This anonymous interview is with a Public librarian who has been a hiring manager. This librarian works at a library with 50-100 staff members in a Suburban area 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:
√ I do not know and/or care
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?
√ Other: Who the h looks over the desk to see?
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Professionally…
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? (Please check all that apply)
√ Flip flops
√ Short skirts/shorts
√ Tank tops
√ Other: County govt has a dress code
Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)
√ Name tags
√ Badges
Do you have any other comments?
Just interviewed six, for one position. All were basically fine, two women had it slightly off: one in t-shirt (but asked if we had a dress code), one over-dressed. The men…shirt and tie…all fine.
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: JOB INTERVIEW .. by Flickr user mrbill78636 via Creative Commons
Hiring Librarians 