Best Interview Tips and Tricks

[liberal_chick]

I have a second interview next Monday for a job that I'm practically salivating over.  I'm a certified secondary teacher and this position is for the Teen Librarian at our county library.  It is so perfect: 30 hours a week and I get to make my own hours.

Anyway, even though I decided about 6 months ago I want to pursue my master's in library science, I've never even worked in a library before.  I've been trying to think of all the things they might ask me, both specific to the job and just general interview questions (like "what is your biggest weakness?" and such).

Anyone have any good interview tips/tricks?  Good websites that are helpful in this regard?

[dawningmama]

I think one of the most important parts of the interview is the "do you have any questions for us?" bit. It gives you a chance to show you've done some research on the place and that you are excited and interested in the company (or, in this case, library!). Is this a library you use? Do you know much about the Teen Program? I'd be prepared with questions about what they are most excited about, what their greatest challenges are with the population they serve, their goals for this position and for the future of the program, etc. Maybe do a little research on articles in the area about great library programs so you are familiar with the goings on in the "industry."

eta: Good luck!!

[sparklett]

Definitely ask about their current challenges, and be prepared to talk about what some of your solutions to those challenges might be.

Talk about using this opportunity as a chance to grow within the position.  Focus on your strengths- as a certified secondary teacher, you have a very clear understanding of the needs and challenges teens face and you can use that information to develop appropriate resources and opportunities at the library.  You can also note that obtaining an MLS is a significant goal for you and you are looking forward to applying that experience to your position.

The interview process is so crazy these days.  Some organizations still use the very straightforward approach where they ask things like "tell us about yourself", "how would you handle this situation", etc.  Unfortunately, some organizations have spun out into this crazy, psychological interview approach, asking things like, "if you lived in a box of crayons, what color would you be?" or "what kind of car are you?".  There are so many interview styles out there that it really is hard to prepare.  The worst interview I went to, by far, was for the organization that used the A-Method approach. 

My sister has a job in a library.  While she was interviewing at a few libraries, common questions that came up were about customer service in a library setting.  Things like, "A mom with two kids wants to check out her books.  She places the younger child on the counter and the older child is running around and singing a song while the mom is searching her purse for her library card.  What do you do?"  They also asked her questions about the Dewey Decimal System, how she might organize and conduct an event for kids, her ideas for marketing, etc.

Whatever you do, DO NOT ask about salary, benefits, schedules, vacations.

[liberal_chick]

I got the rundown of the salary/benefits/etc at our first interview, so I won't need to ask about that.  It really seemed like the head librarian (who I interviewed with) was concerned that I wouldn't be interested in the job once I found those things out.  I mean, $20K isn't a lot of money, but the flexibility will make it totally worth it (like we'll only have to find a part-time sitter, which will cut down on child care costs big time).

[liberal_chick]

And I almost hope that all the other people who interviewed were like, "Only $20K and I have to stay until 8 pm on Tuesdays? Forget that." LOL

[texmati]

How exciting! I volunteered in a library for years before going to college-- it's my 'dream' job (although I know it must be alot harder than it looks!). Libraries are so important to the community.

Crossing my fingers for you!

[Quinalla]

Research all you can about the position and the place of work so that you can ask relevant questions that show how interested you are in the job, definitely have 2-3 questions prepared to ask them at the end or during the interview if appropriate. This is something that really impresses from the interview side in my experience from both sides. If they ask you a question you aren't prepared for and can't think of an answer for right away, don't panic, say something like, "I've never thought about that question before, can you give me a minute?" so you have 30 seconds or so to figure out what to say. At the very least, make sure to really listen to their questions and pause for a second and then give a good personal answer, something that says something about you. I don't know any good websites, but just some of the questions here, practice what you would say to answer them. Write it out and practice saying it out loud. Be yourself, but your best self, if that makes sense Don't say what the want to hear, but say the truth in the best possible way.

For me, I know they would ask about my work experience and I would explain how my first boss was great and we got along pretty much perfectly, but my second boss was much more of a challenge to work with. I go into it and explain all the things I did to make sure that the work got done despite the challenge. Read over your resume a bunch of times before hand, but don't be afraid to reference it in the interview either if they ask about something on it, but you don't want to be taken off guard if they ask about something you did 10 years ago and haven't thought of since then, ya know Do all you can so you can be comfortable and confident during the interview!

[texmati]

oh! I'm sure you know this, but thank you cards/notes go a long way, especially if there are a bunch of people being interviews. Also, if you are seen as being over qualified, I'd find a way to stress that you do really want this job. (I only mention this because you mentioned that the interviewer seemed that you would not be interested when you heard about they pay). Infact, that is the reason that we didn't go with our current nanny immediately-- we thought that she would leave soon).