Job Search Sabotage

A few weeks ago, I was going through one of my email accounts I haven’t checked in a while and came across a link on “job search sabotage”. The topic of the link originated from a spam email but it got me thinking about how those preparing for employment in libraries and the information profession can avoid job hunting pitfalls.

Have you had a job search sabotage?

I’m sure we can all attest to having made errors at some point: in drafting out cover letters and resumes, the application process, networking, during interviews, and even on the job, etc.. Once we realized what we’ve done, "we promise ourselves never to repeat them again and create strategies that work for us” (1). I noted below a few links that share “collective wisdom” on job hunting mistakes and planning ahead.

1. http://inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2009/what-not-to-do-when-applying-for-library-jobs

2. http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/06/15/job.search.sabotage

3. http://www.getajob.ala.org

4. http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/01/job-openings-new-jobs-job-search-job_11.html

Whether you are in library school preparing to graduate, in a contract position with the end date looming, or yet employed, it helps to be reminded that we have all failed at some point, and that lessons learned from mistakes only enable us to be and do better. Take courage. Let's reflect, learn, and move forward.

(ostrich: http://blog.trustoncorp.com/ostrich_20head_20in_20sand_20sign.gif; cat: http://n2.nabble.com/file/n1613401/embarrassed.jpg; stairs:http://tru2me.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/steps-to-success.jpg; mistakes: http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2009/07/why-you-should-celebrate-your-mistakes)