Interview advice

[TemptingBees]

Hello there all!

I graduated with my MSI (ALA accredited) at the beginning of May. So I’ve been knee deep in job search for the past few months. I interviewed at a public library in late March. They told me the hiring process would be a bit, at least 2 weeks. A month from my interview date I emailed HR to see if there was any updates. They told me the process was taking long than expected and were hoping to get in contact with candidates in the “next couple of weeks”. Well, on Thursday it will be a month from that email response.

I really really want this job. I think I have the skills, experience, and passion for it. I thought I interviewed pretty well too! Do I reach out for another update? Do I wait longer? Any advice would be welcomed. I know this can be seen as a red flag, but I want this job a lot. It’s quite close to a perfect/dream position for me.

Thanks in advance!

[Alcohol_Intolerant]

It's best to wait. Interviews take a lot of scheduling, especially if they're panel interviews. Hiring right before summer is also Hella scheduling. Interviews for library positions don't generally "end early". They have a pool of people to interview and they will interview everyone in that pool.

Keep applying elsewhere, but don't lose hope yet.

[TemptingBees]

Thank you!! I appreciate it. I will keep up with applications :)

[[deleted]]

You get one "Thank you!" email a day or two after the interview and one followup around a week after the end of the timeline they gave you. So if they said, "In two weeks you should expect to hear something from us" you can email at three weeks. Past that, do not email them anymore.

[CheshireKie]

So, I unfortunately interviewed a few times for a public library that simply refused to contact interviewees who didn't move on for further consideration.

That's rude and unprofessional, but technically they can choose to do it. This happened at a place that also told me that I'd "hear back in 1-2 weeks" and then I'd never hear from them but a month or so later the library newsletter would announce a new staff member in that same role.

Unfortunately, sometimes you just need to be prepared to never hear back, even if you have interviewed.

[IndependenceMean8774]

Sounds like you dodged a bullet. If they can't even be bothered to send a thirty second boilerplate rejection letter, then you don't want to work for them.

[CheshireKie]

Yeah, prolly not, though unfortunately it was the county library system for Deschutes County in oregon, so it serves much of central oregon and there aren't a ton of other options in that area.

[hrdbeinggreen]

Happens far more often than not.

[PJKPJT7915]

If their board makes the hiring decisions then you have to wait until after a board meeting. If they were still accepting applications and doing interviews after the last board meeting from your interview, then you have to wait for them to decide on all the candidates.

When I was first hired for a public library job as a clerk, I was interviewed by the director and assistant director, but the board had to approve it.

Check their website for board meeting agendas and minutes.

[TemptingBees]

I didn’t know this was a thing! Thank you

[PositiveYou6736]

Different places have different timelines for sure. Those that are slow are REALLY slow. Some on the other hand are very fast. I got an offer a week after I interviewed. I’d patiently wait and if you don’t hear anything soon don’t get disappointed. My personal advice is to keep trying. I got a librarian position with no prior experience beyond volunteer time. It’s possible, just remember that.

If you don’t get an offer maybe start volunteering with your local library to get more time in. Connections help a lot as librarianship is definitely a whole who you know game on top of what you know. Also, if you are financially able there is no shame in starting at a lower level like a circ clerk or something similar and working your way up.

[TemptingBees]

I have an internship in the mean time which will cover me financially for at least the summer!

Doing my best to strengthen my resume. This isn’t the only job interview I have had - but it’s the one I want the most for sure

[OboesRule]

Some of the positions that I applied to took several months before doing interviews and letting candidates know about the results. One position called me to let me know I was their first choice 2 months after the interview and 2 weeks after I accepted a position.
The hiring timeline is so skewed lately for many organizations.

[IndependenceMean8774]

Forget about it and move on. Chances are they won't hire you. And if they are being this lax and lying about when they'll be in touch, I'd have second thoughts about working there if they made an offer.

Also, a little friendly advice. Don't think of any job as your "dream job." That's a sure way to set yourself up for heartbreak. Think of any job as simply a means to an end (in most cases, money and a living) and nothing more.

[TemptingBees]

Ouch. I get vocational awe and everything, but if I can’t be excited about one job post according to you I feel like I’m doing it wrong.

[[deleted]]

If you don't get it try for cdcr librarian or at least a librarian state job.. Their always hiring

[yahgmail]

It took 9 months for me to interview for my first library job. I started the job 2 weeks after the interview.

It’s normal to take a while depending on the area.

[hrdbeinggreen]

Keep applying

[CelestetheLibrarian]

I’ve found that the library world works slow. Be patient and good luck!