This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Academic Library
√ Archives
Title: Assoc director
Titles hired include: Librarian, processing archivist, reference assistance, archivist
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
√ CV
√ References
√ More than one round of interviews
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?
Skill, willing to adapt to organizational needs and culture
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Lack of knowledge about field
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
How well organized they are.
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Two is ok, but no more
Resume: √ We don’t ask for this
CV: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Yes, make sure you aren’t interrupted during the interview. Keep your dog in another room.
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?
They can show extra training or reading they’ve done to understand professional work
When does your organization *first* mention salary information?
√ We only discuss after we’ve made an offer
What does your organization do to reduce bias in hiring? What are the contexts in which discrimination still exists in this process?
Training
What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?
Work culture
Additional Demographics
What part of the world are you in?
√ Northeastern US
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?
√ 51-100
Is there anything else you’d like to say, either to job hunters or to me, the survey author?
Please read the Required section of the job ad. Take it seriously. Respond to each requirement in your cover letter. Don’t make the selection committee guess whether you meet them. Make sure claims in your cover letter are backed up in your resume.
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.
Hiring Librarians 