This anonymous interview is with someone who works in an academic library, who chose the “it’s complicated” response when asked, “Are you a librarian?” This person has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This person works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a City/town in the Western US
What Candidates Should Wear
Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?
√ Yes, absolutely! It shows respect and professionalism
An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:
√ Counts as a suit
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ Other: Only for women
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ Other: Yes, 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
Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Eyebrow Ring, Monroe piercing, septum piercing, or other face piercing
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings
√ Other: Nose stud, not ring
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ Other: Depends on position applied for.
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 the position being applied for.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Coat, tie, slacks or suit.
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: Torn clothes, visible cleavage, t-shirts, low riders.
Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)
√ Name tags
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
Hiring Librarians 