Careers Support Conversations Programme: Job Searches and Applications

Careers Support Conversations Programme: Job Searches and Applications - additional resources

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Thank you to everyone who attended our first Careers Conversations event - we hope it is the first of many and welcome any and all feedback on the programme. Please keep an eye on our newsletter, social media and website for upcoming events.

Please find below a summary of the major points discussed during the session. Underneath this summary, please find links to useful resources for the job searching and application process for several library and information sectors;

The session began with a discussion about where individuals typically look for job listings and analysis of some of the bigger providers. Along with the resources listed below, possible locations for job listings include noting listings on recruitment agencies and applying directly, looking at organisations that are being refurbished or expanded upon as they may account for new roles, and the information and archiving teams within unions. It was noted that it is worthwhile looking at roles outside of one's chosen location as it is useful for checking industry standards and role grades.

The session then went onto to look at how to search for jobs in a way that is still supportive to one's workload and wellbeing. When setting time each week to look for listings, it can be effective to do it on Thursdays or Fridays as this can match up with release dates and deadlines. The benefits of looking for a job whilst employed were discussed, as it can make the process feel less demoralising and make it easier to keep one's CV up-to-date.

There was then a brief discussion about current trends in job listing and how to ensure one is an attractive applicant. Attendees discussed the importance of pursuing CPD opportunities and engaging in upskilling, for example academic institutions often provide these opportunities through online resources like LinkedIn Learning. A benefit of using LinkedIn is that it can show what courses peers are currently pursuing, which can give insight on in-demand skills. One attendee noted an increase in the number of project management roles.

There was a brief chat about the prevalence and usage of AI in job listing and applications. Some attendees noted an increase in AI-written job listings and larger job sites promoting the use of AI bots. One attendee highlighted that they read about the benefits of using AI in health sector for diagnoses but query point of using it in for writing. Another attendee gave example of using AI to check their application against the personal specification to ensure they mentioned key words. Building on this point, one attendee mentioned that it was useful for self-promotion and positively highlighting one's skills.

Attendees were asked whether they checked the professional values of an employer aligned with their own and if so how. It was highlighted that one can look at the prospective employer's social media to check if employer matches one's values and priorities, which can include their investment interests. One attendee said they thought it was a useful question to ask during interviews, with a focus on the existence and support of staff networks. Another attendee highlighted the current redundancy climate in academic institutions and that they looked at news articles about how they are processed. When assessing the opinions of current staff, websites likes Glassdoor were considered with a pinch of salt as they can be influenced by employers. One useful way to assess staff satisfaction is to talk to current employees directly and check the reviews of users or students.

The session concluded with some useful tips from each attendee about how to make the most of the job searching and application process. One attendee suggested keeping track of individuals who have previously offered to help in one's job search if they are working at institutions you are applying to as they can help with applications. Another attendee suggested regularly updating a master document that contains the details of all qualification and previous roles, including the role's address and what the role entailed. A third attendee noted the importance of being knowledgeable about the current job market before leaving a permanent job and registering for other organisations' job sites to get updates about specific roles. A fourth attendee suggested looking at libraries currently going through refurbishments and are not linked to councils as they may have different pay grades. There was some discussion about checking non-library organisations such as MI5 and local police forces. This was attached to the importance of understanding what one enjoys most about their current and previous roles, and using this information to inform which roles they apply for. Finally, one attendee said they are more successful with job applications when they contact the individual listed in the job listing for more information as they can provide tips on the application and give insight into the organisation.

Generic resources

Job listings pages include;

Information Professionals Jobs
LIS-PROFESSION JISC Mail circulates available jobs
Fair Library Jobs

Health Libraries

All NHS jobs are advertised on NHS jobs