This anonymous interview is with a Public librarian who has been a hiring manager. This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a City/town in the Northeastern 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:
√ Counts as a suit
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 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?
√ 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)
√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ All of them, even pink
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Be fairly neutral
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
It demonstrates their judgment and their willingness to adapt to a professional culture.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
I dress more professionally than I would if I were shifting the fiction stacks.
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
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: The job interview – Oh, well. by Flickr user Big Fat Rat
