Ah, Interviews
Oct. 14th, 2003 09:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
quidditchgrrlHave been interviewing like crazy for positions in my department at work. We have piles of applications coming in; sadly, few people can even make that cut, which considering that all you need to shelve books is enough commitment to show up for work and very strong wrists, is pathetic.
We have weeded out:
~ Three applicants who stated that they were interested in the positions because they wanted 'a quiet, low-stress environment.' *manical laughter* These people have no idea.
~ An applicant who has a Ph.D. in counseling and was looking for a new job because 'the clerical staff was reduced [at her previous job] and [she] had to do paperwork in addition to her normal duties.' And her job history was spotty, with two years counseling, six months at Waldenbooks, then back to counseling. And she didn't want to work nights or weekends (both of which are required in public library service).
The people that we do interview have fallen to one extreme or another in terms of interviewing skills. We ask a lot of stock questions, like, "Why are you interested in this position?" All we want is an honest answer. "For the money" is fine. "I want to get away from my kids" works.
Another question we ask is, "Tell us about your greatest accomplishment." Older applicants talk about their children, younger ones about a recent project or getting their college degree.
One of the applicants answered this question by explaining how he had written a research paper for a friend and allowed him to turn it in as his own. *headdesk* This is his shining moment...?
Another cursed three times in the course of the interview, asked about taking vacation and sick leave, and made it clear that the only reason she wanted a job was 'for extra grocery money'. She spent a lot of her time complaining about her 'psycho' stepdaughter. *kerthunk*
The other end of the spectrum is the applicant who has read so many books on interviewing tips and techniques that he becomes immobile in the face of questions; in reading these books, he becomes so engrossed in trying to figure out what the employer wants to hear that the point of the question is missed. Today's interview - a very nice young guy who's working on his MLIS - was so wooden I thought we'd have to poke him to get him to answer. You could literally see the cogs turning - 'what do I say? What should I mention to make myself seem hireable?' - for loooong moments before he answered. Every question I asked, I prefaced with, 'now, just based on your experience and opinion' or 'go with your gut reaction on this,' before putting my question out there.
We just want people who can do the work and will fit in with the flow of the department. Rocket scientists need not apply. Wah. Need competent people, not morons. Wibble. Anyone wanna come work for me?
We have weeded out:
~ Three applicants who stated that they were interested in the positions because they wanted 'a quiet, low-stress environment.' *manical laughter* These people have no idea.
~ An applicant who has a Ph.D. in counseling and was looking for a new job because 'the clerical staff was reduced [at her previous job] and [she] had to do paperwork in addition to her normal duties.' And her job history was spotty, with two years counseling, six months at Waldenbooks, then back to counseling. And she didn't want to work nights or weekends (both of which are required in public library service).
The people that we do interview have fallen to one extreme or another in terms of interviewing skills. We ask a lot of stock questions, like, "Why are you interested in this position?" All we want is an honest answer. "For the money" is fine. "I want to get away from my kids" works.
Another question we ask is, "Tell us about your greatest accomplishment." Older applicants talk about their children, younger ones about a recent project or getting their college degree.
One of the applicants answered this question by explaining how he had written a research paper for a friend and allowed him to turn it in as his own. *headdesk* This is his shining moment...?
Another cursed three times in the course of the interview, asked about taking vacation and sick leave, and made it clear that the only reason she wanted a job was 'for extra grocery money'. She spent a lot of her time complaining about her 'psycho' stepdaughter. *kerthunk*
The other end of the spectrum is the applicant who has read so many books on interviewing tips and techniques that he becomes immobile in the face of questions; in reading these books, he becomes so engrossed in trying to figure out what the employer wants to hear that the point of the question is missed. Today's interview - a very nice young guy who's working on his MLIS - was so wooden I thought we'd have to poke him to get him to answer. You could literally see the cogs turning - 'what do I say? What should I mention to make myself seem hireable?' - for loooong moments before he answered. Every question I asked, I prefaced with, 'now, just based on your experience and opinion' or 'go with your gut reaction on this,' before putting my question out there.
We just want people who can do the work and will fit in with the flow of the department. Rocket scientists need not apply. Wah. Need competent people, not morons. Wibble. Anyone wanna come work for me?
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(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-14 07:26 pm (UTC)For God's sake, don't mention having children as your greatest accomplisment. That will work against you if the interviewer has no children or who may need over time help sometimes.
It's a hard question - but leave personal responses out.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-14 09:11 pm (UTC)Where are you and will you hire me?!
And yes, now that you ask - I've had something of an insane day too.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-15 07:50 am (UTC)Shelving is much less people-oriented, but you have to deal with people wanking in the stacks and stuff. :P
I live in central Ohio - you can click here to see all the jobs that are open!
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-14 09:16 pm (UTC)Oh wait, Annie lives near there I think ... hmmmm ...
:D
Oh, dear ... my greatest acomplishment ... hmmm ... er ... um ... uh oh, am in trouble ...
Hehe
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-14 09:18 pm (UTC)BWAH! I can't believe some guy told you that!!!
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-15 07:53 am (UTC)See here? That's a lot of jobs going unfilled. Stress and woe.
And let's see,
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-15 05:36 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-15 08:01 am (UTC)I'm getting better at recovering after the bombshells - not sitting there like o.O for thirty seconds while the other interviewer continues.
Great LJ fodder though!
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-16 09:31 am (UTC)If you don't mind I'll friend you - if not because of how much I've enjoyed your stories, then because you too earn your money by putting up with books covered in dubious substance and annoying people. If it's any consolation wanking doesn't only occur where you are.
(no subject)
Date: 2003-10-17 08:45 pm (UTC)