Skip to: Content
Skip to: Section Navigation
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

Share

Working Knowledge

A Monthly Column about Life on the Job
Image

topper.jpg

 By Elisa F. Topper
American Libraries Columnist

Elisa F. Topper is a career consultant in the Chicago area. Contact her at working@ala.org.

Column for August 2003


Today's Times: Surviving Job Loss

Image

I am a paraprofessional in a public library, and I was just notified that, due to cuts in local funding, my position has been eliminated. I have held the same position for several years, and even though the staff was warned that layoffs were a possibility, I didn't expect to be one of them! I feel completely unprepared for a job search; can you help?

Image
I'm very sorry to hear about your job loss, but if it's any consolation, know that you are not alone in this economic climate: A June 17 study by Manpower reveals the weakest job outlook in the past 12 years. While this means your job search needs to be more focused and more aggressive than ever, there's no need to feel desperate. As always, look for a position that's a good fit for both you and the employer, remember that job searching is a job in itself, and above all, remain positive and enthusiastic.

Getting ready for the search
  • Take time—at least two weeks—to allow yourself to deal with the trauma of losing your job. Next to the death of a loved one, job loss ranks high on the scale of life stresses. Don't think you can jump back into the job market immediately; you are vulnerable and it will show to a potential employer.
  • Now is a good time to concentrate on any unfinished tasks you'd been putting off. You might even consider taking a vacation, which can help re-energize you for the search.

Representing yourself on paper
  • Develop a resume that focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than simply lists your former job duties. Each time you send it out, the resume should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for.
  • Numerous good books and web resources can help you create an appropriate two-page resume. Avoid some of the most common errors by staying away from the use of pronouns such as "I" or "my," double-checking for spelling and grammatical errors, and soliciting constructive criticism from honest and trusted colleagues.
  • Use only white or off-white bond paper, and never use letterhead or envelopes from your employer (it may seem obvious, yet while recently serving on a search committee, I saw one applicant do this!).
  • Remember that your resume is a tool to obtain a job interview; it alone will not get you a job.

Searching: a targeted approach
The key to finding another position is to focus on jobs you're interested in and qualified for—a mass mailing of resumes is largely a waste of time and effort. Where to begin? Although you have worked in a public library, don't rule out the possibility that your skills might easily transfer to an academic, special, or school library. You'll need to take an inventory of the skills that you can bring to the new employer, no matter what the setting. Keep in mind that growth areas within librarianship right now are in technical services (cataloging and digitization work) and in children's services.
  • If one is available in your geographic area, consider working for a temporary library placement service to help you network and build your skills. Don't forget that more general employment agencies may represent corporations with libraries that need temporary employees.
  • Finally, check the library assistant program at a nearby community college or university for additional job listings and your area support-staff associations.


Online Resources




(c) Copyright 2003 American Library Association