This anonymous interview is with someone who hires for a:
√ Public Library
Title: Director
Titles hired include: Library Assistant, children’s librarian
Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:
√ The position’s supervisor
Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?
√ Cover letter
√ Resume
√ References
Does your organization use automated application screening?
√ No
Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:
Municipality posts jobs, collects resumes, forwards them to me. I interview with another staff person, make hiring recommendation
Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?
Pleasant, answered every question thoughtfully, seemed like good personality fit
Do you have any instant dealbreakers?
Abrasive people, drama queens, evasive or inattentive answers
What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?
Personality fits
How many pages should each of these documents be?
Cover Letter: √ Only One!
Resume: √ As many as it takes, but keep it reasonable and relevant
CV: √ We don’t ask for this
What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?
Not showing up
Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?
Sometimes. We all have tech glitches, roll with them.
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?
Customer service, willingness to learn, don’t assume all last work transfers, please have some tech skills
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?
Anything
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?
√ 0-10
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Hiring Librarians 