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- Tasks: Assist the public with library services and support events and activities.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a positive impact on your community.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Flexible role with a chance to develop valuable skills in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 22500 £ per year.
Library Assistant - 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. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
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. This is a full time, fixed term/secondment opportunity for up to 6 months.
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
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 - Careers portal.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team.
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 career's portal homepage.
Library Assistant - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library! Before your interview, visit North End Library and chat with staff or patrons. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand the community's needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might help a challenging patron or assist someone with library resources. Role-playing these situations can boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Libraries thrive on collaboration, so highlight your flexibility and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to tailor your personal statement to reflect how you meet the 'Who is the Person' criteria.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant - Portsmouth
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! Be sure to address each point in the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile. We want to see how your experiences align with what we're looking for, so be detailed and specific.
Be Yourself: We’re looking for an outgoing and friendly person, so let your personality come through in your application. Don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our library service!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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.
✨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.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios during your interview, such as how you would assist someone using library computers or how you'd handle a busy day at the library. Think through these situations beforehand and be ready to share your thought process and problem-solving skills.
✨Craft a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly outlines why you're suitable for the role by matching your skills and experiences to the 'Who is the Person' criteria. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, as this will make your application stand out.