This anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 0-10 staff members in a Rural area in the Midwestern US.
What Candidates Should Wear
Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?
√ Other:Depending on the time of year. We interviewed this past summer when it was 100. Seems ridiculous to expect it in those conditions. Although our candidate did wear one.
An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:
√ I do not know and/or care
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ I don’t care
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ Never, pantyhose is for my grandmother
Women should wear make-up to an interview:
√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts
Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?
√ I don’t care
Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)
√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Be fairly neutral
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
A librarian position is a professional. I don’t think they need to wear a suit coat if it is 90-100 degrees out. However, they should look professional and be striving to look nice and responsible. Clothing conveys attitude, so sloppy dressing can indicate lazy person.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Skirt and nice blouse or jacket
On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:
3
What’s the dress code at your library/organization?
√ Business casual
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code?
√ Jeans
√ Tank tops
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo:
Hiring Librarians 