Sample Interview Questions

1. What is your philosophy of librarianship?
2. What is your management philosophy?
3. Why do you want this job?
4. What do you like about your current job?
5. What do you dislike about it?
6. How much [specific applicable experience] do you have?
7. What do you like and dislike about [specific applicable experience above]?
8. What kind of experience have you had in [other relevant work]?
9. What kinds of instructional support technology do you usually use in your library instruction presentations?
10. Have you ever had to deal with an unmotivated or stubborn employee? If so, what tactics did you use to get him/her to complete assignments to your satisfaction?
11. What strategies have you used to foster teamwork among staff members you've supervised?
12. What is the most difficult situation you've ever faced as a supervisor?
13. How much reference experience have you had?
14. Have you ever been involved in collection development? If yes, please talk about your experience.
15. Have you ever taught a for-credit library instruction course? If so, please tell us about it.
16. What methods have you used to evaluate your [specific area of library expertise]?
17. What do you think are the key elements of a successful academic library?
18. What is your ultimate career goal or where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
19. What do you think we should know about you that doesn't come out as clearly as you'd like in your vita?