E) None of the above

Hmm, what would interviews be like if they were multiple choice? Since that's not likely to happen, here's a selection from some of the questions I've been asked lately. These are from two different interviews for quite different positions, both in public libraries.

• You're approached by an 8th grade boy, a reluctant reader, who needs to find a book to read for a school assignment. Describe what you would do to help him, and give an example of a specific book that you might recommend.
  
  
• How do you stay informed about the newest ideas in children's services? Give an example of a new idea you've heard about recently, your opinion about it, and how you learned of it. Then, give an example of a new idea that you've implemented in a previous job.
  
  
• What appeals to you about this position?
  
  
• How would you deal with a group of rowdy adolescents causing a disturbance in the library?
  
  
• How would your references describe your working style?
  
  
• What tools do you rely on for selecting and evaluating materials?
  
  
• Give an example of a time when you provided good customer service.
  
  
• What online databases are you familiar with for children's reference services, which ones do you find useful, which ones do you prefer, and why?
  
  
• Name a YA book that you've read recently and the criteria that you would use to evaluate it for inclusion in the library collection.
  
  
• Describe your ideal children's section in a library.