Career Building Basics: Successful InterviewsApril 17, 2012

With Support from Nancy Ryckman, Assistant Head, Reference and Instructional Services, and

Beth Filar Williams, Distance Education Librarian, UNCG

Mary Krautter, Head, Reference and Instructional Services, UNCG

Anna Craft, Metadata Cataloger, UNCG

Webinar OutlineTelephone interviewingSkype interviewingIn person interviewingThe interview presentation

The Telephone InterviewPrepare for usually 30-45 minutesUsually a couple of people from search

committeeUsually 6-8 general questions:

“how do you fit this position?” “give an example of how you handle X”

Have notes, possible answers, & documents ready for reference

Skype InterviewDemonstrates your comfort with techThey see you - not just hear you – so:

Dress appropriatelyBe in location w/o distractionsWhat do they see behind you

Practice w/ friend if you haven’t used Skype

The In-person InterviewPREPARE! Do your research. Know the school, library, people on the

search committee (their research or publications).

Review mission statements, visions, goals. Know job description well – & how you match

it.Have questions to ask! Interview them.Dress appropriately – but be prepared for a

long day on your feet too! Have energy and enthusiasm – get sleep!

The In-person Interview (continued)

For academic jobs generally all day +An all day interview from breakfast until eveningDinner night before or after the all day interviewMeet/Interview with various stakeholders all day:

With search committee With department or team With boss With Dean of Library With HR (benefits) With tenure committee Do a presentation to all staff & more Tour of library/campus

The Interview PresentationWHY AM I DOING THIS???For the interviewee :

The presentation is stressful.The purpose is unclear.The tone is difficult.

stage fright!!!!

A potential employer is evaluating:

Your ideasYour confidence Your teaching abilityYour interpersonal skills

Your presentation should reveal these qualities!

Types of PresentationsMock lessons –designed for students, but delivered

to other professionals.Topic presentation –general, such as “current

concerns and future directions.” Demonstrate:

Knowledge of established practice and new trends Optimism, positive attitude Creative solutions, not complaints Your comfort level in presenting/teaching

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT THEY WANT

SoftwarePowerPoint –

Typical choice; avoid wordy slides, include graphics

Prezi – www.prezi.com Dynamic, single canvas, non liner choice

Zoho show- show.zoho.com ppt like but free, online, access anywhere, share, embed

*Check out your library’s recorded online workshops for more help: http://library.uncg.edu/info/distance_education/onlineworkshops.aspx#past

Beyond Powerpoint Powerpoint Makeover Intro to Creative Commons (how not to steal images!)

Prepare!!!Practice, practice, practice.Find someone to listen.Ask for constructive criticism, not flattery.Research – varies by topic:

For practice lesson Know any databases inside and out.

For more general topic Check articles for current trends; reports from ALA,

ACRL, PEW, EDUCAUSE. Try listservs, conference programs, and blogs for hot

topics.

Technology can fail!

Ask about their set up BEFORE you arrive:versions of software , hardware, internet readily available,

etc.room set up for presentation

Ask for practice/test the set up in advance of presentationHave multiple versions of a presentation:

Web (Dropbox) Thumb drive Screenshots – don’t rely on internet working

Consider alternatives in case they have technical problems.

LogisticsVolume –SPEAK UP!Questions from audience WaterPersonal necessities NEVER go over the

allotted time

Personality

Interpersonal skillsLet your enthusiasm and energy show!Humor can backfire - be cautious

Be yourself - but a little exaggerated.

Your audienceTailor your remarks using clues:

Their demeanor The job ad Contacts with the search committee

Do your Research : Know your committees’ research areas; read/skim articles they

wrote Review the library website & mission/plan Find commonalities

…. Bring the ideas you discover into your presentation- acknowledge positive, cool things they are doing already and highlight what you can do!

Wrapping it Up Summarize your major points Have a cadence, "a melodic or harmonic

configuration that creates a sense of repose or resolution”

Ask for questions Don’t let a curve ball throw you

AND REMEMBER:Your audience WANTS you to succeed, so give them what they want!

SourcesAny relatively recent book on presentations and public speaking is worth skimming for hints.

"Effective Presentation Skills." Incite 27.8 (2006): 20. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text. Web. 21 Mar. 2012.Murray, Jennifer S. "10 Steps To Releasing Your Inner Public Speaker: How To Conquer Your Fear And Add To Your Job Skills." One-Person Library 23.1 (2006): 7-8. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text. Web. 21 Mar. 2012.Rogoschewsky, Tanya Lisa1 "Developing A Conference Presentation: A Primer For New Library Professionals." Partnership: The Canadian Journal Of Library & Information Practice & Research 6.2 (2011): 1-7. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 15 Mar. 2012.Spohr, Cindy. "Powerful Presentations." AALL Spectrum 14.2 (2009): 8-9. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 21 Mar. 2012.