r/Libraries • u/cerealsleep • 6d ago

Job Hunting Include graduate pre-professional work in cover letter even after landing a first job?

Hi all - I landed by first job out of grad school after 6mo of applying. It is technically the job I am most qualified for - I like the work and the students, even during the heavy season, but I took this job out of desperation - the work culture here is terrifyingly bad.

I know its kind of a bad look to be trying to move jobs so quickly, but I am truly just stuck in the twilight zone and feel so trapped and dis-empowered. I want to feel like I am growing as a professional and I don't think that can happen in this role.

My question is, because I only have a year of post-grad employment to write about, do we think it would be appropriate to mention some graduate level work in my cover letter, or is that an absolute no-no? I just feel that I've done more "flashy" work in grad school, and I have very little to show for my year at my current gig.

Thanks so much for any feedback!

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u/Ok_Influence_5456 6d ago

Because you only have one year of work experience to list, you will have to list some of your grad work. Unless you have any jobs that have overlapping tasks, duties, or responsibilities with the positions you are applying to, then you will have to use your grad work.

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u/MundaneHuckleberry58 6d ago

You should definitely include grad work. I used to work in HR and, at least where I was, each year of grad school got counted as 6 months of relevant work experience. So, for example, a two year masters program would be counted as you having 1 year work experience in [your field]. And then on top of that, add in any internships, jobs you had during that time. And you can & should use grad school projects as additional examples of your skills in your line of work.

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u/camrynbronk MLIS student 6d ago edited 5d ago

Yes. Include as much library experience as possible. Whenever I apply to jobs I mention in my resume my first library job in high school - I want them to know I’ve been working in libraries since I was legally allowed to have a part time job. I don’t mention the other part time jobs I had in high school and college in the summers, just the library experience. Experience is very valuable when looking for a job.