I'm applying for a job as a library assistant which I really want, it fits in well with my history degree, is part time (I have a young baby so I want a part time job) and is very local.
What sort of qualities would I have to highlight? I have to fill in a section on "work experience, interests etc" and tell them about "myself, my future career plans ans show how this makes me suitable for the job.
Any suggestions? I have a history degree, have worked mainly as a temporary secretar/typist up till now, but also as a shop assistant (serving the public). I have a one year old son who is already a member of the library, I enjoy reading and use the library regularly for myself and also baby books for my son.
I hate filling in application forms because I never know how to "sell" myself! Help!
2007-12-01 07:50:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
I have to say which "qualifications" "skills and knowledge" and "personal experience" would make me most suitable for the job.
2007-12-01 07:53:18 · update #1
Emphasize why you want to work for the library as opposed to anywhere else. Say you possess good people skills, multitasking and the ability to work in a team.
Do speak of your previous work experience and how well you have performed.
Use caution when talking about your son. An employer has no right to know about familial status, but if you feel that it would help your application, go for it.
2007-12-01 07:55:16 · answer #1 · answered by Andre 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Library Assistant Skills
2016-11-04 10:49:59 · answer #2 · answered by manciel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can say you're a regular user of the library, you love reading, you love helping people, and you plan on enrolling in a library technicians course. All that is fine.
Whether or not you actually do a course is irrelevant - that depends on the economy, your wages etc. But just saying that you are interested, will help you.
DO NOT mention your son being a library member - that is not relevant - unless they already know because you take him there on a regular basis. That's different. But it still does not need to be mentioned unless they bring your son up as a concern or question. In which case you state that the daycare issue is covered (it better be) and you WILL be able to do whatever hours are required.
Library work does include a lot of evenings and weekends.
2007-12-01 08:57:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more work experience you have, the better. Employers will love that. You will be asked if you are prepared to work unsocial hours (evenings and Saturdays), or provide temporary cover at short notice.
Libraries want to change their image, so are on the lookout for young enthusiastic trainees. You should emphasize any interest or knowledge you have in books & literature. Also it would pay to read up a bit on issues that are currently important in the library world. For instance RFID (self-issuing systems), the People's Network (free internet use in libraries), services to the disabled and housebound.
A word of warning. It's more than possible that you will be up against internal candidates who already have a foot in the door. Especially if it's in local government.
Good luck.
2007-12-01 08:10:37 · answer #4 · answered by Andrew L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a library manager myself I look for great customer service skills (any experience working in service or retail environments is helpful), good computer skills, and enthusiasm for the library's mission. Library workers who read are important -- just be aware that you probably won't be doing any reading at work! If there's a particular subject or genre you like to read, mention it.
I think it's OK to say you're looking specifically for part-time work, but wouldn't go into a lot of detail about your family.
2007-12-02 03:47:50 · answer #5 · answered by Heather S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to really like people - you'll meet all kinds. And you have to be curious and interested in a lot of things, and know how to research to get the answers to the questions people ask. You have to be patient, when people ask the same question for the 10th time. You have to like to be busy, and to have a variety of things to do, and good at multiprocessing and handling interruptions.
Being a library patron gives you a leg up on the job - but you'll be really surprised what the library looks like from the other side of the desk!
You have to like kids, since they'll be a big part of your patrons. And that includes teens, not just the little kids.
2007-12-01 11:22:16 · answer #6 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋