This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Academic Library
Title: Health Science Librarian
Titles hired include: Library Information Associate, Assistant Librarian
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ Library Administration
√ The position’s supervisor
√ A Committee or panel
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Online application
√ Cover letter
√ Resume
√ CV
√ References
√ Oral Exam/Structured interview
√ Demonstration (teaching, storytime, etc)
√ More than one round of interviews
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ No
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
Job is posted for at least 4 weeks, then director and librarian take candidates based off of a rubric, phone interview with structured questions, interviewees are notified if they make second round, in person interviews, director and librarian meet and discuss candidates and select one to offer position.
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Library experience, customer service experience, math degree, knowledge of library systems
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
Internal hiring and promotions happen 80% of the time for posted positions. Also people have people in mind and hire them.
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Two is ok, but no more
Resume: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
CV: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
They don’t share enough details or examples of how they have done or not done something.
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Yes, a quiet place is best if possible. Headset with mic helps.
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?
Tell your story and share your experience. Explain why you want a librarian position and how your previous experience helps you. Share what you learned.
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 ask all candidates the same prepared questions. We ask staff to sit in on final interviews. We provide questions printed out at the final interview. There is still bias towards people with no library experience. We have HR collect application materials. There is an online portal and screening rubric to record ranking and decisions.
What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?
Ask about the job and university environment? Ask about students and faculty needs? Ask about schedule and coordination for coverage during holidays etc. ? Ask about things you want to know?
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Southwestern US
What’s your region like?
√ Urban
√ 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
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