Applying for a library assistant job need advice!

LittleSnowBear

I am currently a student and I adore books and being in libraries! This would be the most perfect job in the world for me! I have to fill in an application form and I want to do my best as I DEFINATLEY want this job! Can anyone give me any advice on what to write on the form! I want this job sooooooo much!:o

maninthestreet

Whatever you write on the form, DEFINITELY make sure it's spelt correctly!

robpw2

you like silence lol

LittleSnowBear

Well at least I didn't write.

Hey peeps i wanna gud job inna library gissus 'elp pleez.:p

I always check my spelling on forms so don't worry about that! I was just so exited about the job!

Sosheflows

As a senior manager who recruits Library staff telling me you want to work in a library because you like books won't cut much ice. You'll be working with people so customer service & communication skills & teamwork are much more important whether in Education Libraries or Public.
Normally public sector application forms are evidence based - there are other threads on the forums about how to fill them out, but make sure you have specific examples of things you've done to meet the criteria. It can be from any part of your life.
In the end, if you work in a large and busy environment the books might as well be tins of paint or tins of beans or boxes of shoes. It's stock and it needs to be managed. Mind you if you work in a University Library that does Art and Design courses you'll never need a gym membership - you'll be fit as a fiddle with toned arms.
There used to be parts of Library services that didn't involve much customer interaction and you could spend all day with books and archives but in my experience those roles have now gone and it's all about the customers.
Feel free to PM me if you want some more info and advice.

HeyBigSpender

It depends what you will be doing really. If you will be shelving then state that you pay attention to detail, and you like things to be in order and neat. If you are in reader services you also need to say that you like dealing with people and helping people find out information.

LittleSnowBear

I also need references, problem is I haven't worked in 4 years my last employer won't even remember me. So I have absolutley no idea who to put. I literally have no-one I can put as a reference!

It also says they will seek details on recent illness, I was off ill for 3 years, prior to that I never took sick days, will this count against me? I didn't get ill on purpose and i'm all better now.

LittleSnowBear

I've worked in bars and catering, so that would be customer service, I enjoyed that emensely, I also did paperwork and cashing up while working as a bar supervisor and I used to volutarily take up the pubs HR work because I enjoyed it!

maninthestreet

If this is a public sector job, tell them you are committed to Diversity and Inclusion.

Hermia

I am a librarian and I think you need to stress customer service skills and IT skills. If it is a library in an urban area being able to deal with difficult situations/angry customers is important. The ability to manage your own time and use your initiative are also really important. If you do any kind of voluntary work put that down. We try to encourage our library assistants to get involved with things like Silver Surfer sessions or children's craft sessions so if you do anything that involves helping others put that down.

If you get an interview you will often be asked to do a filing test where you will be given a big pile of books and told to put them in order. It is amazing how many people fail this test!

KimYeovil

If those who profess to adore books and libraries have such savage contempt for the written language is it any wonder... (rest of Nazi rant expunged).