At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and provide top-notch customer service in a historic library setting.
- Company: Join the prestigious Bodleian Libraries, known for their rich history and vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, a great pension scheme, and discounts on travel.
- Other info: Flexible evening and weekend shifts available, perfect for students!
- Why this job: Be part of a welcoming team and help others discover the joy of reading.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
You will be the first point of contact for readers and visitors, providing a warm welcome and delivering high-quality customer service in the Bodleian Old Library, Radcliffe Camera and associated reading rooms. You will register readers, respond to enquiries in person, by telephone and online, assist users in locating resources, support the use of library systems and IT equipment, and carry out a range of front-line library transactions.
Job Requirements
You will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent and will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to interact confidently, courteously and effectively with readers, visitors and colleagues. You will understand the importance of providing outstanding customer service and will be committed to delivering a welcoming and inclusive experience for all library users. You will have good general IT skills, including experience of using email, internet-based resources and standard office applications. You will be able to undertake routine tasks accurately and reliably, prioritise work effectively in a busy environment and maintain discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Working Patterns
- Post 1: 0.2260 FTE - Fortnightly Sunday (10:45am to 7:15pm) and weekly Wednesday (5:00pm to 9:15pm)
- Post 2: 0.2260 FTE - Fortnightly Sunday (10:45am to 7:15pm) and weekly Thursday (5:00pm to 9:15pm)
- Post 3, 4 and 5: 0.2260 FTE - Fortnightly Saturday (9:45am to 6:15pm) and weekly Monday (5:00pm to 9:15pm)
- Post 6: 0.3425 FTE - Fortnightly Saturday (9:45am to 6:15pm) and weekly Wednesdays and Fridays (5:00pm to 9:15pm)
Manual Handling & Benefits
This role requires regular manual handling, including lifting, moving and carrying books and journals, transporting library materials and working with shelving and stock.
We genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and offer a range of benefits:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Evening & Weekend Library Assistant - 6 posts employer: University of Oxford
As an Evening & Weekend Library Assistant at the Bodleian Old Library, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and childcare services, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to engage with a diverse community while enhancing your customer service skills in a historic and vibrant location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Evening & Weekend Library Assistant - 6 posts
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like University of Oxford and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at University of Oxford and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Evening & Weekend Library Assistant - 6 posts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and University of Oxford.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about University of Oxford and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress University of Oxford.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which University of Oxford will surely appreciate.
