This anonymous interview is with someone who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at an Archives and Special library with 0-10 staff members in an Urban area in the Western US. When asked, “Are you a librarian?” This person chose the “it’s complicated” response.
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:
√ Is totally different
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ False
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ No, but it’s not a dealbreaker
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
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.
Shorts, tank-tops, flip flops
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)
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Nose Ring (nostril)
√ Eyebrow Ring, Monroe piercing, septum piercing, or other face piercing
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ All of them, even pink
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ I don’t really care how a candidate dresses
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
Depends on level of position &/or degree of interaction with the public.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Casual
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? (Please check all that apply)
√ Flip flops
√ Short skirts/shorts
√ Tank tops
Do you have any other comments?
A place one could talk with is the local (magistrate) or Superior Court Administrator. Courts have dress codes so you could look at the requirements for jurors. Jury duty certainly involves both an interview process and evidences a level of respect for the court.
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: Job interview by Flickr user ShaolinWorldwide
Hiring Librarians 