This interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a hiring manager at a library with 50-100 staff members.
What are the top three things you look for in a candidate?
Enthusiasm
Evidence of relevant accomplishments
Technology skills
Do you have any instant dealbreakers, either in the application packet or the interview process?
A resume without a cover letter = instant dealbreaker
Not asking any questions in the interview is almost a dealbreaker
What are you tired of seeing on resumes/in cover letters?
Experience that’s not relevant to the position
Job descriptions rather than list of accomplishments
Claims to have done things that you can’t back up in the interview
Is there anything that people don’t put on their resumes that you wish they did?
Successes!
How many pages should a cover letter be?
√ Other: Depends on the position, but usually one
How many pages should a resume/CV be?
√ Two is ok, but no more
Do you have a preferred format for application documents?
Should a resume/CV have an Objective statement?
√ No
If applications are emailed, how should the cover letter be submitted?
√ I don’t care
What’s the best way to win you over in an interview?
Demonstrate knowledge of our library and why you want to work here. Show me how your past work/education/volunteering has prepared you for this gig. If you haven’t done what we will need you to do, show me that you can learn.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make in an interview?
Don’t show enthusiasm or ask questions.
How has hiring changed at your organization since you’ve been in on the process?
It’s gotten much more structured
Please elaborate on how I can show you that I’m capable of learning in a job interview situation. I have no idea how to demonstrate this.