Heather has worked in public libraries for several years, happily serving in every staff role. She cites the best part as helping staff reach their goals.
Outside of work, Heather can be found out hiking the local trails in Southern California.
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
First step is the online application with supplemental questions, second, the panel interview (internal or external depending on the position); if a two step position then it will be an internal panel second round interview. If a supervisory position, the final candidate would meet with the City’s executive team.
Titles hired include: Digital Navigators, Librarians, Supervisors, PT/FT
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ HR
√ Library Administration
√ The position’s supervisor
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Online application
√ Resume
√ References
√ Proof of degree
√ Supplemental Questions
√ Oral Exam/Structured interview
√ Demonstration (teaching, storytime, etc)
√ More than one round of interviews
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?
They were enthusiastic about the opportunity, the organization and understood that working in a public library was a challenge but it was one they really wanted.
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Attitude — unwillingness to learn, take direction; unfamiliarity with the job/organization; skills can be learned, attitude cannot.
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
Sometimes attitude isn’t revealed in the interview; there is no “magic” question.
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Two is ok, but no more
Resume: √ Two is ok, but no more
CV: √ We don’t ask for this
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
Being honest with themselves about whether or not this is the right position for them
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Practicing beforehand and staying relaxed; it’s hard for both interviewer and subject; don’t be afraid to admit that this is awkward
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?
Try and build a bridge or tell a story about your experience that links the two; I’ve done x and this is how it relates to or is similar to y
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?
We have not examined our practices for bias, yet, but will be doing so.
What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?
What can I do to be successful in this role; What would be the most challenging aspect of the position; what is the culture like; what do you like about working there
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Western US
What’s your region like?
√ Suburban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Some of the time and/or in some positions
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 0-10
Hiring Librarians 