by Sarah Porter, former Head Editor, INALJ California
previously published 12/17/13
Over Prepare Then Go with the Flow
Yesterday I opened a fortune cookie with ideal advice for someone prepping for a job interview. It read: “over prepare then go with the flow”.
I am actively seeking jobs and interviewing, as I am relocating to Los Angeles soon. In the past few weeks, the wonderfully helpful librarians I work with have been giving me interview advice. Here are a few pieces of advice I’ve received, along with my interpretation of them:
- Build rapport: Even if the interviewers are hard to read, try your best to initiate a connection and be friendly. In my last interview, the interviewers did not share much information or provide much feedback. In retrospect, I wish I had asked them more personal questions to find a connection.
- Turn it into a conversation: If you are asked to interview, the hiring committee already decided that you are qualified for the position, based on your application, resume, cover letter, and supplemental questions. In the interview, interviewers are looking at your personality and how well you would fit in the organization. The more the interview turns into a conversation, the more likely you and the interviewers will determine if you are a good fit for the position.
- Showcase your work: Provided I have a background in Graphic Design, I am used to showing off a portfolio at a job interview. Regardless, once I started looking for librarian positions, it never occurred to me that I should have a portfolio to show off my library-related work. However, a librarian I work with said that showing off her ideas for the position in a portfolio impressed the hiring committee so much that it helped her land the job.
- Come up with ideas for the position: If the position allows for some creativity, show that you have researched the organization and already have plans to further the organizations’ goals. For instance, if the library wants to attract more teens, and the position description includes teen programming, come up with ideas for programs that will attract teens.
- Over-prepare: You’re never sure what questions interviewers will throw at you. As the fortune cookie says: “Over prepare then go with the flow”. If you are flowing, you appear relaxed and confident. Interviewers will be impressed by your grace under pressure.
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