MLIS Librarians and Aspergers: Surviving the Job Interview
These days Asperger's isn't just about kids - greater numbers of adults are being diagnosed and those children who were among the first wave of Asperger's diagnoses are now adults as well. Assuming that Temple Grandin is correct in her assessment of how suitable the library and information science field is to those with Asperger's, it's likely that there is a sizable population of MLIS Aspies facing the difficult task of finding and getting their dream job.
One of the biggest hurdles to jump in this process in the job interview. Strikingly, thehiringmanagers interviewed at hiringlibrarians.com seem to invariably mention eye contact, humor, and social skills as possible deal breaker issues in the job interview. If this doesn't strike fear in the hearts of aspiring Aspie librarians everywhere, I don't know what does!
To ease some of those fears and get yourself as prepared as possible, check out our list of 10 great tips for surviving the job interview:
- First, put together a list of the top ten or so most common interview questions. Not sure what those are? Try this top 10 list.
- Write out answers to each of these. If writing isn't your thing, try an audio recording, just so that you have a way to stay focused on practicing the same answers. Keep answers short - your longest answer shouldn't be over five minutes and shorter answers than that are preferable. Work on providing one example for each answer. Need some help with creating good answers? Check out this Aspie blog with advice for what kinds of answers the interviewer wants.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Yes, everyone has to (read: should) practice their interviewing skills, but for us Aspies this is doubly important. Practice with a friend, relative, teacher, anyone that is willing to help. Try practicing in reverse - with you as the interviewer. This will give you a better sense of the process.
- Memorizing isn't ideal as the interviewer may notice, but memorizing an answer is far preferable to not having one at all! The idea is for all that practice to help you really get comfortable with your answer.
- The best thing about all this practice, is that it will give you some time to think about other things during the actual interview. What other things? Why, eye contact, of course! If you are comfortable with your answers, work on making eye contact. If it's too difficult to do while you're speaking, do your best when the interviewer is speaking.
- Consider whether you plan to 'out' yourself. This is a very personal decision. Two things to keep in mind: make a decision before the interview (this is not the kind of thing to do 'on the fly') and, most importantly, remember that the interviewer absolutely cannot ask you about issues like Asperger's - if you don't want to share, DON'T.
- Worried about dress code? Check out these tips from fellow library students about what to wear. Wear your interview clothes while practicing to be sure that you are comfortable in them
- Don't be afraid to tell the interviewer if you are nervous. Don't be afraid to take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering a question.
- Smile and be enthusiastic. Remember that this is the field you love. Use those perseverating tendencies and ability to go on about a topic to your advantage. If you can stay on topic, feel free to share a story about your work, classes, etc. that shows your interest.
- Remember that the interviewing process doesn't come naturally to anyone, and keep at it till you land that dream job!