This anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a hiring manager. This librarian works at a library with 0-10 staff members in a Suburban area in the Midwestern US.
What Candidates Should Wear
Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?
√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)
An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:
√ Is totally different
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ True
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ Either pantyhose or tights. Bare legs are inappropriate
Women should wear make-up to an interview:
√ I don’t care, as long as it’s not over-the-top
Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.
Hooker shoes, blouse with too much cleavage showing. We had a candidate who had multiple piercings. It was a distraction because we were all trying to count the number and see if there were an equal number in each ear.
Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?
√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress
Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Be fairly neutral
What This Library Wears
On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:
5
What’s the dress code at your library/organization?
√ Other:Between business casual and formal. Formal for meetings but more casual when you have to crawl around the floor to change out computers
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code?
√ Visible Tattoos
√ Short skirts/shorts
√ Tank tops
√ Logos/band insignia/slogans
Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)
√ Other: Whatever we can afford
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: brushing my fringe out by Flickr user Dani P.L.
