The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Interview Questions
& Process

I had a zoom interview with the hiring manager and branch manager, and it seemed to go well. They said they'd make decisions in 10 days because they needed staff. I was asked about my earliest start date, and I thought they were going to hire me. I waited a few weeks, then they told me I wasn't being considered. When I asked why, they said I needed to give email addresses for my references, not phone numbers. I told them my references weren't comfortable with that. I asked my references, gave them the info, and then they rejected me.

The hiring process felt more like checking boxes for HR than finding the right person. The online application was messy, spread across multiple pages, and didn't have a save option, making it hard to know what was needed. It seemed like HR just kept adding requirements without considering how difficult it was to fill out. I got a generic email a week later for an onsite interview with a proposed date and time. The HR person I met at the library was nice but had to leave before the interview. The managers interviewing me seemed capable but had pages of HR questions they had to get through. This made the interview feel like a drag instead of a good chat between potential colleagues; they looked bored, and honestly, it was draining for me too.

I interviewed with the HR person and the branch manager from the branch I was applying to. They were both personable and friendly. The interview lasted about 30 minutes, both the HR and branch manager took turns asking questions and writing my answers down. Things to know: - 2 interviewers (HR + branch manager) - LOTS of behavioral type questions, so prepare accordingly - Arrive early/on time but prepare to wait (they called me back 15 min past my scheduled interview time) - Visit the branch you're applying to so you can ask specific questions at the end of the interview

I chatted with someone from HR and the Department Manager at the downtown Cincinnati office, 900 Vine Street. They used examples from my past jobs to help me answer things. They asked what I thought working for the library as a security officer would be like.