This anonymous interview is with an Academic Librarian who has been a hiring manager and works at a library with 10-50 staff members.
What are the top three things you look for in a candidate?
I look for:
1. how well-prepared the candidate is
2. an introspective candidate. One who is aware of strengths/weaknesses is much more desirable than a candidate who’s overly confident
3. someone eager and willing to work hard and contribute to the team
Do you have any instant dealbreakers, either in the application packet or the interview process?
Not selling how they will be the best candidate for the job. Also, someone who’s clearly unqualified with the job’s duties, but has applied because they need a job.
What are you tired of seeing on resumes/in cover letters?
Typos.
Is there anything that people don’t put on their resumes that you wish they did?
Most people don’t put website URL’s, I’d love to see that if they have one. Also, a LinkedIn profile can be a nice adjunct to the resume.
How many pages should a cover letter be?
√ Only one!
How many pages should a resume/CV be?
√ As many as it takes, but keep it short and sweet
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?
Understand completely what the job entails. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the job’s main responsibilities, and bring ideas about how you could make things better.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make in an interview?
Not having questions about both the job duties and the environment itself. A job interview is a two-way street – they’re interviewing me as much as I’m interviewing them. Ask what it’s like to work here, the environment, the culture of the library.
