It really does matter that it's in an archives position. They are likely to ask about your experience with rare books or whatever the specific type of collection it is that they have there.

I went through hiring a cataloger a couple weeks ago, but it's a very different type of position. This position is roughly 70% cataloging and 30% assistant systems admin, and also leads to work of two part time copy catalogers. I've omitted a couple which are very technical or follow up on specific supplemental questions. Note that some of the Interpersonal Skills questions have Competencies listed, which are the qualities we were looking for in the answers to those particular questions. Again, this is probably a quite different situation, but I hope you might find this helpful.


Technical Skills questions
1. Tell us about why you decided to apply for our particular position and why you feel you are a good fit.

2. We’d like to hear more about your experience cataloging non-print materials using OCLC Connexion. Also, have you done original cataloging directly on OCLC for non-print materials that you don’t find?

3. Tell us about your experience setting up and managing acquisitions and serials modules in library automation systems, particularly on Unicorn/Symphony.

4. Do you have any experience working with the SirsiDynix API? Can you talk about some of the things that you believe API or WorkFlows reports would help us to accomplish with our database. Describe any related experience and software tools you have used to perform bibliographic cleanup projects.


Personal/Interpersonal Skills
1. The Library Network cataloguer trains and solves problems for 2 cataloging assistants here at the Network Office and also provides many of the same kinds of support for 10-15 assorted library staff who do technical services tasks out in our independent member libraries. Tell us about your lead work and/or supervisory experience and tell us if you would do things differently when you were dealing with these two “constituencies.”

2. Tell us about a situation where you had to work through a complex process (such as how to catalog and package DVD sets for television series). If there is a difference of opinion among the stakeholders about how do something, how do you try to resolve such issues?

Competencies:
co-operation
able to work in environment over which you have no control
persuasion and leadership, not coercion
adaptable
balance of consistency and flexibility
experience with new work flows, standards
gaining agreement


3. Developing and maintaining a good relationship even with people who have “difficult” personalities is an integral part of getting the job done. Give us examples of strategies you find helpful when dealing with difficult customers.

Competencies:
Likable
Collaborative

4. Sometimes an unpredictable chain of events can throw our daily work routine off balance. Tell us about a recent time that this happened to you and how you responded to such disruptions.

Competencies:
Stress tolerant
Calm

5. Think back over your working career and describe your least favorite and your most favorite supervisor and why you felt that way about them. What do you think your least favorite supervisor would say about you?

6. How would your reporting staff comment when asked about your communication and leadership style, your leadership strengths, and your leadership weaknesses?

7. Do you have any questions for us?

I have an interview for this position in a week and I am nervous! Based on my previous posts, any insight as to what questions may be asked if the job description makes no mention of OCLC or specific software that is used would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!