This anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring committee at a library with 10-50 staff members.
What are the top things you look for in a candidate?
Experience in the area we are hiring. Enthusiasm.
Do you have any instant dealbreakers, either in the application packet or the interview process?
Be on time.
What are you tired of seeing on resumes/in cover letters?
Unfortunately, many earn an MLIS degree without ever having worked in a library.
Is there anything that people don’t put on their resumes that you wish they did?
Community involvement.
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?
√ No preference, as long as I can open it
Should a resume/CV have an Objective statement?
√ No
If applications are emailed, how should the cover letter be submitted?
√As an attachment only
What’s the best way to win you over in an interview?
engage me in the conversation.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make in an interview?
One or two word answers.
How has hiring changed at your organization since you’ve been in on the process?
n/a
Interesting that she or he complains about short answers in interviews but barely answers in complete sentences.