Katharine Clark is the Head of Programming and Community Engagement at Beloit Public Library and recently accepted a new position as Deputy Director of Middleton Public Library, both libraries are located in Wisconsin.
She is a leader with the Wisconsin Library Association most recently serving on their Board as Treasurer. A graduate of UW-Madison iSchool, she has been working in libraries for over twenty years.
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
We use NeoGov to screen and score applications and then interview top 3 or 4
Titles hired include: Library service specialist; youth service librarians
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ A Committee or panel
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Online application
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ Yes
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
included a thoughtful cover letter
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
use a generic letter and forget to change library name to right one
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
reliability and job attendance record
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Only One!
Resume: √ Only One!
CV: √ Only One!
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
not brag about themselves enough
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
We did during COVID…dress to impress
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?
Stress ability to get along with coworkers
When does your organization *first* mention salary information?
√ It’s part of the job ad
What does your organization do to reduce bias in hiring? What are the contexts in which discrimination still exists in this process?
take out names in NeoGov screening process
What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?
What are some of the challenges your organization is facing?
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Midwestern US
What’s your region like?
√ Urban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Never or not anymore
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 11-50
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Hiring Librarians 