Hey Remember me?

Posted September 13, 2011 by homerj

Of course you do! No? Well – I’m Jason and I used to be the Graduate Student Ambassador for Simmons GSLIS. I graduated this past May and I wanted to tell you about what I have been up to since graduation.
Job Searching
While I was an immensely busy individual during school it was my goal to have at least 1 interview booked before graduation. Before the finals rush of work I applied to every job I was remotely interested in. Before graduation day I had 2 interviews and the following week I got a 3rd. With the economy the way it is, I had a back up plan as a paraprofessional librarian (where I worked throughout school)
Phone Interviews
Does anyone actually like phone interviews? How can people see my stunning personality over the phone? On top of that, I think I use the phone 5 times a week. Cell phones aren’t for talking people – they’re for texting /web-searching /IMDB’ing /social networking – but for talking? Let’s be honest the only reason why I talk on the phone is because texting and driving is illegal (and unsafe). But, phone interviews still happen. Two of my three interviews were over the phone. My favorite part of phone interviews (Yes, it is possible to enjoy phone interviews) is the fact that I could have notes in front of me. I felt very prepared and did not have to stress about addressing the entirety of a question because I wrote it down. I got a lot of advise on what I should be doing during the phone interview. I was told to stand up that way I would more easily command attention. I was also told to wear a suit as if I were going to an in-person interview. I tried that with my first interview and I did not feel any different. While I do think I did well and I did make it to round two of these interviews (another phone!) I was not offered the job. For phone interview for job number 2 I rocked (wore) shorts and a t-shirt and I sat down at my desk. I was significantly more comfortable with myself and I was able to crack some jokes and think more about my delivery than my posture. I was offered this job after second interview.
In person interviews
I like talking – so in person interviews do not terrify me. Yes I get nervous, I think everyone does, but I don’t worry about heavy breathing when I am in person – like I do when I am on the phone. There are obvious things: wear a suit, be on time, etc. but I want to stress the importance about being yourself. In the end of my process I had two job offers to choose from. One as a Research & Instruction Librarian and one as a Medical Researcher. I chose the former not just because I liked the job details more, but also for the team. I chose to work in this library because I wanted to be part of that team. All of our personalities seemed to work really well together and I had no doubts in taking the job.
Working as a Librarian
I have been here over a month now and I must say I absolutely love being a Research and Instruction Librarian. I love to teach (I’ve written about that in past blogs) and I get the opportunity to meet with students in a one on one basis as well as providing “research consultations” for groups of students. Later in the year I will start working with entire classes but I am still getting acclimated to the workings of this Library/University.
I will be attending the Admission Event/Session October 12, 2011 as an alumni panelist – so if you like to meet your truly – come on down! There are Admission Events all year (if you want to avoid meeting this guy) check here for more dates.
I am sure I will write more throughout my first year as a “Big Kid” Librarian so stay tuned!