
This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Special Library
Title: Manager, Facilities and Shared Services
Titles hired include: Senior Information Coordinator; Library Technician;
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ Library Administration
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Online application
√ Cover letter
√ Resume
√ References
√ Written Exam
√ More than one round of interviews
√ Other: Phone screen
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ Yes
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
I decide someone is needed
I get approval from my manager
I contact HR
I fill out FORMS and FORMS and FORMS with justification
I fill out more FORMS to get job pay range set
HR posts position on job boards, and uses HR software to manage
Resumes are sorted by software and HR (I always ask to see ALL, not just the ones that they think are qualified)
I pick who I want to interview
HR sets up interviews
I fill out more forms to justify my pick
HR offers them the job
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Understood questions quickly
Easy to speak with
Understood the technology
Second language
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
spelling errors in resume or cover letter
Lack of spoken English
lying
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Only One!
Resume: √ Two is ok, but no more
CV: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
not researching the company
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
be on time
don’t read a script
don’t look up stuff when answering
turn off your phone
When does your organization *first* mention salary information?
√ It’s part of the information provided at the interview
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Canada
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?
√ 201+
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.