Exciting Activities and Workshops in the ALA JobLIST Placement & Career Development Center

Prepare to wow your colleagues and interviewers alike. After attending the workshops and activities being held in the ALA JobLIST Placement & Career Development Center during the ALA 2018 Midwinter Meeting in Denver, you will be ready to meet the challenges of any job search. You don’t have to be actively engaged in a job search to take advantage of the services. The Center will be located in the Colorado Convention Center and will be open Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, during the Midwinter Meeting. Listed below is a list of what you can expect in the Center.

Orientation – Saturday February 10, 8:30 a.m.

Career Counseling – Saturday February 10, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday February 11, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Mentoring-on-the-Fly – Saturday February 10, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and Sunday February 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Open House/Job Fair – Sunday February 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Photography Service – Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins Welcome.

Resume Review – Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Career Development Workshops
Saturday, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
“The Key to Getting Interviews: Great Cover Letters and Resumes”

You can’t show the hiring manager what a perfect fit you are for that job you really want if you can’t get an interview. Effective cover letters and resumes can be the key to getting your foot in the door. Get tips from someone who reviews cover letters and resumes daily – a human resource director. Bring your resume and be prepared to leave with ideas for polishing your resume and cover letters so that you can start getting those interviews.

Presenter: Dan Hoppe, Associate Executive Director, Human Resources, American Library Association

Saturday, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
“The NEW Networking Game: Making Connections for Career Success”

The Networking Game – information and idea exchange for mutual benefit – has been in play since people started talking around a campfire. It’s much “noisier” in the 21st century with the introduction of social media, so how can you cut through the distractions and stay on course? Topics include maintaining discipline and focus, building your online profile, finding and maintaining quality connections, and how the rules of networking apply to both online and “in-person” encounters.

Presenter: Pat Wagner has been working as a consultant and trainer for libraries since 1978. She and her husband ran an international professional networking service for 25 years.

Sunday, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
“HR Confidential: Insider Tips on Applying for Library Jobs from HR Directors”

An informal discussion/Q&A session where you can gain an insider’s perspective on the recruitment process from experienced HR Directors. Get tips on how to make your application stand out. Find out how to be your own best advocate for professional development and career advancement. Explore negotiation strategies to ensure you get the most out of your offer package. All questions are welcome.

Presenter: Dan Hoppe, Associate Executive Director, Human Resources, American Library Association

You don’t have to be actively engaged in a job search to take advantage of the services.

Sunday, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
“It’s Your Future – Get Ready For It Now!” As part of the 2018 Symposium on the Future of Libraries

Wouldn’t it be nice to know more about what the future holds for your field and your career? Well, you can! No crystal ball needed. Come join our lively discussion to learn about emerging trends that will make a difference for library professionals. We’ll look at why it’s so important to pay attention to trends, develop a “future mindset” and practice preferred futuring. We’ll also explore 17 critical trends and how you can use them to develop a career/professional development plan guaranteed to keep you on the cutting edge. Join us as we step into the future!

Presenter: Caitlin Williams, PhD, Career Consultant for ALA’s Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR)

Sunday, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
“Professional Etiquette 101”

There are times – nearly every day – when you must make a choice of whether to use good etiquette or possibly risk embarrassment. Good manners can mean the difference between success and failure in many aspects of life. This interactive presentation will equip you with essential skills to help you put your best foot forward and avoid making a faux pas. The session focuses on professional etiquette as it relates to dining, dress/appearance (for job interviews, business receptions, etc.), behavior, and communication in the professional world. We will provide an extensive tutorial on etiquette skills needed when meeting potential employers, colleagues, or others in professional and social networking settings.

It does not matter if you are a student, a new graduate, or a professional. The information provided in this session will be useful either as an introduction or a refresher. Everyone who attends can benefit.

Cost is complimentary. Registration required. Register early, as seating is limited. To register for this event, you should use the ALA Midwinter registration form. If you have already registered, you may add it to your registration. Use event code: HRD1.

Presenters: Beatrice Calvin, Manager of Professional Development, ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment HRDR and Kimberly Redd, Program Officer, Education (HRDR) & Certification (APA)

Sunday, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
“Successfully Applying for Your First Manager, Director, or Dean Position”

Being smart, experienced, credentialed, and successful as a supervisor or manager is not a guarantee that you will make the leap to a leadership role. Learn how to establish that you understand the leader’s point of view, the importance of focusing on the future and the big picture, political savvy in your community or institution, recruiting and delegating to your executive team, and why loving cataloging, the reference desk, and story hour will not be enough.

Presenter: Pat Wagner

For more information, visit the ALA Job-LIST Placement and Career Development Center’s web page.