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If you're specialized in a particular subject like law or medicine it's also worth checking out subject-specific library associations
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Mar 2, 2015 20:56
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Those questions sound dumb and your interviewers should feel dumb. I'm not a public services person but for any academic position I'd say it's best to prepare for some variation on * What interests you about this position? * What's your library and/or academic background? * What's your management style (if there's any supervisory aspect at all)/what do you look for in a manager? * What makes you a good fit for this position? For public services you might expect some variation on * How would you deal with a problem patron? * What's your customer service background? * How would you help someone find [thing]? (Bear in mind [thing] may be something you know nothing about, so think in terms of general search strategies.) * How do you deal with stress? General tips: LOOK AT THEIR WEBSITE BEFOREHAND. Familiarize yourself with their basic services. See if there's anything they really emphasize. There will always be at least one question that throws you for a loop. Always. Don't panic, breathe, say "That's a good question! Let me see..." (even if it's a stupid question) and don't be afraid to take a moment to think. If you can tangentially relate the question it to *anything* in your experience you can generally spin it into something that will serve. "I'm not sure if this is exactly what you had in mind, but..." and "Does that answer your question?" are useful bookends. But sometimes some rear end in a top hat will ask something ludicrously open-ended like WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF LIBRARIES and you're just gonna have to punt. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or more information. If there's time for *you* to ask questions at the end of the interview take advantage of it, but keep it general (tell me about the institution, how do students/faculty mostly use the library, what's a typical day like at [place]). Save specific questions about benefits packages or whatnot for an on-site interview. Wonderslug fucked around with this message at 19:28 on Feb 2, 2016 |
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Feb 2, 2016 19:24
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Syntax Erin posted:What is this poo poo? Sounds like a big pile of red flags. It's wholly unreasonable to expect you to do anything or make any plans until you have a definite offer, which should certainly include salary, a definite start date, and an explanation of benefits (relocation??????) if you haven't already gotten one. I'm assuming this is a librarian post if you're willing to move a thousand miles (or you really, spectacularly hate your current gig), but even for a paraprofessional job I'd expect a formal offer before people start waving contracts around. "Preparing to" definitely doesn't qualify. Especially if HR is still checking references. I mean, what? I'm finding it hard to imagine a non-dysfunctional situation that would result in someone dropping hints to a candidate before HR has even called their references, much less signed off on the offer. If they really want you and are not terrifyingly crazy, "Hey yo this is not actually enough time to humanly get there" shouldn't be a dealbreaker.
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Feb 18, 2017 04:51
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