Tag Archives: Business casual

by | December 21, 2013 · 8:00 am

Stats and Graphs: 246 Responses on What Candidates Should Wear

The last time we looked at stats and graphs for what candidates should wear was October 2012.  We’ve had a few more responses trickle in, but mostly I just want to revisit these stats.

number of responses

I also want to add my standard disclaimer that I’m using Google forms, and the charts it generates cut off some of the answer choices.  It takes me a while to do a post like this, and even longer to make it prettier in Excel, so I’ll ask you to please just excuse how sloppy it looks.  This is a labor of love, and I’m a busy lady.

Also I don’t use probability sampling, so what happens in the survey can’t be assumed to be what happens in the larger population.  And this survey mashes together the responses of academic, public, special, school and other library organizations (although you’ll see that the majority of responses are from Academic librarians).

These responses have been collected between the survey’s launch, on 9/3/2012 and 11/30/2013.  We are still collecting responses!  If you want to take the survey, go to: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibOUTFITsurvey 

The survey was co-written by Jill from Librarian Hire Fashion.  Want to talk more about interview outfits?  That’s the Tumblr to do it on!

And now the

RESULTS!

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

wear a suit

Yes, absolutely! It shows respect and professionalism 48   20%
Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal) 132   54%
Probably not (but it’s ok if the candidate does wear one) 36   15%
No way! It shows a lack of understanding about my library and/or the nature of librarianship 2    1%
I don’t care 12    5%
Other 16    7%

 

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

blazer trousers

Counts as a suit 181   74%
Is totally different 22    9%
I do not know and/or care 30   12%
Other 13    5%

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer. 

bare arms

True 99   40%
False 66   27%
I don’t care 46   19%
Other 35   14%

 

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose? 

pantyhose

Never, pantyhose is for my grandmother 10    4%
No, but it’s not a dealbreaker 84   34%
Either pantyhose or tights. Bare legs are inappropriate 49   20%
Yes, true professionals always wear pantyhose 11    4%
Other 92   37%

Women should wear make-up to an interview: 

make up

Always 13    5%
I don’t care, as long as it’s not over-the-top 108   44%
I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts 103   42%
Never 0    0%
Other 22    9%

 

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

formality

Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress 190   77%
No 38   15%
I don’t care 9    4%
Other 9    4%

 

Which jewelry may candidates wear:

jewelry

Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring 181   75%
A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings 177   73%
All of the simple necklaces, bracelets, and rings he or she can load on 43   18%
Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings 139   57%
Nose Ring (nostril) 86   36%
Eyebrow Ring, Monroe piercing, septum piercing, or other face piercing 61   25%
Earrings 188   78%
Multiple Ear Piercings 136   56%
Large gauge ear jewelry (stretched ears) 49   20%
Other 76   31%
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

hair colors

All of them, even pink 129   52%
Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray) 89   36%
Other 28   11%

 

The way a candidate dresses should:

neutral or personality

Show personality 60   24%
Be fairly neutral 99   40%
I don’t really care how a candidate dresses 26   11%
Other 61   25%

What the Library Wears

On a scale of  1 to 5, where one is too dressed up for your workplace, khakis and a polo shirt are:

khakis and a polo

1 –
Too dressed up for my workplace
 1    0%
2 4    2%
3 177   72%
4 37   15%
5 –
Too casual for my workplace
 15    6%

 

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

dress code

Business formal 8    3%
Business casual 146   59%
Casual 51   21%
I don’t even know what any of that means 2    1%
Other 39   16%

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code?

forbidden items

Jeans 65   28%
Flip flops 113   49%
Visible Tattoos 28   12%
Short skirts/shorts 94   41%
Tank tops 98   42%
Logos/band insignia/slogans 78   34%
Sneakers/trainers 36   16%
N/A: We wear what we want! 50   22%
Other 135   58%
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

Librarians at your organization wear:

Name tags 102   61%
Badges 46   27%
Uniforms 1    1%
Shirt, waistcoat/vest, or other single piece of clothing issued by the library 6    4%
Other 57   34%
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

Demographics

What type of institution do you hire for?

type

Academic Library 134   54%
Public Library 80   33%
School Library 2    1%
Special Library 12    5%
Archives 9    4%
Other 9    4%

Where are you?

region

 

Northeastern US 61   25%
Midwestern US 65   26%
Southern US 60   24%
Western US 37   15%
Canada 9    4%
UK 5    2%
Australia/New Zealand 1    0%
Other 8    3%

Where are you?

urbanity

 

Urban area 80   33%
Suburban area 56   23%
City/town 74   30%
Rural area 31   13%
Other 5    2%

How many staff members are at your library?

numbers of staff

 

0-10 61   25%
10-50 115   47%
50-100 31   13%
100-200 22    9%
200+ 15    6%

Are you a librarian?

r u lib

 

Yes 222   90%
No 6    2%
It’s complicated 18    7%

Are you now or have you ever been:

r u now

a hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise) 179   74%
a member of a hiring or search committee 207   85%
human resources 8    3%
Other 6    2%
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.

What do you think?  What should we have asked?  I realize we don’t talk about religious garb, or neckties… what else did we miss? Please comment below or email hiringlibrariansATgmail.

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by | September 8, 2013 · 8:00 am

I’ve Seen Cartoon Character Ties for a Law Librarian Interview

Interview outfit and desk by Flickr user TanaiseThis anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 50-100 staff members in a City/town in the Midwestern US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Other:Is appropriate in my academic library for women. Men should wear a suit and tie.

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ Other:Depends on the weather.

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Other:Truly does not matter.

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care, as long as it’s not over-the-top

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

I’ve seen cartoon character ties for a law librarian interview; seen a cute skirt instead of a suit; airline lost my own luggage and I had to buy an entire 2-day arsenal of off-the-rack, was probably more comfortable and got the position without the two suits and no pantyhose.

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)

√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ All of them, even pink

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Other:Reflect a professional version of themselves

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

I think hiring decisions are often made in the first few minutes of meeting someone, even in a one or two day interview, so the clothing does matter since it is part of the initial impression. It shouldn’t be sloppy, but should be a step above our students.

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

We usually step it up a bit, to make the candidate more comfortable in their fancy pants. Dress pants and sweater, or skirt.

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

5

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Other:It is understood we don’t wear flip flops, but when the HVAC is broke and the building is in the 80s, we have to stick it out. So, tank tops are appropriate then.

Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)

√ Other:Some wear nametags, but it’s not required. Some library polos are encouraged on Fridays for those who bought them.

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: Interview outfit and desk by Flickr user Tanaise

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by | September 4, 2013 · 8:00 am

Super-Short Skirt, Dress or Shorts Would Be a Dealbreaker

This anonymous interview is with an Public librarian who has been a hiring manager. This librarian works at a library with 0-10 staff members in a City/town in the Midwestern US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably not (but it’s ok if the candidate does wear one)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Counts as a suit

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ True

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Never, pantyhose is for my grandmother

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

Anything that shows lots of cleavage, or that shows the stomach or butt crack. Super-short skirt, dress or shorts would be a dealbreaker. I don’t want to wonder whether I’ll get an eyeful if they bend over to shelve a book!

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ All of them, even pink

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Be fairly neutral

What This Library Wears

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

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by | August 12, 2013 · 8:00 am

I understand that not everyone has the money to dress up, but they should do their best to appear professional

Interview Clothes by Flickr user MalkyThis anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a Suburban area Southern US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Counts as a suit

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ True

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Other: Not necessary in the south as long as the rest of the outfit is appropriate

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ Other: No makeup is fine, excessive makeup could be off-putting

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

They need to look like they gave their appearance some thought – no flip flops, bare midriffs, shorts… I know I am in Florida and we are pretty informal, but there is a line. Clothes should fit without being too revealing.

Can you share any stories about how a candidate nailed the proper interview outfit, especially if your organization does not expect suits?

Women have come in wearing a nice dress, jacket, appropriate heels or slacks with a really nice blouse -carrying a jacket and looked fine. Men can wear slacks, shirt and blazer. A tie at an interview is pretty much expected. Polished shoes.

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)

√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Other: Show personality, but not be over the top. Get the job and then slide into less traditional dress once we know you.

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

As long as they are neat and clean and appear to have paid attention to their appearance , I try not to let clothes affect me too much. I understand that not everyone has the money to dress up, but they should do their best to appear professional and businesslike.

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

I wear a dress and jacket, shirt and blazer, slacks and blazer – something quite businesslike.

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Tank tops
√ Other: We have different levels – student workers who are casual, staff who are pretty casual, and librarians who are less casual.

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: Interview Clothes by Flickr user Malky via Creative Commons License

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by | August 6, 2013 · 8:00 am

A Librarian Needs to CARE about the Signals They are Sending out These Days

Time to try on interview clothes by Flickr user Irregular ShedThis anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in an Urban area in the Northeastern US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Counts as a suit

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ I don’t care

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ No, but it’s not a dealbreaker

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

Jeans, anything skimpy, plunging necklines (men or women!).

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: 

√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ All of them, even pink

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Other: …show they care!

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

Did they pick their clothes consciously? Were they trying to say something? WHAT were they trying to say? Were they trying merely to impress, or were they making a statement? DO THEY CARE? A librarian needs to CARE about the signals they are sending out these days.

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

Pretty neutrally. Plain dress or plain shirt and trousers with a blazer depending on the season. A little bit of jewelry.

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Other: The dress code is unstated. I don’t think anyone in my memory with this place (however short) has crossed the line.

Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)

√ Badges

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: Time to try on interview clothes by Flickr user Irregular Shed via Creative Commons License

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by | August 1, 2013 · 8:00 am

You Will Encounter Many Professionals That “Dress Up” and Prefer to Interact with Others That “Dress Up”

putting on my tuesday-go-to-interview clothers by Flickr user w.wabbitThis anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 0-10 staff members in a Urban area in the Northeastern US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Yes, absolutely! It shows respect and professionalism

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Is totally different

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ True

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Either pantyhose or tights. Bare legs are inappropriate

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care, as long as it’s not over-the-top

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

hairstyles matter, colored hair, unkempt hair

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)

√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Be fairly neutral

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

Counts for professionalism. In academia you will encounter many professionals that “dress up” and prefer to interact with others that “dress up”

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

in a dress top and slacks or dress skirt

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Short skirts/shorts
√ Logos/band insignia/slogans

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: putting on my tuesday-go-to-interview clothers by Flickr user w.wabbit via Creative Commons License

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by | July 24, 2013 · 8:00 am

Knives in Belt Pouches

Shopping for the big day by Flickr user Loving EarthThis anonymous interview is with a Public librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a City/town in the Western US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably not (but it’s ok if the candidate does wear one)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ I do not know and/or care

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ I don’t care

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Other: who is looking at someone’s legs?

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

knives in belt pouches

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ I don’t care

Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)

√ Other: don’t care

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ All of them, even pink

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Other: Show respect for the job

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

it doesn’t unless the candidate is wearing super casual attire – jeans, shorts, teeshirts.

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

Business

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Jeans

Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)

√ Name tags

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: Shopping for the big day by Flickr user Loving Earth via Creative Commons License

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by | July 16, 2013 · 8:00 am

Be Respectful of Self and Appropriate to this Important Occasion

dress for success by Flickr user jhritzThis anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 10-50 in a Suburban area in the Midwestern US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Counts as a suit

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ True

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Other: Up to candidate

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: 

√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ All of the simple necklaces, bracelets, and rings he or she can load on
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Nose Ring (nostril)
√ Eyebrow Ring, Monroe piercing, septum piercing, or other face piercing
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings
√ Large gauge ear jewelry (stretched ears)

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ All of them, even pink

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Other: be respectful of self and appropriate to this important occasion

What This Library Wears

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Jeans
√ Flip flops

Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)

√ Name tags

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: dress for success by Flickr user jhritz via Creative Commons License

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by | July 11, 2013 · 8:00 am

A Blouse Decorated with Bells!

dress for success 2 by Flickr user pennstatenews

This anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 50-100 staff members in a City/town in the Western US.

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Other: depends – management positions, yes. Librarian positions, maybe (depending on the organization’s formality). Paraprofessionals, probably not.

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Is totally different

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ Other: ABSOLUTELY

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ Either pantyhose or tights. Bare legs are inappropriate

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care, as long as it’s not over-the-top

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

I have interviewed people wearing extremely low-cut blouses, see-through blouses, jewelry that makes noise (and once, a blouse decorated with bells!), jeans and casual T-shirts, tights with Birkenstocks, very short skirts … all very distracting, and it tells me that the person either doesn’t know what “professional” attire is or doesn’t care. Even someone on a low budget can find clothes that are appropriate for interviews. Suits are probably overkill for most library positions, but get a pair of nice pants and a simple, modest blouse or shirt and tie. And never wear anything to an interview that you would wear to the beach (flip-flops, I’m looking at you!).

Can you share any stories about how a candidate nailed the proper interview outfit, especially if your organization does not expect suits?

I only remember the inappropriate outfits!

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: 

√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Earrings

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ Other: Depends on the position. I would be distracted by pink hair if I was interviewing a candidate for library director.

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Be fairly neutral

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

I want to know that the person understands professionalism. That means dressing differently (yes, more formally) than you would dress to go to the movies, the grocery store or the gym. Don’t distract from your WORK qualifications by insisting on expressing your PERSONAL style. Wait until you’re hired, and even then, recognize that you are at WORK.

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

Pretty much the same as I dress on any other day … nice pants, blouse or dressy sweater. I don’t wear suits to work so I don’t wear them to conduct interviews, but if I were on the interview team for a new director (which may happen in the next few years) I would wear more formal attire. I don’t want the candidate to be distracted by MY clothing!

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? (Please check all that apply)

√ Other: We don’t have a written dress code. Jeans are only allowed on weekends and must be worn with a library shirt. Shelvers and maintenance can wear jeans any time. I discourage flip-flops – too casual, too noisy, provide no protection for feet.

Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)

√ Name tags

Do you have any other comments?

I am 41. In terms of style, I’m less formal than my director/asst director (who are 62 and 56) but I am more formal than my employees (ranging from 26-49) in the reference department. I adhere to the adages “dress one level higher than your public” and “dress for the job you want, not the one you have”.

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: dress for success 2 by Flickr user pennstatenews

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Filed under 50-100 staff members, Academic, Western US, What Should Candidates Wear?

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by | July 3, 2013 · 8:00 am

She Wore (gasp) Drawstring Pants to the Interview!

my first suit by Flickr user craigemorselsThis anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in Suburban area in the Northeastern US

What Candidates Should Wear

Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?

√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)

An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:

√ Counts as a suit

Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.

√ Other: Depends on the person!

If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?

√ No, but it’s not a dealbreaker

Women should wear make-up to an interview:

√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts

Is there anything a candidate might wear that would cause them to be instantly out of the running? If you have any funny stories about horrifying interview outfits, we’d love to hear them.

We once had a VP nix a potential library director because she wore (gasp) drawstring pants to the interview!
I personally feel that breasts should remain covered–that means no cleavage!

Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?

√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress

Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)

√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ All of the simple necklaces, bracelets, and rings he or she can load on
√ Arty or more elaborate necklaces, bracelets, or rings
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings

Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:

√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)

The way a candidate dresses should:

√ Be fairly neutral

How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?

I work in a community college. I strive to model for students how a “professional” dresses. I expect my librarians to do the same. So–dressing professionally for an interview is something I look for.

What This Library Wears

How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?

I wear my best–a cut above my everyday work dress

On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:

3

What’s the dress code at your library/organization?

√ Business casual

Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)

√ Name tags

This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!

Photo: my first suit by Flickr user craigemorsels

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Filed under 10-50 staff members, Academic, Northeastern US, Suburban area, What Should Candidates Wear?

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