New Year, new job?
Jinfo Blog

By Sarah Dillingham

Abstract

It's a lucky few who enjoy returning to their jobs after a holiday break. Returning to a job in cold wet January is even worse. So it's no surprise that many people include looking for a new job as one of their New Year Resolutions, and job changes shoot through the roof in the first quarter. Looking for a job can be a job in itself, so it's important to maximise your time and target the right roles. How can you do this for knowledge and information work?

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It’s a lucky few who enjoy returning to their jobs after a holiday break. Returning to a job in cold wet January is even worse. So it’s no surprise that many people include looking for a new job as one of their New Year Resolutions, and job changes shoot through the roof in the first quarter.

Looking for a job can be a job in itself, so it’s important to maximise your time and target the right roles. How can you do this for knowledge and information work?

The easiest way to keep up to speed is through knowledge communities like (FreePint's) Jinfo, The Gurteen Knowledge Community, CILIP’s Lisjobnet and jobsforinfopros.

Regular alerts from newspapers and generalist job boards like Monster, Reed, Jobsite and The Ladders can be useful. Remember that information jobs may not always be obviously labelled as such, so look widely at job titles. Upload your CV when the opportunity presents itself to help other people find you.

LinkedIn is an essential job finding tool. LinkedIn job leads can come from searches, group membership and approaches from recruitment consultants. Be sure to keep your profile current and to gather plenty of recommendations from colleagues.

LinkedIn forms an important part of your online brand, but it is not the only item. Try Googling yourself and seeing what comes up. This is a basic for any information professional. A non locked down Facebook profile or set of personal tweets can undermine your reputation as someone who understands social media.

Then there are the agencies. Four of the main UK agencies specialising in information work are:

• Glen Recruitment
• Sue Hill
• TFPL
• The Library Career Centre

CILIP offer a job swap scheme called LIBEX for people who might just want a change of scenery rather than a full blown career change.

One option is to go freelance, and work as an independent information consultant. Lack of job security is (theoretically) balanced by attractive day rates and a more flexible working pattern.

Finally – never underestimate the power of your own networks. Keep in touch with ex employers, vendors and former colleagues. That way you will be first to know when a role is opening up, and people will think of you when developing a new role in your area.

In future posts I’ll be sharing some insights from information industry recruitment consultants, so please let me know if you have any specific questions you’d like me to pose.

Useful resources

The Association of Independent Information Professionals is a membership organisation supporting freelance information consultants.

CILIP provides some useful guidance on information careers, focused at the traditional library and research end of the market. 

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