Publications, Research, Professional Organizations, Conferences, Additional Professional Development

 

This anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian from a library with 10-50 staff members.  This librarian has been a hiring manager.

What are the top three things you look for in a candidate?

1. qualifications meet job requirements

2. engaged professionally; i.e. publications, research, professional organizations, conferences, additional professional development

3. professional enthusiasm

Do you have any instant dealbreakers, either in the application packet or the interview process?

1. not having required credentials

2. not having professional experience

3. not being professional engaged

4. sloppy appearance

5. unable to clearly communicate, in resume, during interview

What are you tired of seeing on resumes/in cover letters?

familiarity with technology. I expect it without question.

Is there anything that people don’t put on their resumes that you wish they did?

professional involvement, publications, research interests

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?

√ Yes

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?

with clear, articulate communication with direct eye contact and confidence

What are some of the most common mistakes people make in an interview?

not being prepared, no eye contact, sloppy appearance, inability to articulate clear sentences

How has hiring changed at your organization since you’ve been in on the process?

much more professional

Anything else you’d like to let job-seekers know?

know what is expected from the job posting