At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in delivering library services and promote literacy through engaging activities.
- Company: Join a community-focused library team making a difference.
- Benefits: Permanent position with competitive salary and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible working across various libraries with exciting events for all ages.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant environment that encourages learning and creativity.
- Qualifications: Strong literacy and numeracy skills required; customer service experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 13929 - 13929 £ per year.
Our libraries are at the heart of our communities, and we are looking for creative and enthusiastic people to join our library team. This role consists of assisting in the delivery of a comprehensive range of library services, promoting the aims of the service and taking part in a full range of activities for children and adults to help encourage literacy, learning and social inclusion through library use. We encourage applications from those with a strong customer-focused approach who will contribute to ensuring that our libraries continue to be the focal point for our communities.
Day-to-day work will be varied and will demand a high quality of customer service at all times. Administrative tasks, supporting users to access the library appropriately, and helping with information, signposting and ICT will be commonplace. Postholders will also be involved in a full range of library events and promotional activities for adults and children, including supporting author visits, creating displays, story-telling and craft activities helping all groups to discover the joy of reading and learning. Library Assistants will also be regularly delivering Bookbug sessions for babies and families, encouraging and supporting literacy through singing, rhymes and stories.
Whilst we recruit to individual branches, staff are expected to work at any library if required to.
KNOWLEDGE
The post holder must provide evidence of competency in literacy and numeracy skills such as a minimum of three Standard Grade level 3 passes, including English and Mathematics, or an SVQ2 or equivalent. The European Computer Driving Licence is a desirable qualification for this position.
REQUIREMENTS
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care-experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Please note: We do not accept CVs (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the online application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.
Library Assistant - Loanhead Library - MID07811 employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for educators at Burnbrae Primary School. With a commitment to professional development and a strong focus on inclusivity, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a collaborative team culture. The modern facilities and diverse school community in Bonnyrigg provide unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with additional support needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - Loanhead Library - MID07811
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Midlothian Council. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Midlothian Council before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - Loanhead Library - MID07811
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Midlothian Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Midlothian Council specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Midlothian Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
