This anonymous interview is with a Special librarian who has been a hiring manager. This librarian works at a library with 0-10 staff members in an Urban area in Canada
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?
√ No, but it’s not a dealbreaker
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.
Tidy is important, fashion is not critical.
Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?
√ No
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
√ Nose Ring (nostril)
√ Eyebrow Ring, Monroe piercing, septum piercing, or other face piercing
√ Earrings
√ Multiple Ear Piercings
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ All of them, even pink
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Show personality
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
Outward appearance, and the care taken with it, offers a hint at a candidates personality – and it should. It would be weird to interview Ms. Taupe and have hired Ms. plaid thigh highs and mini skirt. People should be themselves as much as possible. An interview is a chance for a candidate and an employer to size each other up – it isn’t a one way review. An ‘interview suit’ should also be something that is occasionally worn to work.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Suits
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?
√ Other: ranges between business formal and business casual
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code?
√ Jeans
√ Flip flops
√ Short skirts/shorts
√ Tank tops
√ Logos/band insignia/slogans
√ Sneakers/trainers
Librarians at your organization wear: (Please check all that apply)
√ Other: office attire-business casual
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
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