This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Other: Military Base Library
Title: Director
Titles hired include: 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
√ References
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ Yes
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
We conduct interviews with a panel. If it’s my employee, it’s ultimately my decision. We have to have two positive references to hire.
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Maturity, understanding of the work, job experience
What are your instant dealbreakers?
Anything that implies that the library is a quiet, easy place to work, someone who is eligible for a card and doesn’t have one, doesn’t live in the area, availability
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?
Not knowing anything about the place they are interviewing for
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Yes, please practice with the technology. Also learn it, don’t insist that interviewers is a different one
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?
Customer service and understanding people is key
When does your organization *first* mention salary information?
√ It’s part of the job ad
What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?
When can I expect an answer, what does a typical day look like
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Western US
What’s your region like?
√ Suburban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Never or not anymore
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 0-10
Is there anything else you’d like to say, either to job hunters or to me, the survey author?
People have started asking in interviews, “is there anything that would keep you from hiring me?” Don’t do that. It makes the interviewers uncomfortable. Ask after the selection is made.
Author’s note: Hey, thanks for reading! If you like reading, why not try commenting or sharing? Or are you somebody who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers? Please consider giving your own opinion by filling out the survey here.
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