Job Search / What I have Learned by Helping Others Find Jobs

Last fall I relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota after living and working in Kampala, Uganda for a year and a half. I was a librarian at a small college and, as a solo librarian, spent my time doing a little bit of everything: cataloging, reference, networking, instruction. I gained lots of great library experience and a whole blog full of good stories (alibrarystory.blogspot.com). And, of course, I made wonderful friends.

But now I find myself back in the US and figuring out the next steps of my professional career. And, like many un- and under-employed librarians, I spend a bit of my time each week volunteering. We’ve all heard the job search tip: ‘Volunteer to get experience’. And, I see the value in doing that. But instead of only volunteering with libraries or library-related organizations, I’ve chosen to spend time each week at a local non-profit that helps recently arrived African immigrants and refugees get settled here in America. I work with them on various aspects of job searching in the US. (And, don’t worry, the irony of me–someone who is under-employed–helping other people find jobs, is not lost on me. )

At any rate, I find that my librarian skills are constantly being used and tested. I meet with clients and talk with them about their job needs (perfect reference interview practice!) and I teach them to use various online job searching databases, such as indeed.com (instruction practice!). In the process of helping other people find jobs, I’ve discovered several things about my own job search and attitudes:

1. There ARE jobs out there.

2. Thankfulness

3. Keep looking

4. Feed your soul.

Looking for a job can be tiring and often discouraging.  But I’ve discovered that sometimes you just have to take care of yourself. I’m learning that although my volunteer work is not in a library, it is library-related. And more importantly, it is energizing at a time when I am tempted to feel discouraged. I’m purposely putting things in my life that give me energy, even if they’re not all library or career related.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor

via What I Learned About My Job Search by Helping Others Find Jobs | INALJ.