Interview Tips

85% of the verbal content of the interview will be forgotten within an hour of the candidate's departure. What remains is the overall impression, documents submitted, and a few notes. Remember that the interview is an informal chat to determine if your background fits into the library's needs to your mutual satisfaction. Arrive at least 15 minutes early; spend the previous day in the community if possible. Dress appropriately. Be businesslike, approachable, confident in your appearance. No gum, cigarette smell, heavy scents. Carry an attractive portfolio. It provides a tidy, efficient place to store questions you may want to ask, information about yourself you want to be sure to transmit, a place to carry additional resumes for distribution to department heads, search committees, and others you may meet who have not seen your resume. Do your homework on the institution. You should receive a packet of information about the library after the interview has been arranged. If you don't, ask for one. Then go after other information. Review annual reports, mission statements, long/short range planning documents Learn something about the institution/community Public library — community strengths/problems, levels/history of library support, financial and otherwise Academic library — level/history of institutional support, strengths/weaknesses of collection, history/direction of institution Talk to colleagues, friends, fellow alumni who are/have been connected to the institution Visit informally ahead of time if possible Prepare/practice responses to likely questions. Prepare to be tested either formally or informally with: Your response to a reference query Cataloging an item Your knowledge of subject matter specialty Your solution to an administrative problem Your approach to a community/institutional issue Development of a program Your approach to the solution of an automation/system problem If you have to do a formal presentation, be well prepared. Inform the search committee/employer, know in advance of any computer/technical support you will need. You should take the opportunity to ask questions about the entire work environment, interviewing the interviewer by asking about the relationship between the library/users/administration, the kinds of organizational change that have occurred in the last 5 years, and what makes the institution a challenging and enjoyable place to work. Your ability to ask straightforward, insightful questions lets the interviewer understand your perspective and concerns, as well as your judgment and analytical ability. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE In front of a mirror With an audience of friends/colleagues Review/evaluate your interview's strengths/weaknesses immediately after the interview. Write/mail thank you notes immediately.