The gallant pig. ([info]missrachael) wrote in [info]libraries,
@ 2003-05-04 10:49:00
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Interview jitters
Hello everyone.

I will have my first interview with a public library this week (for an entry level librarian position - reference and some collection development). If anyone has any interview advice or pointers they feel like sharing, it would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

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Be yourself!!
[info]freakfest
2003-05-04 08:21 am UTC (link)
Wow, I can't believe you have an interview already! You'll be wonderful! Sending good wishes and *hugs* your way.

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[info]deza
2003-05-04 08:27 am UTC (link)
Congratulations, Rachael!

Be polite. Sir and Ma'am everyone. Go ahead and think of some obvious Q&As--what is your attitude towards patron service, how do you deal with stressful situations, what can you bring to the job. Review the current best-seller lists before you go in. And remember, it's just a job, so there's no reason to be nervous. ;)

Break a leg!

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[info]missrachael
2003-05-04 09:05 am UTC (link)
thanks!

do you think it would be appropriate to ask them about their current collection development policy, or is that getting too nitty gritty?

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[info]deza
2003-05-04 09:48 am UTC (link)
The more interest you show in current practices, the better, IMHO. Just make sure you don't wince or cringe at how archaic current practices are likely to be. ;)

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[info]n0nnahs
2003-05-04 11:17 am UTC (link)
i think there's a fine line between showing appropriate interest and overwhelming them with interest... if that makes sense. i got over eager for a job once and went a little nutty with the interest questions - i think it scared 'em off.

they will definitely ask about how you deal with various situations - irate patrons, someone looking at porn, regulars who might have some weird habits... often with public libraries they ask if you'd be willing to work at other branches if necessary (sometimes this is a concern if the other branches are in dicey areas).

i'm sure you'll do fine - just be yourself. =)
good luck

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[info]cedarlibrarian
2003-05-05 08:39 am UTC (link)
1) DO Wear a suit. I know you probably know this one already, but I can't say it enough.

2) DO ask about collection development. That's how I got the job I have now.

3) DO NOT bring up internet filtering unless you're asked. I know, I know, but it's still a touchy subject with a lot of libraries, and at this point it's better to play it a little too conservative.

4) DO think before you speak. It's going to look a lot worse if you ramble than if you take 10 seconds to collect your thoughts before answering a question.

5) DO write down the questions you want to ask your interviewer, and bring the paper with you. Otherwise, you might forget something.

6) DO show your knowledge of resources, both print and electronic.

7) DO be realistic in your answers. When asked what I saw myself doing in 5 years, I didn't say "I'd like to be the library director." Well, that may have been because I have zero interest in public library management, but you know what I mean. I talked about doing more book reviewing (I currently review for AOL Bookreporter and VOYA), getting involved with the state YA book awards committee, doing more with YALSA...stuff I knew I could actually accomplish.

8) DO...and I know this is probably obvious, but I can't say it enough...smile, give a firm handshake, use your best manners. Pretend you're going through sorority rush (years of experience there, I've become an expert!).

Best of luck to you! Let us know how it turns out.

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[info]russkiypenguin
2003-05-05 10:21 pm UTC (link)
As for number 1: agreed.
2: ask one specific off-topic question. By that I mean if during the interview they bring up collection development then have another question as a back-up. But don't line up like 5 questions that you want to ask them. Respond to their questions well and then show them interest in something that they didn't ask about.
3: agreed. your family status, moral views, race, etc. are all off-topic. only answer if you feel really pressured.
4: agreed. Quietly collecting your thoughts for 10 seconds is a serious show of intelligence. Forces the other person to lean in and really listen to what you're saying.
5: dunno. crib notes are something I frown on. That's why I limit myself to one or two questions on the redirect. Also, I never bring a briefcase. It's serious overkill. I mean what in the hell do you plan on packing in there that's going to convince them more than your brain and your smile? A folio, WITH YOUR RESUME, is all I recommend. The reason to bring your resume is that OFTEN human resources fails to get your resume to the person actually responsible for deciding if you should be hired.

Also, on the note of resumes. Make sure you remember your major points... I've interviewed about 20 people and probably 33% end up admitting that something they put on their resume is shit. NOT A GOOD IDEA. Know what you said and stick to your guns. If you increased literacy in a region by 5% be proud of it and state it twice, once in the resume, and again when asked.

6: my advice is general as I'm IT. Don't know if this is relevant or not. To me it is. But to a 70yo spinster it may not mean shit.

7: seriously depends on your interview situation. If put in a group situation never tell them that you want to be their boss in 5 years. If put in a one-on-one situation with your boss or bosses boss, consider the personality. If they are direct then you should definitely throw them an alpha position and tell them that you want their job. You're identifying with them.

THAT'S THE BIGGEST THING TO EVER REMEMBER IN AN INTERVIEW. Try and be as much like your interviewer as you can. People want to trust people like themselves.

If you're in a one-on-one with your new boss and they seem insecure, do NOT tell them that you want their job. They're an easy mark you can take down later.

8: agreed wholeheartedly. Your appearance should be impeccable. Remember that your ENTIRE impression is framed in the first 7 seconds that you meet someone. All the chit-chat don't mean shit if you have spinach in your teeth and you won't look me in the eye.

p.s. I hope this isn't too harsh for my first post on your journal. If so, just tell me to pipe down.

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