Interview (Library)tomorrow - low confidence - pls help.......

[niceglasses]

Interview tomorrow for p/t job in academic library.

I am a qualified lib but this is an unqualified postion. I feel I need that for a bit as skills rusty (been sahm for 4 yrs) and before that worked very much in systems in libraries - this is a general library assistant/enquiry work with some managment of staff.

I think I will struggle with:

What do I bring to this job? (er, I dunno)

Can someone help me with interviews pls - I've been for just one recently in a shop and I didn't get that either.

many many thanks in advance.

Hi niceglasses.

Firstly if they want to see you for interview, then they must believe you will be able to do the job well. And if you are over-qualified they are probably thrilled at the prospect of getting someone like you. Think about that when you feel your confidence slipping.

I have cut and pasted below from a previous thread on interviews:

Do you have a job description? If so you should be able to work out a lot of the questions. Have a look at the person spec, where it says what skills/abilities/experience etc the person needs.
You can almost guarantee there will be at least one question related to each of the things listed. Those things are listed because the successful candidate must have them, so the purpose of the questions really is to give the candidate a chance to demonstrate that. Other questions may pop up as well obviously, but it gives you a good framework to start with.

So look at all the things you need to have from the list on the person spec, and think of an example of when in the past you have used x skill or demonstrated x ability. Including background, why the situation was successful, what you learnt from it, whether you would do anything differently etc.

If you've got those examples ready in your head to cover all the things on the person spec, you ought to be able to handle most questions. Talking about a past example rather than a hypothetical 'I would do x, y z' is more convincing and reassuring for an employer and is easier for you as well, you will feel more confident talking about stuff that's happened than you would trying to imagine what you would do in x circumstance.

Even if the questions asked are hypothetical 'what would you do' ones, make sure you answer with examples anyway. Also if you have some examples worked up in your head you will feel more confident as you won't go in completely blank about what you are going to say for the next hour.

Other than that, hold head high, relax your shoulders and neck and keep relaxing them - that's where you find yourself automatically tensing up. Just every so often make yourself aware of your shoulders and neck and consciously relax them - it makes a lot of difference.

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Hope that helps a bit. And best of luck!

Don't be surprised if they ask you why you want the job when you are qualified so have a good answer that will interest them. Most academic libraries have large numbers of qualified staff working in non-qualified posts so that really shouldn't be a problem, but they do ask the question. You may also be questioned as to whether your experience is sufficiently recent (though 4 years out isn't that long!). What they probably want is someone who is good with people, doesn't get flustered, interacts well with other staff and can get up to speed with the system pretty quickly.
Good luck (from another librarian)

PS if you are offered a tour of all or part of the library before or after interview, you can assume that your guide will be feeding back to the panel, however informally, on the candidates' level of interest and general interpersonal skills.
So even if the place resembles a Soviet-era bookstack with no natural light, they will be hoping for a cheery demeanour and constructive question-asking

Geee thanks girls. This is all good stuff.

Am most worried about enquiry skills which would be well rusty - I never was heavily involved in enquiry work other than odd stints on desks etc. My knowledge of sources is not good.

Gonna settle down with it all tonight and go thru it. Fingers crossed.

"Where are the toilets?" (you'll soon know how to answer that one)

"Can you help me find my arse with both hands?" (ditto)

The rest of the time they'll know it all already thanks to google and thickipedia niceglasses, don't worry

But seriously, if you want an idea of how subject librarians would like students and staff to approach internet resources, this little site is extremely helpful and interesting.

I got the job!!!

Whoooooo Hoooo. Very surprised as didn't think interview went that well - it is much more of an IT helpdesk role than I had thought and that threw me a bit. But I am so chuffed.

Just worrying about managing witht he 3 kids now, but I think this is the right thing for me just now.

oh and thank you once more to all of you who took the time to reply. I really followed your advice, went in with some examples etc and it did help. I thank you!

Yeesssss! Well done Niceglasses
Welcome back....to the fold....

Congratulaton niceglasses! That's fantastic news!

we've got someone for our p/t role too, so bunting and fizz all round in libraryland today niceglasses

Congratulations Niceglasses. Good luck with the child care arrangements.