By Priscilla K. Shontz and Richard A. Murray, 140 pp, Santa Barbara, CA, ABC-CLIO/Libraries Unlimited, 2012, US$45.00 (soft cover), ISBN 9781598848281 and e-book ISBN 9781598848298
There is a multitude of ‘how to get that job’ books on the market, full of sample résumés, covering letters, presentation tips, interview questions and so on. This one also fits into that category, along with encouraging words about the importance of the right attitude, keeping motivated and putting in a lot of effort and energy.
This type of content is familiar to many readers embarking on that first tentative step from study to work – hopefully remunerated! But the angle of this book is that it's pitched at students currently in a master of library science programme or an equivalent, as well as recent graduates. This is a good thing, as most graduates have little experience in applying for jobs in the academic sector and they are not prepared for the gruelling cycle of job searching, interviews, and job offers and negotiation.
The authors, Priscilla Shontz and Richard Murray, are very well qualified and experienced to write in this field, as they are both editors of LIScareer, a publication of articles written by library practitioners covering a wide variety of career-development topics. Part of their research for the book involved asking employers what they look for in an ideal employee, as well as gathering advice from recruiters, library professionals and recent library-science graduates. Shontz and Murray offer guidance and insights in areas such as ‘Practical Experience’, ‘Professional Identity’ and ‘How Employers Hire’, and base their advice on interviews with librarians and recruiters in the profession.
The book is divided into two main sections. ‘The Student Experience’ covers education, practical experience while studying, creating a professional identity and gaining additional skills to make a better impression as an applicant. ‘The Job Search’ section suggests actionable strategies for students to improve their chances of being offered the job to which they aspire. It also offers insights into what appeals to and turns off potential employers during the interview process. There is good, useful content about how to write effective résumés and cover letters, preparing for and getting through the interview and, if successful, how to negotiate a job offer.
The book is written in a casual, easy style with language that appeals to its audience – tertiary students anticipating the next big step outside the known world of study and structure. The book has many practical real-life examples based on the authors' 30 years of experience. For students coming to the end of their formal studies and starting to think about the next step into the working world, this guide can help them focus on strategies and goals towards landing that ideal job.
I find this book to be very relevant to its audience. It contains much detailed information and advice about each step in the job-search process and is written in an encouraging, positive style. I certainly recommend that university libraries have it in their collections, as the principles apply across disciplines, and all graduates will find it useful in their job searching.
©2012, Cheryl Tinney