Library Interview Tips

Do your research:

1. Know what the institution is about, its goals and history.  During the question and answer period it’s good to be able to talk about specifics. Be aware of recent awards and upcoming events. 
2. Show some forethought, even if it's just a page position.  When asked if you have questions, ask about something that is coming up in the pipeline for them.  Scan the news, their website and their fliers; many institutions strive to convey their triumphs to their patron base.

Take inventory of yourself:

1. Don't just play up your library skills and knowledge.  Even if you haven't finished your certificate there are other skills you could relate that could be applicable to the position.
2. How do your previous experiences relate to this library and its functions?  Before the interview think of your current skills and successes at work, then relate them to the library you will be interviewing for.
3. To expand on the first two points, what other skills do you have: phone skills, handling money, handling difficult people?  These are some skills that may come into use for a position that simply lists job duties as shelving and clerical work.

Sell yourself:

1. Be yourself. Put your best foot forward to be someone the interviewer would want to work with.
2. Dress a level above what you see in the workplace.  Some libraries have a relaxed dress code for work. You may see librarians and technical staff in jeans and t-shirts.  But for the interview dress it up a little to show a level of professionalism.
3. Greet everyone professionally, that "patron" you ignore standing at the desk could be your future boss.  In the excitement and nervousness of a pending job interview it's easy to have tunnel vision, focusing on what you've prepared to say and what questions might come up, but be friendly and open to those around you.  You never know whose input may count when they sit down to decide between candidates.

Here are a few web pages for review.  Some of these tips are for librarian positions, but they will help you stand out from other candidates.

• Hang in There: How to get a library job against all odds 
• Nailing the Library Interview 
• Advice on a public library interview

Also check out this previous PCC Lib Tech Blog post regarding interviews:

• Example Interview Questions for Library Technician Positions

CLA-CSLA's UCLA Career Forum Part 1

When I went to the CLA-CSLA conference, I had the chance to attend UCLA's Career Forum. Even though this was geared for future librarians, much of the information can be used for library paraprofessionals as well. There was a series of four workshop sessions which were: The Juggling Librarian: Getting the Most Out of Part-time Jobs (something that many of us are familiar), Getting the First Public Library Job, Using Research to Prepare for the Current Market Research, and The Independent Librarian (focus on school libraries). I will be sharing what I learned in a series of posts in relation to job application tips, interviewing tips, and in the event of obtaining/not obtaining the desired position.

Job Application Tips

In looking for where jobs are posted, the Public Library session offered these tips:

-Postings/Flyers
-Professional websites
-City webpages
-Listservs such as PubLib, Calix
-Facebook, LinkedIn
-Craigslist (especially good for private school libraries)
-Networking, word of mouth

Make sure your resume is up-to-date. It is advisable to have a master resume and then pull from that resume to create a resume to match up with the job position you are seeking.

-Read the job announcement
-Use job description wording
-List relevant work experience
-Don't lie about your experience
-Type, don't handwrite
-Apply early and online if possible


The reason it was suggested to apply online if possible is you can apply anytime of the day, usage of spell-check and you'll have more space as needed. Granted, when responding to possible supplemental questions, one should construct well-edited, concise responses. Remember your application is not the only one Human Resources is reading. Being able to express your thoughts in a paragraph or two is best. Think of it as a mini-interview where you would also keep your answers relatively brief and concise as well.

References

Supervisory references need to have been your supervisor. In addition, it was noted that last and present jobs usually do not allow supervisors to give professional references.

Making the Cut

Remember that the Library and Human Resources are two separate departments. Primarily, you will be dealing with Human Resources at this stage. Due to the current job market and economy, libraries are getting an influx of applications. So unfortunately, this is forcing libraries to have to upgrade posted minimum qualifications to the ideal qualifications as a means for narrowing the list of potential candidates for possible testing and then the interview process. If you do have a question about your eligibility after receiving notice that you did not qualify for the position, contact Human Resources and not the Library. You do not want to burn your bridges for possible future opportunities.

The Next Round-The Interview

Part II will cover tips for preparing and getting through the interview. Good luck as you go through what can seem the tedious application process! Here's a quote to keep you going:

"Every time you win, it diminishes the fear a little bit. You never really cancel the fear of losing; you keep challenging it." Arthur Ashe, tennis player

LinkedIn New Feature

I saw this the other day and thought I would share this here for some of you who are looking for jobs. I myself haven't used LinkedIn much but I know people who do. From the article: "Basically, students can surf through various career paths based on school, level of education and dream industry." Good luck!

http://mashable.com/2010/10/04/career-explorer/

By the way, Mashable is a fantastic resource to keep abreast of news about social media (which I heart), and you can find them on Facebook. :)