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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage the public with inspiring exhibitions and deliver high-quality programmes.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester Library, a leading National Research Library in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a market-leading pension, generous leave, and discounts at major retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team promoting world-class collections and making a social impact.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours across Tuesday to Saturday, including regular Saturday shifts.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Exhibitions and Public Engagement with Research Assistant to join our team based at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. Working flexibly across Tuesday-Saturday, you will be engaging the public with inspiring exhibitions, delivering high-quality public engagement programmes, and supporting events that promote our world-leading Special Collections and the research they generate.
As a public-facing team, whose core role is engaging with visitors and invigilating our exhibition spaces, we are looking for enthusiastic people who can communicate with all types of people in a warm, informed, and friendly way. Great communication skills, a passion for excellent customer service, and the ability to work flexibly and collaboratively are essential.
The position is 28 hours per week, working across four days from Tuesday to Saturday, including regular Saturday shifts.
About the University of Manchester Library (UML)
The UML is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third-largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections (both print and digital) help us deliver a world-class library and information service for the University of Manchester. While primarily serving the learning, research, and teaching needs of university members, we are also committed to widening access to our services to individual researchers, local schools, and the regional community.
The UML\’s Special Collections include some of the world\’s richest holdings of rare books, manuscripts, archives, maps, and visual collections, spanning five millennia. They encompass virtually every medium used for written communication, from cuneiform clay tablets to email archives. These collections are a valuable resource for research, teaching, and learning, supported by a vibrant academic engagement programme. Through the John Rylands Research Institute, we conduct extensive research collaborations with academic colleagues from the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester.
What you will get in return
- Market-leading pension scheme
- Excellent health and wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
- Additional paid leave over the Christmas period
- Discounts at major retailers both locally and nationally
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Exhibitions & Public Engagement with Research Assistant employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Exhibitions & Public Engagement with Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the John Rylands Research Institute and Library's exhibitions and public engagement programmes. Understanding their current and past initiatives will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your communication skills by participating in local community events or volunteering for organisations that focus on public engagement. This experience will not only enhance your CV but also provide you with practical examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of public engagement and exhibitions. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or conferences to meet people who can offer insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities within the University of Manchester Library.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle various visitor interactions, especially challenging ones. Think of scenarios where you successfully engaged with diverse audiences, as this will highlight your customer service skills and ability to work collaboratively in a public-facing role.
We think you need these skills to ace Exhibitions & Public Engagement with Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Exhibitions & Public Engagement with Research Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since great communication skills are essential for this role, provide specific examples in your CV and cover letter that demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse audiences. Mention any relevant experience in public engagement or customer service.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Include any previous roles or volunteer work related to exhibitions, public engagement, or library services. Emphasise your passion for customer service and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the position and the University of Manchester Library. Use this opportunity to explain why you are a great fit for the role and how you can contribute to their mission of engaging the public with their Special Collections.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Show Your Passion for Public Engagement
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for engaging with the public and how you can inspire visitors through exhibitions. Share any relevant experiences where you've successfully communicated with diverse audiences.
✨Demonstrate Excellent Communication Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and warmly with different types of people. Think about situations where you provided excellent customer service or resolved conflicts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires working flexibly across various days, be ready to discuss your adaptability and experience working collaboratively in a team. Mention specific instances where you contributed to a team project or adapted to changing circumstances.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Special Collections
Research the University of Manchester Library's Special Collections before the interview. Being knowledgeable about their resources will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you engage more effectively with the interviewers.
