Published: March 6, 2025 by Gabe Farmer

If you’re an MLIS student gearing up for job hunting, these tips from the latest REFORMA Los Angeles meeting are a great resource. The segment on interview questions and best practices was so packed with excellent advice that I couldn’t help but share a few highlights here. 

Before diving into the main takeaways, here’s a quick refresher: REFORMA (the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking) supports library professionals by hosting local chapters, webinars and community forums. They advocate for bilingual collections, inclusive programming and equitable resources for multilingual populations. Everyone is welcome to become a member, and if you’re a current SJSU student, there’s even a student chapter you can join to get involved.

Whether you’re a student applying for associate or assistant positions or a recent graduate seeking a librarian position, getting a feel for the kinds of questions interviewers ask (and how to answer them) is essential. The presenters stressed the importance of highlighting your experience, creativity and ability to handle a broad range of library tasks. REFORMA LA President Beatriz Sarmiento noted, “Now was not the time to feel like you can’t toot your horn. You want to toot your horn.”

As someone who recently successfully navigated a lengthy interview process, I found the questions they featured to be very similar to the ones I encountered. Here’s an overview of a few specific questions and responses that stood out.

How Would You Promote Library Services in the Community?

The presenters pointed out that outreach is a huge part of library work. It can encompass social media, partnerships with local schools or participating in community events. Anything that gets people excited about using library resources. If you have personal experience creating a successful outreach program, highlight it. Otherwise, propose ideas you’re eager to try.

REFORMA LA Vice President Sheridan Cazarez mentioned that you should emphasize, “If you have produced social media assets or collateral in Spanish, and you have the skills to do so, this would be a great time to bring that up.” In other words, relevant language or cultural competencies can really set you apart when it comes to outreach.

Can you tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult patron and what was the outcome?

I can almost guarantee you will be asked this question. According to the panel, the underlying issue is whether you can remain calm, professional and empathetic under stress. A key tip Sarmiento gave is to “listen to the patron [...] and also understand the policies in place, including who to ask if you cannot solve the problem.” She likes to write down the patron’s concerns so she doesn’t forget anything, then repeat them back to ensure clarity. If something truly escalates beyond your control, it’s important to know your library’s protocol for seeking a supervisor’s support.

Tell us about a time you worked with a team of library staff on a project.

This question spotlights your ability to collaborate. More than just saying you love teamwork, you need to illustrate what you contributed. “How did you handle the part that belonged to you?” asks Sarmiento. She stressed that “now’s not the time to be the wallflower,” which means you should clearly present your teamwork experience, including communication strategies, follow-through and conflict resolution.

The panel also recognized that many job applicants may not have direct library experience yet, and that’s okay. As one member, Maribel Lopez, said, “Some of those skills are very transferable,” in reference to customer service at a retail job or collaboration on group projects in another field (or class!). The important thing is to demonstrate how those experiences relate to the library world.

Can you describe a time when you had to develop a program relevant at the library? What was the outcome?

If you’re asked this question and you lack real-world library experience, remember to leverage class projects. Cazarez explained, “Don’t be scared to lean on your class work. You did the master’s program for a reason, and it’s valid.” Sarmiento mentioned the “Situation, Task, Action, Result” framework (often referred to as the STAR method) to structure your response. Explain the scenario, what needed to be done, the steps you took and the outcome, including patron or co-worker feedback. Showcasing an idea that you envisioned from start to finish demonstrates initiative and creativity.

How do you keep up with multiple tasks?

This question focuses on time management skills. Modern librarianship is rarely a one-hat job, so you need strategies to handle competing deadlines. Sarmiento advised describing the tools you use (need tools? I got you covered) and highlighting ways you communicate if you fall behind. “Communication is always a real sign of time management,” she noted. Being transparent with supervisors when workloads get heavy and prioritizing tasks accordingly are key parts of staying organized and reliable.

Tell us about your experience using different library databases.

The speakers recommended getting hands-on in preparation for this one. If you’re interviewing at a specific system, explore the site ahead of time. Become a patron yourself by downloading e-books or trying out the language-learning software they offer. That way, you can speak from personal experience. Cazarez advised, “If you have experience walking patrons through the steps of signing in and troubleshooting loans, holds and tags, I’d bring that up.” Whether you’re talking about OverDrive or specialized genealogy databases, the main goal is to illustrate that you can guide users and patiently solve problems.

Tell us about your experience in collection development.

This question was introduced as commonly showing up in second-level interviews. If you’ve selected titles for a library collection be sure to mention that, but also look for ways to stand out. “If you have any experience building collections in other languages, [...] that’s a little bit more unique and advanced,” said Cazarez. If you don’t have on-the-job collection development experience, reference your coursework or knowledge of review journals. For example, if you have taken INFO266 – Collection Management, mention that! Lopez pointed out, “Knowledge of the resources you can use is very significant for that particular question.”

Joining REFORMA and the SJSU Student Chapter

REFORMA LA’s interview tips segment was an absolute goldmine of practical, relevant advice. Whether you have library experience or are just starting out, you can use these insights to shine in your next interview. The best approach is preparation, self-awareness and a willingness to share your experiences proudly. 

Throughout the discussion, it was evident how passionate REFORMA members are about empowering library professionals, particularly those serving Spanish-speaking communities. They offer networking events, mentorship, webinars and support for students looking to gain real-world skills. Remember, everyone is welcome to join and SJSU has a student chapter! Being involved gives you a firsthand look at the evolving needs of diverse populations and valuable connections that can guide your library career.

Have your own interview tips? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your perspectives!