How To Win The Job "Interviewing Tips & Techniques"

As an applicant, you know your potential employer has a high degree of interest in you if you've gotten as far as the actual interview. Time is too valuable for an employer to spend it with someone unless they have a serious interest. Let that fact give you confidence and then remember to prepare for the interview by doing your homework. Always cover these basic steps:

• Find out exactly where the interview is being held beforehand.
  
• Plan how you are going to get there and where you will park.
  
• Don't be late or too early.
  
• Don't bring a friend or relative.
  
• Dress professionally. When in doubt, wear your corporate finest!
  
• Learn about the organization and its culture.
  
• Find out about the person(s) with whom you are interviewing.
  
• If it is a company, what do they do? If it is a public library, what aspects of the community do they serve?
  
• Bring extra copies of your resume, a sheet of references and other information such as your salary history. You may need this information to fill out their application.
  
• Do not write "See Resume" on the application.
  
• You may interview with an HR person who does not know what a librarian or information specialist does. Refer to their advertisement and show how your qualifications apply.
  
• Come with questions about the job, the organization and the support the library enjoys. For special libraries: Where does the library fit into the organizational structure? For public libraries: How many branches do they have? For academic libraries: What faculty do they support?
  
• Other sample questions: Does the library have a mission statement? What are the expectations for this position?
  
• Take the initiative in a non-threatening way if the interviewer seems unfocused.
  
• Make a list of things you want to make sure they know about you and then lead in with "You may want to know that..."
  
• Have answers for questions such as "What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What can you bring to this position?"
  
• If you are given a tour of the library, use the time to ask appropriate questions, show interest and demonstrate your knowledge. Employers are impressed with honest enthusiasm.
  
• Send a thank you note right after the interview. Good manners indicate a measure of professionalism. If you have additional questions about the position, you may include some of them.