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- Tasks: Assist the public with library services and support events and activities.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a people-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Engage with the community and help others discover the joy of reading.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Flexible role with a dynamic team and a chance to make an impact.
The predicted salary is between 25201 - 26473 £ per year.
A fixed term/secondment opportunity for up to 6 months.
Salary: Band 4, £25,201 - £26,473 p.a. 37 hours per week.
Location: Appointed to the City.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
Job introduction
We are looking for an outgoing friendly person with good communication and customer service skills to join our library service. You will provide a quality service whilst meeting the learning and recreational needs of all who live, work or study in the city and elsewhere.
Your new role
You will assist the public in using and accessing library services from the library counters, floors and workrooms and will deliver an effective Information, Enquiry and Reader Development Service. As well as issuing and discharging books and processing new members, you will support the delivery and development of activities, events and other library offers as required. This will include reading stories to children and leading Rhymetime sessions, cash handling duties and assisting people with using the library computers. Other tasks will include responsibility for building security, maintaining the appearance of the library for service users, stocking shelves and processing orders of new library material stock.
Who is the person summary
You will have good communication and customer care skills and be confident working with the public as well as being able to deal with challenging service users/disruptive visitors to the library. A team player you will be flexible and able to adapt quickly to different work situations and locations. You will have good literacy and numeracy skills to fulfil the needs of the role being able to converse at ease with the customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the Who is the Person points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800. If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage.
Library Assistant employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library services inside out! Familiarise yourself with the resources and activities offered. This way, when you chat with potential employers, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Role-play scenarios where you might assist library users or handle challenging situations. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current library staff or attend local library events. Building connections can give you insider tips and even lead to job opportunities. Plus, it shows your commitment to the community!
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, do it through our website! Make sure to tailor your personal statement to highlight how your experiences align with the job description. We want to see your unique flair!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your communication and customer service skills in your application. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you've successfully interacted with the public or handled challenging situations.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make it relevant to the role by addressing each point in the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile. The more tailored your statement, the better your chances of standing out.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your writing is easy to understand. This will help us see your qualifications without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers portal! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's core values: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focused. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as they are crucial for the role of a Library Assistant.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Library Assistant, you'll be interacting with the public regularly. Prepare specific examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. Highlight any experience dealing with challenging situations or disruptive visitors, as this will show your ability to handle the demands of the job.
✨Engage with the Role's Responsibilities
Review the job description thoroughly and think about how your skills align with the responsibilities listed. Be ready to discuss your experience with tasks like issuing books, leading activities, or assisting with library computers. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role and your readiness to contribute.
✨Prepare Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is key to your application. Make sure it clearly outlines why you're suitable for the position by using specific examples from your work or personal life. Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile to increase your chances of success.
