[Publib] Advice sought for interview

[Sue Kamm]

-----Original Message-----
>From: kurrremkarmerruk <vesper555 at yahoo.com>
>Sent: May 26, 2006 12:33 PM
>To: publib at webjunction.org
>Subject: [Publib] Advice sought for interview
>
>Greetings.
>
>I applied for the position of Library Technician I
>with the San Diego County Library.  After filling out
>the county application, I was invited to take the
>test.  I scored high on the test, and was subsequently
>invited for an interview.
>
>I would like some input as to what I can expect from
>here; the interview, subsequent interview procedures,
>proper attire for this interview, etc.
**Your first interview may be with people who don't work for the county library.  They may not be able to answer questions about the library,  They may present you with hypothetical scenarios and ask what you would do.  For example:  You're on the circulation desk, and a woman comes in and complains loudly about the amount of fines her children owe.  How would you handle this situation?  (Undoubtedly the library has policies and procedures in place for such incidents, but what the interviewers will be looking for is a general sense of handling the situation.  You'd talk to the library user quietly, look up the children's records, and see if there is any accommodation that can be made.)  I'd preface your response to such questions with a statement that you would follow the library's procedures, but in general you'd deal with the problem this way.  

The second interview should be with library staff, and it should include the person who would be your direct supervisor.  They will ask questions of a more technical nature.  You should have questions prepared for them.  If you can, visit the agency where you might be working (or any agency if the job posting isn't specific) and see what the library is like.  If you're there in the afternoon, are there swarms of children?  Browse the collection - does it offer both up-to-date materials and classics?  Is this a "give 'em what they want" library (Charlie Robinson advanced this philosophy at Baltimore County PL.)  Does there appear to be enough staff to deal with the level of business?  

Proper attire is what you might wear to work in an office.  Avoid t-shirts and jeans, although (and I'm assuming you're a woman <g>) a becoming pants suit, dress, or skirted suit is appropriate.  You want to make a good impression on your interviewers, which means don't go overboard on makeup, hairstyle, and accessories.  I'd also put an extra set of pantyhose in my purse in case you should get a run in your stocking.  

Do your homework!  Re-read the job specifications in the announcement, and be prepared to play up your strengths.  You may be asked to describe your weaknesses.  Do so, but put a positive spin on them.  For example, if the position is in cataloging and you haven't worked with the bibliographic utility the library has, point out that you're always eager to learn new skills and catch on quickly.  

HTH!

Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
Sue Kamm
Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA
Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week 2000
email:  suekamm [at] mindspring.com
When you absolutely, positively HAVE to know, ASK A LIBRARIAN!