Friday, September 27, 2013

Tips from Barbara Pilek

Update October 1: some of you might have an opportunity to make good use of these tips, as the Library of Parliament is currently advertising for a research librarian 

As promised here are some tips from Barbara Pilek:

In terms of preparing for future positions:
  • Develop your search and research skills
  • Get some experience in a library on a co-op, intern or volunteer basis
  • Ensure that your résumé covers all of the requirements listed in the job poster and indicates whether you are bilingual
  • Study for competitions to show that you are interested in the position and willing to make an effort to prepare for the competition.
  • Study for the knowledge requirements listed in the poster.  For example, for our reference positions, develop your knowledge of parliamentary and current affairs, and of databases and reference sources in political science or legislative affairs
  • For each requirement on a job poster poster, try to imagine 2-3 questions that might be asked to determine whether you have that particular knowledge, experience or skill.  You may be able to find job help websites that provide questions and/or answers to common interview questions.
  • If you have trouble coming up with examples from your experiences in an interview setting, prepare in advance by coming up with examples from your experience that illustrate the skills and experience listed in the poster
  • Find a fellow student who is willing to practice asking and answering questions that relate the posted requirements and your background
  • If the employer mentions the possibility of a follow-up after the interview/exam, take them up on it, and learn from the feedback.


Reference Databases for Parliamentary and Political Affairs


EBSCO / Academic Search
PAIS
Political Science Abstracts or Worldwide Political Science Abstracts (WPSA)
Proquest Political Science

Canadian Business and Current Affairs (CBCA)
Canadian Periodical Index (CPI)

Index to Canadian Legal Literature or Legal Periodicals

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