This anonymous interview is with a Librarian who has been a hiring manager at a Special library with 0-10 staff members.
What are the top three things you look for in a candidate?
Ability, passion for the work, flexibility
Do you have any instant dealbreakers, either in the application packet or the interview process?
Command of English language
Perception of inability to perform tasks
What are you tired of seeing on resumes/in cover letters?
Unoriginal, bland
How many pages should a cover letter be?
√ Two is ok, but no more
How many pages should a resume/CV be?
√ Two is ok, but no more
Do you have a preferred format for application documents?
√ Other: Company generated
Should a resume/CV have an Objective statement?
√ I don’t care.
What’s the best way to win you over in an interview?
Enthusiasm and perception of flexibility. Something that shows me that candidate would *love* to work for our company.
How has hiring changed at your organization since you’ve been in on the process?
Much more automation at the start of the process. Otherwise, interview portion remains much the same.
Anything else you’d like to let job-seekers know?
Don’t complain about functions at a previous job that might come into play with my position. Don’t ask me specific numbers regarding my budget.
Can the person elaborate on the context of the budget question? I’m a little confused if this is the budget the employee would have, the budget for salary, or the library’s budget. (Or another budget)