This anonymous interview is with someone who works at an Academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. When asked, “are you a librarian?” this person chose the “It’s complicated” response. This person works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a City/town in the Southern 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.
√ Other: Depends…top should be career professional, not informal or inappropriate
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ Other: does not matter
Women should wear make-up to an interview:
√ I don’t care, as long as it’s not over-the-top
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
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Other: professional, but flair is okay
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
If the interviewee is professional in attire, it will probably not be a factor in whether or not they are hired. However, if the interviewee wears completely unprofessional attire it will very likely affect their hire.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Would wear career pants, blouse, and jacket — not necessarily a coordinated, matchy “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?
√ Casual
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)
√ Short skirts/shorts
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
Photo: Hiromi dressed up for her interview! by Flickr user nata2
