen to change careers or enter the workforce later in life. In the most recent placement and salaries survey (of 2004 graduates), more than half of the 1,611 graduates who responded to questions about their career aspirations said they were seeking a second or third career as a librarian. Likewise, the number of minority librarians is growing, with 16% of all 2004 graduates claiming minority status. And men, who are minorities in libraries, made up only 19% of all 2004 graduates.

How to Prepare Yourself While Looking for a Job

The fact that discrimination exists in the workplace (or in society) is really very sad. And, it’s wrong. At some point in your life, no matter how hard you fight against it, you, or someone you know, may be the victim of an act of discrimination. Nonetheless, you should work hard up front to prepare yourself for these situations. You need to present yourself as the perfect applicant, and your first chance to do this is often through your cover letter and resume.

The Cover Letter and Resume

Your application materials (your cover letter and resume) are your introduction to a potential employer. How you present yourself and your education and experience, in your resume and cover letter will determine whether or not you receive consideration for a position. If you’re a non-native English speaker, have someone proofread your application materials. We advise all applicants to use a proofreader, but this is especially important for non-native speakers, because, in addition to catching common typos and misspellings, a proofreader may also catch errors in grammar and syntax.

If you are an older applicant who is just now applying for your first library job, there are a few ways to approach your cover letter and resume. If you are making a career change, look for transferable skills from previous positions, and, whenever possible, draw direct parallels to those skills in your cover letter. If you were an accountant for 20 years in a large firm, for example, and are now applying for a branch librarian position, talk about your subject knowledge and how you worked with external customers, supervised employees and managed a budget. Look for ways to draw upon your previous experience and tie those experiences to your current pursuits.

If you are an older applicant who is just now applying for your first job ever, your approach might be a little different. Without the “traditional” use of transferable skills (from a previous career), you’ll need to look at the work you’ve done outside the home and draw on those experiences. For example, use volunteer work with community organizations, in the school system, or internships and field experiences while in library school to round out your experience. Again, in your cover letter and resume, tie these experiences (and the skills you developed) directly to the position for which you are applying.

This brings us back around to the recurring theme throughout most of our columns: EXPERIENCE. The short answer: get it, now! In whatever way possible (work before school, work while in school, intern, volunteer) get some real-life experience that you can draw on when applying for positions. If you’re still in library school, listen up. Take a student assistant position, volunteer at the public library, do a field experience for course credit, do whatever you can to try your hand at different library work.

We know. Life is busy, with classes, and papers, and lectures, and exams. We know. We’ve been there. But just realize that what you do now (like sacrificing sleep for work experience…) will pay off dramatically when you’re applying for a job. Instead of being among the masses of newly minted MLS grads with minimal or no experience, your perfectly-written cover letter and resume, with directly-drawn parallels between your experience and a library’s requirements, will pay off in gold.

In all of these scenarios, you need to stay current with technology. Take advantage of classes offered at the public library, through your library school, or at your local community college. Or, take an online course and join a few e-mail lists to stay abreast of current topics in your areas of interest. By showing a potential employer that you are aware of the latest “chatter” in librarianship (IM versus library virtual reference software; digitization: preservation or access?; electronic resource management systems, etc.), you are conveying a level of interest and engagement that will not only impress your interviewer, but provide fodder for discussion.

Remember, self-confidence goes a long way in an interview, and even in a cover letter. Rather than focus on your differences, or your weaknesses, focus on your strong points. Play up your uniqueness: your language skills, your experience in other professions, your communication skills, your worldly knowledge, your commitment to education, your enthusiasm to learn and to succeed, and convince yourself and potential employers that you can do the job.

So, You Did Not Get the Job

Experience is more important than you may think when you are applying for a job. The reason you did not get a certain job probably has more to do with your lack of experience than with your age or inability to speak without an accent. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to prove actual discrimination. One (not uncommon) thing you can do, after interviewing for a position and learning that you did not get the job, is to contact the person who interviewed you (generally a casual email, attached with a “thank you” works best) and ask her or him why you did not get the job. Ask for specifics and advice. You just might get some very useful information that you can apply the next time you interview. Hopefully, you will get a little peace of mind, and learn that discrimination did not play into the decision.

Let’s face it, employers desire job candidates who have computer experience, candidates who have enthusiasm, and candidates who can help bridge generation gaps within both staff and clientele. As technology continues to confound and surpass many of us, we naturally look to the young to teach us, and perhaps this leads to discrimination against others, who are older or not as computer savvy. As unfortunate as it is, discrimination will probably not go away anytime soon. In addition to looking for a workplace that fosters diversity and supports individuals who are different from us, we need to keep ourselves current, get experience, and make ourselves indispensable in our roles as unique professionals in the workplace.

Resources:

Q: I got a job, but it isn’t in the right city. What do I do?

Q: I got a job, but it isn’t in the right city. What do I do?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 1 Comment

Q: I am e-mailing because I’ve been having the hardest time finding a librarian job in Atlanta, yet I can easily find jobs elsewhere. I have my application in at a few colleges and public libraries in Atlanta, but I haven’t heard from any of them. I finally snagged a job in Albany, GA, at a college library. I’m trying to figure out what I should do: I would rather be back in Atlanta, but I know I can’t leave until I find something else. Need some advice. Thanks.

TA: It must be very frustrating for you to have a job in a city other than your first choice. I can hear the chorus of recent grads now, so let me just go ahead and acknowledge the obvious – at least you HAVE a job and are gainfully employed, which is more than some can say. And at the very least, you have something to do (and a way to pay the bills) until you find the job of your dreams, or at least a job closer to Atlanta.

One thing we tell all of the graduating MLS students we work with is that geographic mobility is one of the best things you can have working for you when looking for a job. Let’s face it, there are just some places that are more appealing to live than others. But what’s so great about human beings is that some people like snow, while others like the beach. Some folks prefer the mountains, others, the plains. Another great thing, we can also usually endure more than we think, so in the interest of the greater good (or just getting the first job) we can do what we have to do, not just what we want to do. Let’s think of Albany as a learning opportunity and a time for personal growth (What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right?).

Here’s how to make the most of your time in Albany, while still planning your exit strategy:

  • Do a great job in your current position. The one thing I didn’t hear you say about Albany was that you were unhappy in your work. That’s a good thing. A great job can go a long way to compensate for a geographic location that’s lacking. While you’re in Albany, work hard, impress people, and make yourself invaluable. Learn everything that you can and continue to grow professionally. Look for opportunities for professional development, to attend professional meetings or conferences.
  • Network, network, network. The more people you know (and who know you) the more likely you are to hear about positions opening up elsewhere – perhaps even in Atlanta. Look for alumni organizations in your area that will give you the chance to reconnect with other former Atlanta residents.
  • Do not burn bridges. Don’t let the folks you work with now feel like a second choice. If all they ever hear from you is how much you hate Albany and how much you want to be back in Atlanta, especially if they’re Albany-born-and-bred, they’ll grow pretty tired of you pretty quickly. It’s okay to let people know that you have connections in, or a fondness for Atlanta, but don’t let that be all they know about you.
  • If the nightlife in Albany isn’t all that you had hoped for, or you’re having a hard time finding things to do socially, use this time to concentrate on yourself. Take an online class, volunteer in the community… Remember, everything you do right now will affect your future “employability.”
  • Keep your resume up to date and continue to watch the job boards, web sites and e-mail lists. Check the larger regional sites, as well as school sites from the Atlanta area. Several of these, such as ARL’s Career Resources and SOLINET’s Job Bank, allow you to limit searches by geographic location. Georgia Public Library Service also offers a “Jobs in Libraries” site, which searches library jobs in Georgia and other southeastern libraries. You can also contact a few of the institutions you’re most interested in and ask to schedule an informational interview. (See the previous columns on the purpose of, and how to conduct, an informational interview.)

Keep in mind that the folks in Albany hired you as the best candidate for their position; they probably weren’t thinking of this as a temporary placement. Give them the professional courtesy of at least a year in the position, and, once you have another offer, as much notice as possible. They believed in you, and gave you a chance. You should repay that kindness with hard work while you’re there, and an easy transition when it’s time for you to move on.

Q: How can I avoid being pigeonholed?

Q: How can I avoid being pigeonholed?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am an MLIS student with one class left before graduation. My school is new and still undergoing the accreditation process, so I want to wait until we are accredited before I finish. I have a good job in a library, so I can afford to do this for a little while, but I want to “spend my time wisely.” I would like to pursue another master’s degree to open up more opportunities for me in a research library, but I don’t want to pigeonhole myself into one subject area. I have an undergraduate degree in Physics and a Doctorate of Chiropractic (I’m a career-changer), so I have a strong background in physical and biological sciences. However, I don’t want to work on a hard-core science degree, because I don’t think my brain could take it. Help!

SM: You have an interesting, and enviable, dilemma. How nice to be able to pursue an additional degree while working and getting much- needed experience at a job you like. Since you have a significant academic background in the sciences, I can understand your concern about being pigeonholed by potential employers. However, I think you are underestimating the power of work experience.

As you start applying for librarian positions, your work experience will resonate louder than the subject of your degrees – undergraduate or graduate. What you are doing now in your job – the experience you are obtaining, and the skills you are learning – will be invaluable in attaining that first professional position.

Getting your second master’s after you earn your library degree offers you some freedom of choice. Since you are already planning on being a librarian and are already working in a library, you won’t have the added stress of wondering if you will be employable. And, since you are gainfully employed and seem to have the time to pursue another degree, you can explore many different options and programs – with the one exception that they be either local or virtual, since you cannot leave your job. Don’t worry too much about filling a gap in your education or skill set; you will learn most of your skills on the job.

Pigeonholing exists in librarianship, as in other professions. From my own experience working in different libraries, applying for librarian positions, and being involved in search committees, though, it happens more with the abundance or lack of qualifying work experience and skills than with degrees. If your degree is in the humanities and you apply for a position in a science library, you have a good chance of getting the job – if you have relevant work experience and skills. Likewise, if you have worked in science libraries for years and want to make a switch to a humanities library, you might have a hard time, even if you have a humanities degree.

Since it sounds like you will not be pursuing a subject specialist position, and you are not inclined to get a second master’s degree in a scientific field, let me offer a few suggestions:

  • Go for something that is more user-defined, like a master’s in liberal arts, or a master’s in American studies. These degrees are not as rigid as others, and allow you to take classes from many different disciplines as you define your own path.
  • Go for something that has always interested you, no matter what it is. You are free to take on anything without the added concern and stress of finding a job in that field – since you are already planning on being a librarian. Be adventurous in your pursuit of higher education.
  • Go for something that will potentially be useful to you in your dream job. If you would like to work in reference and instruction, then look into master’s programs in a specific subject area (for those specialist/bibliographer positions) or dealing with education or instructional design. If you would like to work in technical services or web design, then some kind of computer science degree (it doesn’t have to be hard-core) would definitely come in handy. If you want to work as a cataloger, then a language degree would be useful. How about writing, management, communications, or design? Librarianship deals with all of these subjects, in some aspect or another.
  • Go and talk to people – your boss, coworkers, fellow library students, the career center at your library school, or someone in a department of study you may be considering. Ask them what they would recommend, and how their degrees have helped to shape their careers. You might get some new ideas, or learn about exciting programs you hadn’t thought of before.
  • Go and look at job ads for positions that interest you, and see which qualifications are required and which are preferred.
  • Finally, go easy on yourself. Make it fun! Any degree program needs to fit into your schedule and allow you time for both work and play. A highly competitive and stressful program is probably not what you have in mind. So take into consideration the time commitment, the requirements of the program, how it will fit into your schedule. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!

Additional Resources:

Peterson’s Graduate Planner

USNews.com’s E-Learning Guide

GradSchools.com

Choosing Your Major, by Mary Lou Taylor

Escape Your Pigeonhole, by Cheryl Dahle

Q: What is the best way to get a behind-the-scenes look at a few libraries in a city where I’ll be vacationing?

Q: What is the best way to get a behind-the-scenes look at a few libraries in a city where I’ll be vacationing?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I’m finishing up my MLIS very soon, and I’m trying to get a feel for as many types of libraries as possible. I would love to get a behind-the-scenes look at a few libraries in a city where I’ll be vacationing soon. What is the best way to approach this? Should I request informational interviews, or offer to volunteer for a day or two? I don’t want to inconvenience anyone, and I certainly don’t want to overstep the bounds of professional courtesy. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

TA: Excellent question! And great timing. There are certainly a large number of soon-to-be-grads in your same situation: finishing school, maybe a semester or two remaining, and wondering what life is like at a real reference desk. Or, perhaps, about what it’s really like to be a children’s librarian? Or, more than anything, about what happens during any given day as a professional… You’re smart to start thinking about this now, and you’re very wise to recognize the limits of professional courtesy and the risk of overstepping those boundaries. There are ways, though, to get the information you need while working within the guidelines of professional courtesy.

First, to answer your basic question, I would try to set up several informational interviews, as opposed to volunteering for a day or two. We all know the old saying that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Well, along the same lines, volunteers aren’t really free. While libraries may not pay a salary, volunteers require orientation, training, supervision, space, and resources. In most cases, having a volunteer for only a day or two wouldn’t be in the library’s best interest; it would be a heavy investment of their time for very little return. Informational interviews can (and should) be scheduled in advance, and do not take a lot of any one person’s time. As a matter of fact, you may be able to schedule a couple of interviews in the same library, but with different people in different departments.

WHY do informational interviews?

Let’s briefly review informational interviews. In an informational interview, you can accomplish several things. You may:

  • Explore careers and clarify your career goal
  • Expand your professional network
  • Build confidence for your job interviews
  • Access the most up-to-date career information
  • Identify your professional strengths and weaknesses

(Informational Interviewing Tutorial) WHAT to do?

Do your research: Research the profession, research the organization, and research the person with whom you are meeting. You may want to look at general resources that give an overview of the profession. For example, take a look at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. You could also look at web pages, annual reports, and statistics for the organization you’ll be visiting. Do your research on the person with whom you would like to meet. You want this appointment to be productive, so make sure you’re speaking with someone who is active in the field and ready to share his or her story with you. By knowing more about this person (Are they published? Are they active in professional organizations? Are they in a position you aspire to achieve someday?), you’ll be better able to shape productive questions for the limited time you have during an informational interview.

Make an appointment: Call, e-mail, or write in advance to ask for an appointment. You may also have a mutual acquaintance who could refer you. Be sure to be up front and tell the person that you have some questions about working in a particular area, and would be interested in meeting with them for an informational interview. Keep the appointment to 20 or 30 minutes.

Have your list of questions and take notes: Come prepared with questions (and something to take notes with). Remember, this is two- way. The person you are interviewing may be interested in learning about you in this process, so be prepared to have a conversation and answer questions about yourself. For a nice list of potential questions, take a look at: http://www.quintcareers.com/information_interview.html.

Say thank you: Before you leave, express your thanks for the person’s time. Also follow up with a written thank you note within a few days of the interview. Remember, you are not just gaining valuable knowledge about the profession, you’re establishing your professional network. You want to make a good impression.

What NOT to do?

Do not show up unprepared: See the notes above about doing your research.

Do not go over your time limit: Respect everyone’s time and do not stay longer than originally agreed upon, unless you are invited to stay by the person you’re interviewing.

Do not ask for a job: Remember, this is an informational interview only. Do not overstep the limits of the informational interview by asking about employment opportunities or your qualifications for a specific position.

I hope these tips help you plan for your interviews. Additional resources are also listed below. Most importantly, be sure to have a good time on your vacation!

Additional Resources:

Q: Do K-12 certifications transfer between states?

Q: Do K-12 certifications transfer between states?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am a prospective graduate student hoping to enroll in a library science program, and I have a few questions about school librarianship. Do K-12 certifications transfer between states? In other words, if I received certification in Pennsylvania, could I apply for school librarian positions in another state? And, is there a large difference in salary between K-12 librarians and university librarians?

SM: K-12 librarians are generally called library media specialists. Other titles include teacher librarian and school librarian. As in every library, jobs and roles in school libraries can vary significantly. They are, though, very much related to teaching – working closely with teachers and students, creating lesson plans, and participating in curriculum development, as well as providing expertise in library materials and access to information and technology.

Each state has different requirements for certification and licensure, and many states require “school librarians” to be licensed as teachers. While some states do not require a master’s degree in librarianship, having it will give you more flexibility and mobility in the long run, especially if you plan on moving to a different state or eventually switching to a different type of library or position.

To start with, look at the American Association of School Librarians Library Education & Licensing page. They have a lot of good information here (and on the their site in general), including a link to NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) and a list of approved and reviewed school library media programs.

You may also want to read the ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Programs for School Library Media Specialist Preparation, to learn more about the goals and expectations of the school library media program as they relate to three critical areas of service: teaching and learning, information access and delivery, and program administration.

As for transferring your certification, the good news is that many states will accept certification from another state, also called licensing reciprocity. If you move to another state, it is up to you to check with the certifying agency to see if your certificates or licenses are transferable or accepted.

Librarian salaries are dependent on the specific institution, the location, the position, the economy and much, much more. However, to get an idea of what new librarians are making, the most recent salary survey in Library Journal (published each October), lists the average salary for newly-graduated school librarians as $40,737 – slightly higher than the $37,981 average for academic librarians.

Other useful web sites:

Resources for School Librarians, developed by a retired teacher librarian, contains links to informative sites for certification, jobs, continuing education, collection development and more.

Check to see if your state (or the state you plan on moving to) has a school library association, something akin to the following, which just might turn out to be an excellent resource for information, resources and networking.

Examples of School Library Associations, beyond the United States:

Q: I would like to learn how to do indexing and abstracting. How do I get started?

Q: I would like to learn how to do indexing and abstracting. How do I get started?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am interested in becoming an information specialist, preferably working out of my home. I have several years of experience in searching medical databases, the Internet, and some legal databases, and would like to learn how to do indexing and abstracting. I have contacted the AIIP (Association of Independent Information Professionals) and joined as a student, and will take some classes this fall but have not decided on which ones. I am already enrolled in a Certificate in Translation program, but it will take me a while to complete since I will be going part-time over the next few years. Any advice or direction would be most appreciated. Thank you.

SM: It sounds like you know exactly what you want and are already on the right track to achieving your professional goals. An information specialist’s job can be quite diverse, challenging, and exciting; like many other roles within the information industry, it is changing all the time. A white paper put out by the AIIP discusses the history of the independent information professional, from its roots in the 1960s, to listing examples of how these professionals can serve business and industry today. “Independent information professionals provide information services to organizations of all sizes and types, either in conjunction with existing staff or by contract. Although document retrieval and delivery, literature surveys, and data-gathering are still the mainstay of some information brokerages’ work, other companies gather data, analyze it, and provide comprehensive, high-quality substantive reports that play a key role in their clients’ decision-making process.”

As an independent information professional, you will need to be very proficient with technology and also be able to keep current with new resources and programs that may help you in your work. Not only are you finding and gathering information, you may also have to manipulate it, analyze it, and present or package it in different ways.

If there is one piece of advice I can give you, it is network, network, network! You will depend a lot on the guidance, experience, and recommendations of others in your field. You should try to contact (or network with) independent information professionals in your area or online and see what kind of advice they can give you. Another option, while you are still taking classes, is to see if you can do an internship with an information specialist. Talk to your school’s career advisor and see if he or she can help you find information specialists that would be willing to work with you.

Information Today is publishing a book called Information Services Market Place: The World Directory of Independent Information Professionals (ISMP): a “comprehensive directory of individuals working in this segment of the information industry, ISMP is the authoritative source for companies looking to hire or outsource work and for professionals seeking other qualified professionals for subcontracting projects and networking.” It is scheduled to be out, in print and online, later this year; you can submit your information for a free listing.

Another way to network is to attend conferences and meetings, if this is financially feasible for you. Taking classes in indexing and abstracting is an excellent idea, and getting a certificate in translation will certainly help you market yourself to potential clients. The more skills you acquire, the more marketable you will be.

Whether you intend to be a freelancer, work as an independent contractor, or start up your own home-based business, working for yourself can be extremely rewarding and exceptionally intimidating at the same time, especially when you are first starting out. You really need to know what you’re doing and be able to market yourself as well as your skills and services. In other words: exude confidence. I have listed some sites and resources below that may help you as you learn more about becoming an “independent information specialist.” Best of luck!

Additional Resources:

American Society for Information Science and Technology

American Society of Indexers

Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP)

NFAIS (National Federation of Abstracting and Indexing Services)

Potts, Kevin. “Starting a Business: Advice from the Trenches.”

The Riley Guide – Steps in Starting Your Own Business

SLA

United States Small Business Administration

Q: How do I get my career back on track after staying home for two years to raise a family?

Q: How do I get my career back on track after staying home for two years to raise a family?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I got my master’s degree in information studies two years ago. After completing my degree, I worked in a company as a library assistant for only three months, when I had to relocate with my spouse. After the move, I stayed at home for almost two years with a new baby. I’m now in the position to begin working again, and I want to start my career right away. Can you give me some advice on where and how to start?

TA: Well, welcome back to the professional workforce! It sounds like you are quite eager to return to the field of librarianship – and I hope you will convey that enthusiasm in your cover letter and resume when applying for professional positions. It seems to be a daunting task, retooling yourself to re-enter the workforce, but just know that you are not alone. Every year people just like you take a period of leave from their work for many reasons, and then successfully return to the profession. Here are a few things to think about as you set your course to return.

While you are at home and during your job search

Take some time to assess and refresh your skills. Assessment will help you when you are looking for positions, as well as when you are crafting your resume. And, if you need to “beef up” your resume, refresh your skills by taking a class or two or by participating in volunteer activities. When you talk about your volunteer activities on your resume, be sure to put them in a professional context (e.g., talk about the computer skills, organizational skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills involved with the work).

Also, stay involved and stay connected. Although it may be tough, keep in touch with former colleagues and classmates to maintain your professional network and to also stay abreast of current issues in the field. Things as simple as sending an e-mail or inviting a colleague out for coffee will go a long way in keeping you connected to the work you left behind. Attend conferences, monitor lists, and perhaps even take on some part-time work if you are able.

Focus on your cover letter and resume

Probably the most important thing you need to do right now is build an excellent resume. You want to accentuate the positive and minimize your weaknesses. Organize your resume so your most marketable skills and experiences are clearly evident and minimize the weaknesses (in this case, your dates of employment) by not drawing attention to them.

Some would recommend using the “functional” resume format, but, in my experience, search committees and hiring managers are savvy enough to guess that you’re trying to hide something (usually dates). They also often find functional resumes confusing. Instead of frustrating them and making them think you are trying to conceal something, give them the information they need, but present it in a format that sells your strengths and limits your liabilities. Format your resume so that the reader’s eye is drawn to job titles and career experience, not the particular dates of employment. Perhaps include the dates after your job title, but before your list of responsibilities; bold your job titles, but not your dates of employment.

Also, use your cover letter to explain gaps in employment. Be direct and up-front about it. There is no need to make apologies. If, as in your case, you have been out to care for children (which is more challenging than just about any job out there!) say something as simple as: “After spending two years at home caring for my child, I am eager to return to librarianship and believe I am excellent candidate for your position.” Then, tell them why you are the best candidate for the job. Emphasize that you are eager and enthusiastic to return to the professional workforce. As I’ve said before, your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself. It is also your opportunity to sell your candidacy to the search committee. Be up-front, be honest, and give them the information they need. Never make them guess, especially about gaps in employment.

Things to consider when returning to work

While your situation is not uncommon, there are still employers out there who prefer to see a consistent track record of employment. Upon re-entry, you may have to take a lower-level position than when you left the workforce. View it as a way to re-establish yourself professionally, and use the opportunity to reconnect and rebuild your professional reputation.

Also, be sure to consider the costs of returning to work: daycare, commuting, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance, just to name a few. When considering an offer, look for flexibility in the position and carefully examine the benefits package. Does the employer offer vacation leave and sick leave? Are there other types of leave that support community and child involvement? Is job sharing, flex time, part-time work, or telecommuting an option? If you do choose one of these options, just be sure the boss knows what you’re doing. Give weekly status reports on your work and volunteer for special projects so you stay on the radar. And put in some “face time:” if you’re working from home, come into the office for important meetings; if you’re working part-time, be the first one in the office, make the coffee and say good morning to everyone. Remember, “out of sight, out of mind.”

Just know who you are, what you want, and what you have to offer. Good luck with the job search!

Additional Resources:

“Be Direct When Explaining that Gap in Your Resume,” The Houston Chronicle, August 19, 2004, Section C, pp. 1-2.

Isaacs, Kim. “Handle Your Work Hiatus on Your Resume.”

Lehner, John. “Gaps in Your Resume: Addressing an Interruption in Your Career Path.”

Marrinan, Michele. “Returning After a Leave.”

Matuson, Roberta Chinsky. “Continue to be Corporate or Stay at Home?”

Topper, Elisa F. “Working Knowledge,” American Libraries, March 2004.

Yahoo’s Librarian Stay-at-Home Moms Group.