Interviewing from Both Sides of the Table

My Experiences Have been a librarian for more than 21 years Have sat on both sides of the table At ALA placement center And on many other occasions Have had a strong interest in interviewing for more than 15 years

The Institution

Get your process together Think about the interview… Who you want the candidates to meet Who you want to be part of the interviews What you want the candidates to do What questions you want answered What questions you will ask of references

Get Your Process Together Think about the arrangements… Travel Accommodations Meals City information/tour

Get Your Process Together Develop your timeline… Place ad First cut of the resumes Telephone interviews In-person interviews Check references Extend offer Send rejection letters

Remember You and Your Institution are being Interviewed as Well

Most Importantly… Know the job you are filling before placing the ad Start with the job Revise the job description Then write the job ad

The Pool of Candidates At any given time, there is a set of librarians looking for jobs They range from casual browsers to serious job hunters

Job vs. Job Ad These need to be as close as possible to get the best match

Job vs. Job Ad When there is a disconnect… You get the wrong applicants

Elements of a Good Job Ad Highlights from the job description Skills, experience and education Job conditions Information about the organization Information about the place Salary – minimum, range Make sure everything is stated clearly

What Attracts/Deters a Candidate Attracts Tangibles The job Skills, experience and education Intangibles Job conditions Organization Place Salary Deters Tangibles Skills, experience and education Intangibles Job conditions Organization Place Salary

Initial Judgment We all make them, so embrace them Jot a quick note that reflects your initial judgment of the candidate Then set it aside Interview, take notes and record new impression Did your initial judgment impact your final judgment?

The Candidate

First Impressions They are important Dress nice and look neat Watch your body language Speak with confidence Be yourself, but be your best self

Before You Make a First Impression – Prepare Before you apply Create resume Develop cover letter Check references Before you interview Gather information and study the institution Develop and practice answering questions Create questions to ask interviewers

Develop & Practice Questions Work with a list of generic questions Think of other, job specific questions Write answers to the questions Practice answering them orally with a partner Expect the unexpected

Creating Questions to Ask Use your research to develop specific questions to ask the institution during your interview Institution related questions: I read that you tried…How did that work out? Job related questions: How much original cataloging do you do? Listen to whats being said, take notes and develop more questions Work your questions into the interview

Phone Interview Have research laid out Have your practice questions and answer at hand Have the questions to ask ready to go Write down names, titles Write down answers you receive Remember they cant see you

In-person Interview Bring portfolio with notepad, pen and pocket Put most important research & information in the pocket Write down other information that wont fit Write down questions you wish to ask Listen, take notes, develop new questions & refer to your notes/questions

Answering Questions Answer the question being asked Dont talk too much Dont say too little Work in your knowledge of their organization Make your points

Its Not Really a Lunch Break Dont order first Dont pick the most expensive thing because its free! Dont order anything messy Dont forget youre still being interviewed

Interviewing the Institution You are interviewing them Make sure its a job you want Ask questions about the job, etc. Make sure these are people you want to work with

You Want to Be Remembered for Your Answers & Personality…

Weighing an Offer Salary Benefits Location Environment Job Have all your questions been answered?

Summing Up from Both Sides of the Table Prepare! Success starts with a solid foundation You are selling yourself or your organization

Congratulations on a Successful Job/Candidate Search!