ALIA VIC SNGG Recap of  Selection Criteria Seminar – Interview Skills event. in June.

Understanding this daunting part of the job hunting process, our panel of industry experts gave their best tips and advice for succeeding in a job interview. The diverse group included:

• Anna Findlay, Senior Advisor, Library Liaison and Engagement, La Trobe University Library
• Karyn Siegmann, Manager Library Services, Bayside City Council
• Carolyn Macvean, Manager, Parliamentary Library and Information Service Victoria

Covering a number of different library sectors, the presenters gave advice based on their own experience both as a candidate and as a recruiter. Some of their their best tips and advice were:

Advice for Students & Graduates:

• If given a choice for your interview time choose the first or last of the day. That way you will have more chance of being memorable.
• Study the key selection criteria and come up with examples from your personal experience. The questions asked will usually be drawn from the KSC.
• Many places use behavioral questions, so have a look at some examples of these so you can be prepared.
• Keep up with current trends in the library sector and show that you’re interested and engaged in the industry.
•  Attend networking and PD events, and conferences. Showing a recruiter that you are passionate about the industry is much more attractive than telling them. (Coming to ALIA events is a great start!)
• Make notes to take with you. If you don’t want to forget that awesome example you had for that behavioural question, write it down. It’s okay to refer to notes during an interview, and shows recruiters how well prepared you are.
• Do your research!
  • Make sure you have researched the organisation you are interviewing for. Look at their website and read through their strategic and annual plans, then consider how you and your skills can contribute to these plans.
  • Make an effort to understand the community your are applying to work with. How well do you know the types of clients the organisation services?
  • Have you thought about the future of public libraries when applying for a job in one? Do your research and you’ll be able to ace this question!

During the interview:

• Dress neat, smart and comfortable. This doesn’t mean you have to mask your personality in corporate attire. You can and should be authentic in your appearance.
• Pause… Breathe… You’re allowed to ask a recruiter to repeat a question, ask for a moment to gather your thoughts, or to refer to your notes.
• Big NOs in an interview: Don’t be dishonest. Iron your clothes before the interview.
  

Bonus pro tip:

• Keep an aspirations job folder with position descriptions of your dream jobs to help you think about the skills you want to develop.

You can find other great tips by checking out the tweets from the night.

For even more help, check out the ALIA SNGG Resume Review Service offered by ALIA SNGG. This service allows you to send your resume to an industry professional who will provide you feedback and tips for improvement. This service is available to all ALIA members, including student members!

Our next event is a more casual social event: Join us for our Spring Social event on Thursday 21 September. Hope to see you there!