This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Academic Library
Title: University Librarian
Titles hired include: Library Assistant
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?
√ Cover letter
√ Resume
√ CV
√ References
√ Proof of degree
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ No
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
Application then interview. At higher level we have presentations and tests
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Was very relaxed in the interview and talked like they were actually answering the questions not just saying what they thought we wanted to hear
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Not answering the actual question. Anything that shows they don’t understand what the job is
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: √ Two is ok, but no more
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
Talking for ages about something we didn’t ask. Not giving examples
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?
Find ways of adapting other experience and making it applicable to the new role
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?
Find something you genuinely want to know and ask that, it’s very obvious if you don’t actually care about the answer
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ UK
What’s your region like?
√ Urban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Never or not anymore
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 0-10
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Hiring Librarians 