This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Public Library
Title: Head of Childrens and Teens
Titles hired include: Library assistants, Children’s and teen librarians
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ A Committee or panel
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Online application
√ Cover letter
√ Resume
√ References
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ No
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Personable, chatty, had good experience. Almost finished degree. Made you feel like they would be fun to work with.
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Very short answers are not enough. Please take your time and elaborate.
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
Their work ethic; how much energy and enthusiasm they have. Whether or not they initiate projects or just wait around until they are assigned something.
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Only One!
Resume: √ Only One!
CV: √ We don’t ask for this
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
When people are too brief. We want to hear you talk a bit with each response.
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
We do not conduct virtual interviews.
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?
Folks looking to break in, you must know how the libraries really work. Study up on wherever you are applying. Have good follow up questions. Run a program, volunteer with any group of people. Find a way to relate normal activities to the library world. Talk about customer service from both viewpoints.
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?
Nothing that I am aware of.
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 most important qualities for the candidate. Ask about library climate.
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Northeastern US
What’s your region like?
√ Suburban
Is your workplace remote/virtual?
√ Never or not anymore
How many staff members are at your organization?
√ 11-50
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