Recently I asked advice of LM_NETTers as I begin my job search. Here is my
question, and their answers. Thanks to all who responded.
I will be applying for a position as a Media Specialist soon. I received my
MLS in August (yeah!), and I'm currently doing my school placement
assignment. What would you wise folks suggest that I brag about from my
five years as a library paraprofessional? What are those "magic" things
that the interviewers are looking for? (Let's hope I've got a few of them!)
I will post a hit. Thanks.
Ellen Nosal, MLS
East Hampton High School
East Hampton, CT
enosal@msn.com
I felt I had to "nail" a job interview 6 years ago after completing my
masters as there was going to be only one open library/media specialist job
in our district for some time. (It has now been 6 years and no more have
opened up!) I put together a portfolio of handouts, promotions, pictures,
etc., anything actually that I had saved that I was in charge of as a
library assistant for the past 5 years, and took that to the interview with
me. I had it very neatly arranged with tabs in a leather 3 ring binder and
I think that helped me a great deal. Good luck!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
One of the first things I was asked : How comfortable are you in handling
boys (it is an all boys school). What experience do you have with
disciplining or being around them..so in your case it might be - how
comfortable are you in dealing with the age level of the school you are
applying at? What experience do you have with those age levels?
then it got a little more specific: how would I handle discipline
problems--I was expected to be specific- "I would first talk quietly to the
offender, unless it was a major problem, which would need to be addressed
immediately (threatening, dangerous, etc.). I would follow the established,
written discipline policy of the school
>>>>>>>>>>
Absolutely! Let them know you have lots of experience! My aide of 2 1/2
years just did that and now has her own professional position. Your
paraprofessional experience is what will give you the edge over your
fellow graduates because it is so varied. You've already dealt with just
about any problem that could come up or seen your librarian do it. Plus,
you understand what kind of work your support staff should be doing and
will know how to delegate it to them.
Talk it up!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Great job finishing your degree. Key words, being
flexable--energetic--friendly--knowledge of your field-
willingness to try new approaches--patience with staff, students and
parents--wanting to learn your curriculums as there are many--being
positive. These are just some of the points your interviewers will ask you
about--OH!!! Yes collaboration collaboration collaboration. Good luck in
your new endeavor.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I would think that the fact that you have five years PRACTICAL experience
already in the (school, I assume) library environment, and that you enjoyed
the library work so much you pursued an MLS would be big "pluses" in your
favor. It also helps you to understand the distinctions in the positions yet
perhaps respect and work with your potential aide/clerk/whatever even
better.
>>>>>>>>>
To put it delicately (don't quote me), many administrators don't know much
about library work. First, make sure you show your qualifications in
teaching/classroom management/collaboration. Then go forward to add what
you can do as a media specialist.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
With 5 years of experience as a library para-professional, you have a
great deal more experience than someone like me who just finished
getting a certificate as a SLMS and is starting out as a newbie
librarian! Capitalize on your experience. Did you work with students?
Did you work with cataloging books? Are you familiar with the books
children are most interested in reading? Did you see some practices
you would capitalize on or or change? Emphasize your experience and
have a few "new" ideas to offer.
Good luck!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Your years as a paraprofessional are a wonderful
asset. You already know first-hand how libraries
operate. This also says you had enough respect and
interest to go on to complete a degree. I've had two
parent volunteers who liked working in the library so
much that they went back to school for MLS degrees.
>>>>>>>>
I just started my first school library job this fall.
I think what helped me was attitude. Be enthusiastic and flexible. Think
about what you can offer - what are your strengths and make sure to brag
those up. Have specific ideas about what you would like to do.... I talked
about incorporating art and music with literature on the Elem. level and
talked about giving research workshops at the High School. If you have a
portfolio or scrapbook - take it.
Talk about supporting curriculum through the library. That is going to be
so important with all of the budget restraints and cuts that schools are
facing. (Justify self...) Make sure that they know that you want to work
with teachers and are service oriented.
I'd prepare some answers (not formally - just in your head) about your
thoughts on discipline, why you got into this field, what you can offer over
other candidates, and very importantly why you want to work with kids.
DO a little research on the school district before you go in. Know what
their weaknesses and strengths are. Know a little about the community.
I was totally honest about my short comings. They asked me what I knew
about budgets... I said, "Well, I have held a copy of a library budget in
my hands...." ha ha.
I wasn't asked any, but there is a huge interview trend towards behavior
based questioning. They will ask you for specific examples of how you
responded to a situation. "Ellen, tell me about a time that you disagreed
with your boss and how it was resolved..." types of questions. Those are
tough to prepare for because you never know what they will throw at you.
Just make sure that you answer with specific examples. They ding you if you
are general.
There's also some yes or no interview. I don't know what it is called, but
a lot of larger districts use it. They ask you a set of totally grey
questions, but you have to say yes or no and give no explanation. I had to
do this when I applied as a sub with Columbus Public Schools a couple years
ago.
Hope this helps. I did business research for a recruiting firm while
getting my MLS. Can you tell? Ha ha.
Best of luck! Don't forget to send a Thank you card as one last sales pitch
on yourself!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Ellen from a fellow Nutmegger! I think interviewers want to hear that
you can do the job. I would emphasize whatever you did that a media
specialist would do. It also depends on who interviews you. Some
administrators are pretty clueless as to what the job entails. I've been
on many interviews, very few of them involved people who were really
knowledgeable about libraries. Some of them were very similar to
classroom teacher interviews.
I hope you have better luck than I did. I lost my job in June 2002 due
to a budget cut. I have not been able to find another school job in CT.
I think the market is much tighter since the alternate route to
certification was instituted. I also think a lot of districts are
looking to save money by hiring recent grads, so maybe you will have an
advantage there.
Also be sure to check the archives about interviewing. There is a wealth
of info there. Good luck.
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