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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 3/3/2009
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Location: New York
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I left my last librarian position in 2005 after my administrative contract was not renewed. Since I also had a faculty contract, which was renewed, I resigned because I had no intention of working as an entry-level librarian when I had been the director. After a long and illustrious carreer (30+ years), working at a major public library and then major universities, this small town college destroyed my career! I took a postion with this college beacuse I had relocated, and it was the only game in town.
Since my resignation, I have worked as a Realtor. I am finally capable of setting foot in a library again. Years of therapy have helped me to see that I did nothing to deserve the tretment I received and that my career is only over if I allow it to be.
I am in the process of applying for the directorship at my local public libarary. The college is located in a neighboring town and it is a small world. I am an honest person, but I fail to see how I can explain the convoluted situation that lead to my demise. Just how do I explain my resignation, subsequent work as a Realtor and my desire to return to librarinaship?
I would appreciate any helpful suggestions. Thanks!
P.S. I was director at the college for six years.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Job Hunting Tips - Moderator
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Marie, I'm very new to this field compared to you, but I would say you don't have to explain anything, at least not upfront. Perhaps your cover letter can say something like, "I am eager to return to the profession where ... etc etc."
I also think the less you say about that place the better. Take the high road and try to be as gracious as possible. "We weren't a great fit," "It wasn't the best match for my skills," etc.
I hope this is of some help. Good luck with your application.
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Rank: Newbie
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Hello Joan ... your advice is in line with my thoughts. It does help to hear you say what I am thinking, i.e., the less said the better :) Thank you so much for your reply!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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I agree with Joan that the less said the better in the beginning.
However, you should be prepared to explain this if you reach the final round. You may very well be asked for an answer that covers this in greater detail. I would suggest you write out the most positive explanation you can for why you left, including the rentention of your faculty status. If this included a serious drop in pay, responsibility, and education, these are all reasons you may have decided to leave---not just that your professional status would fall. I say to write it out because that gives you time to think through what you have said, and make changes if they are needed. It also allows you to practice presenting this material.
You can always say you wanted to try out a different line of work--which realty certainly is--and now wish to return to your first choice of careers, or some such thing. But do be prepared with a complete answer presented in positive terms.
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Rank: Newbie
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Location: New York, NY
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I am currently considering entering the library profession, but my current expertise in recruitment may be of use to you. I have worked with many senior and executive professionals who have been in this (or similar) situation.
Similar to the suggestions made by Joan and Hollis, it's important that you take the high road. Candidates speaking ill of former employers ranks high on the turn-off list for prospective employers/hiring managers. It really throws up a huge red flag.
Two things that have worked for successful candidates:
1. I back Hollis on preparing your story. This is something that I also suggest to candidates, as it helps take the "emotion" out while keeping the reasons for departure rational and positive.
2. Another thing I suggest is to start thinking about references. Can you provide positive references (supervisor, peer)? It's always a plus to be able to say, "By the way, I can provide references who will speak on my behalf."
If you have any specific questions, you can PM me.
Best of luck,
Mel
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Rank: Newbie
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Hollis ... Your suggestion about writing out an explanation is a good one. I will definitely be less nervous if I have practiced what I will say.
Yes, it did include a significant drop in pay, responsibility, etc. In addition, I would never have gotten through my next faculty review (tenure time!), so I thought it best to resign.
Thanks for your help.
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Rank: Newbie
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Mel ... I would never speak negatively about a former employer. In this case, I cannot explain my reasons for leaving without speaking negatively. So, I will have to stick to a "not a good fit" type of explanation.
Since you are in HR, perhaps you have heard of "mobbing" in the workplace ... this is what happened to me. This particular institution does not value experience and I was getting too expensive. Directors change every five years and since I left, it has had two. It routinely uses the target and destroy method.
I will definitely write out my explanation since I am very emotional about my experience, even after three+ years have passed.
Yes, the reference issue! I have plenty of peer references (faculty and administrators) but no immediate supervisor type person. I am worried about this! Perhaps, I will try to get a reference from the person above my immediate supervisor. This is the person to whom my resignation letter was directed and she responded with a very nice letter.
Thank you for your very helpful advice. If I have any questions, I will let you know.
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