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 Suburban area in the Northeastern US
What Candidates Should Wear
Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?
√ Probably not (but it’s ok if the candidate does wear one)
An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:
√ Counts as a suit
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ I don’t care
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.
Anything that stretches the lower bounds of business casual is a disqualifier. Short of that, a candidate remains in the running… though their presentation will be factored in to our decision
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
√ All of the simple necklaces, bracelets, and rings he or she can load on
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Nose Ring (nostril)
√ Eyebrow Ring, Monroe piercing, septum piercing, or other face piercing
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings
√ Large gauge ear jewelry (stretched ears)
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ All of them, even pink
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Other: make them look comfortable in their own skin but not unaware of social conventions
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
I take it as a reflection of their understanding of and commitment to etiquette. Etiquitte is hardly the most important component of their job, but it is part of the job.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
One step above the dress level of the position for which the candidate is interviewing.
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?
√ Casual
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code?
√ Other: It’s not codified, but understood
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: Dressed by Flickr user phonikins
Hiring Librarians 