This is an important topic and our assistant teachers and interns are in
the midst of their interviews therefore I replying to the whole list.
How to prepare for the interview-
Dress as if it were curriculum night or parent /teacher conferences.
Tone down the jewelry, cover tattoos. Dress as you would to be around
students- 3 inch stiletto heels don't say, yes I can stand all day. I
know I shouldn't have to say this but yes I have seen it sooo- no jeans.
Yes I know that might be what you are wearing every day but this is the
best you will look not the average.
Bring at least three clean copies of your resume with you. Yes, you
faxed, e-mailed, USPS, Fed-exed. Bring it anyway.
Resume- Make sure at least another set of eyes other than your own has
seen it to check for typos and errors.
Bring a separate piece of paper with your contact information and at
least three references. Good references include the teacher you student
taught with or interned, a previous employer- does not have to be a
school or library, graduate professor, librarian from your school. Their
names, titles, e-mail, phone and how they relate to you.
A lesson plan or two with you wouldn't hurt.
Be early (ten minutes is good) or on time but not too early. (walk
around the block or go to a coffee shop) Use the facilities before your
interview time.
If you are running late call to reschedule- this is a courtesy often
neglected. Things happen but better to let the interviewer know- or
often a team of interviewers who are waiting. They might say no, come as
soon as you can but at least you made an effort.
Will you be doing a demonstration lesson with students? It is okay to
ask what they are working on right now.
Questions to be prepared for- Why do you want to work in our school?
Be prepared with information about that school- are they specialized,
are they failing? What do you like about the population? The
neighborhood?
Why this age group?
Be prepared with an example of a difficult classroom management
situation and how you handled it.
Be prepared to talk about a lesson that went especially well. What were
you surprised by? What would you do differently?
Be prepared to talk about a difficult parent interaction and how you
handled it.
Some examples do not have to be from teaching experience.
Dealing with difficult people in a kind compassionate manner goes across
all professions.
What was your favorite class in graduate school?
Time to show -off- Any successful cool projects that you have been a
part of? Volunteer efforts, community work?
Have a program- read up on AASL information literacy standards and apply
them to the goals you are setting for your library program.
Be prepared with book titles- you may be asked what you are reading
right now. When I am on the spot and nervous I have trouble remembering
things.
What information do you need to make your decision-?
Does the present Teacher/Librarian work closely with the classroom
teachers?
Is there an assistant?
Parent volunteers?
What is the budget? How is the library funded? How many students?
Is the Teacher/ Librarian salary schedule the same as the classroom
teachers?
Is it a ten month contract or will the librarian be expected to work
more? Is that compensated?
May I see a copy of the class schedule?
Is the library on a fixed or flexible schedule?
Do teachers come to the library and stay with their classes?
May I see the library?
Are you automated? Are there plans to automate?
What are your internet policies?
What are some of the research projects the students are working on?
Are the teachers etc happy with the library?
What school wide initiatives are planned or in place?
What have been the big issues in the past?
Is the Librarian responsible for school technology?
What committees does the librarian serve on?
Is there a collection development policy?
What is your hiring time table?
These are just factors- when I interviewed for my present position the
budget for the library was abysmal and to for the position etc. The director
assured me that the budget was going
to change and not to worry.
What will make you stand out in a good way-
Bring a notebook and pen to the interview- take down the names (and
spelling) of every person in the room.
A firm handshake and a clear speaking voice.
Being prepared.
After the interview immediately go somewhere where you can reflect. Was
there something else you meant to add or expand on? Your thank you note
is the perfect place for that.
Your thank you note- hand written on plain card stock- thank you for
your time, I would like to add, looking forward t hearing from you.
Yes write to everyone. In you notebook you will have something about
each person. Ms. Moy when you asked about overnight trips, I admit that
it wasn’t something I had thought about, but now that I have had time to
reflect…
Send the note that day.
What will make you stand out in a bad way,
Resume on anything except white or cream paper.
A resume with typos.
Cursing and slang. ( I know this should be evident, but ask an older
friend if you have a habit of calling people Dawg)
Being late.
Lisa
Lisa Von Drasek
Children's Librarian
Bank Street College of Education
School for Children Pre-K- 8
610 West 112th St
NY NY 10025
lisav@bnkst.edu
212 875 4452
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