This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Academic Library
√ Archives
Title: Librarian, Outreach & Instruction
Titles hired include: Instruction librarian, archivist, library specialist, circulation
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ HR
√ 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
√ References
√ Proof of degree
√ 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:
Hiring manager or committee member on hiring committee
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Hit all points in the ad, articulate and evidence of helping students
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Incorrect cover letter and resume- for the wrong job
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
Self starter that wants to learn. It can be easily faked in an interview
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
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?
Not researching the library
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Yes, if possible, no distractions such as barking dogs or other loud noises
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?
If looking for a job that has a large part of desk duty, customer service experience is valuable
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?
Diverse hiring committee.
What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?
In-person hours for all positions. Evenings and weekends for most
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Southeastern US
What’s your region like?
√ Urban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Never or not anymore
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 11-50
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Hiring Librarians 