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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 9/1/2008
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Points: 6
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I know that I would like to leave my current position in an academic library at the end of this semester or at the end of the academic year. My last boss highly suggested that I should seek a reference from my current supervisor (the library's director). How do I handle asking her for a reference?
I've found a few jobs that inspire my interest, but since I don't know if I'll find one this semester or next (or at all), will I be putting myself in a bad position by letting her know I want to leave? Although she has expressed her willingness to help me get to the next level of my professional career, I am fearful that she may feel hostile to me if she knows that I am looking. We have such a small staff, that she may feel that my departure is unloyal. Or, am I just worrying about it too much?
Another concern: although she is the utmost professional, I'm not certain about her ability to convey my abilities with a voice that sounds 100% enthusiastic. Some people always sound dull and uninterested with their phone voices...
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Joined: 1/2/2008
Posts: 348
Points: 922
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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s.smithlib wrote:I know that I would like to leave my current position in an academic library at the end of this semester or at the end of the academic year. My last boss highly suggested that I should seek a reference from my current supervisor (the library's director). How do I handle asking her for a reference?
I've found a few jobs that inspire my interest, but since I don't know if I'll find one this semester or next (or at all), will I be putting myself in a bad position by letting her know I want to leave? Although she has expressed her willingness to help me get to the next level of my professional career, I am fearful that she may feel hostile to me if she knows that I am looking. We have such a small staff, that she may feel that my departure is unloyal. Or, am I just worrying about it too much?
Another concern: although she is the utmost professional, I'm not certain about her ability to convey my abilities with a voice that sounds 100% enthusiastic. Some people always sound dull and uninterested with their phone voices... You cannot over analysis this too much. Looking for a increase in responsibility, even if you must leave an organization, is not a violation of loyalty. If organizations expect loyalty, they should make people sign a long-term contract and give regular raises. In today's economy and with a desire to continually challenge oneself, people leave. You are the only one that can answer if you should let the Director know or not. I can say it will be better coming from your mouth that having your old boss slip and tell. Or what if an organization you apply to calls the Director. It is a small world and administrators talk all the time about who is trying to fill jobs or who is looking for a job.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Newbie
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Thanks for your perspective, Brian! I decided that transparency is best. I've even had the discussion with my director, already. As I mentioned, she is the utmost professional. Instead of being disappointed by my decision, she was enthusiastic about offering her support, including providing me with a reference. Her one concern was timing - she did not want me to leave without giving her adequate time to replace me (or start the process, at least). I assured her that my departure, whether for this job or another, would include sufficient notice (at least a month).
I believe that the conversation was a positive one because my director and I have had conversations in the past about my career goals, so she knew that the position that I want to apply to would give me the opportunities I desire. She also knows that I would not be able to gain the same experience in my current position.
Now, I can only hope that she'll put on her most winning conversational smile if my application is successful enough that they call her for a reference. :-)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Joined: 1/2/2008
Posts: 348
Points: 922
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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s.smithlib wrote:Thanks for your perspective, Brian! I decided that transparency is best. I've even had the discussion with my director, already. As I mentioned, she is the utmost professional. Instead of being disappointed by my decision, she was enthusiastic about offering her support, including providing me with a reference. Her one concern was timing - she did not want me to leave without giving her adequate time to replace me (or start the process, at least). I assured her that my departure, whether for this job or another, would include sufficient notice (at least a month). A good leader will help you succeed. They will offer advice. They will give a positive reference. They will throw you name around in conversation if they see a job that would be great for you. They will send you jobs that they see. Good luck! It is in change, transition, and times of high stress that you learn the most about those around you.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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