This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for:
√ Other: Federal Libraries
Title: Account Manager
Titles hired include: Metadata librarian, cataloger, project manager, library technician
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ The position’s supervisor
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Online application
√ Resume
√ Oral Exam/Structured interview
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ No
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Asked intelligent questions and demonstrated passion for librarianship
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Poor communication / response time
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ We don’t ask for this
Resume: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
CV: √ We don’t ask for this
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
Underselling themselves; being too humble
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Test equipment/software in advance; make sure background isn’t distracting (or use software features to obscure background); eliminate background noises such as pets, kids, roommates, construction & appliances
How can candidates looking to transition from paraprofessional work, from non-library work, or between library types convince you that their experience is relevant? Or do you have other advice for folks in this kind of situation?
Just be honest about what attracted you to the library world (maybe it was a friend/relative who works in the field, or you just enjoyed spending time in a library setting in school or taking your kids to one). Soft skills are the most important (library science isn’t rocket science). Skills can be learned on the job; friendliness, reliability, professionalism, work ethic cannot.
When does your organization *first* mention salary information?
√ We only discuss after we’ve made an offer
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Northeastern US
What’s your region like?
√ Urban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Some of the time and/or in some positions
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 101-200
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Hiring Librarians 
Doesn’t request a CV and doesn’t mention salary until the offer is made? This has to be a federal contractor as opposed to a federal library – as far as I know the lengthier the better on US federal resumes / CVs and salary band are required to be public
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