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Library assistants are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of a library. Supporting the librarians, library assistants will carry out administrative tasks such as looking up books, arranging displays, and helping customers. They can work in public libraries as well as in schools or universities.
If you want to write a library assistant CV that will fly off the shelves, myPerfectCV makes it quick and easy. We have all of the resources you need to create your application, from top tips and templates to a professional library assistant CV sample.
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Library assistant CV templates
Library assistant CV tips
Begin the next chapter in your career by following our top tips for writing your library assistant CV.
Mention the metrics
To help your library assistant CV stand out, always include key metrics from your previous positions – whether you served an average of 10 customers a day or maintained a database of 10,000 titles. This will make it easy for your recruiter to quantify your impact.
Use keywords from the library assistant job description
Your recruiter might use an ATS (applicant tracking system) to find the most relevant CVs. Ensure yours makes the cut by including a range of keywords and phrases from the library assistant job description.
Proofread your application
From logging ISBN numbers into a database to writing promotional material, it’s vital to have strong attention to detail as a library assistant. Make the right impression by carefully proofreading your CV before you send it to your recruiter.
Follow a professional template
It’s said you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – but when recruiters spend just six seconds looking at a CV, a professional CV template is a must. Always follow a clear structure with subheadings and bullet points to make your information easier to read.
Show off your customer service skills
Many library assistant duties are customer-facing. To show your recruiter you have the right character for the role, include some positive adjectives to describe your work ethic and personality when writing your personal statement.
Library assistant skills to include in your CV
Library assistant job skills range from communication to computer literacy. Tick every box by exploring the must-have skills for library assistants below.
Key skills for your library assistant CV
- Communication (written & verbal)
- Customer service
- Database management
- Computer skills
- Shelf organisation
- Events planning
Soft skills that help your application
- Attention to detail
- Reading aloud
- Knowledge of literature
- Time management
- Scheduling
Make your recruiter want to read on with a personal statement for your library assistant CV
Your personal statement is the first section of your library assistant CV. Like an opening line in a book, this paragraph needs to grab your recruiter’s attention and make them want to read on. That means it’s important to include your most important information here.
In 2-3 sentences, you should outline your professional background, key areas of expertise, and any particular achievements. Make sure to avoid clichés to help your application stand out from the crowd.
Top FAQs about your library assistant CV
How do I write a CV for a library assistant job?
To write a CV for a library assistant job, you’ll need to include the following sections:
- A personal statement that outlines your current employment, areas of expertise, and key skills.
- A work experience section that includes your previous positions in reverse-chronological order. If you’re a recent graduate without any work experience, you can include Saturday jobs or any extracurricular responsibilities at school or university.
- A skills section that lists your top eight hard and soft skills.
- An education section that highlights your most recent academic and professional qualifications.
What are the duties of a library assistant?
The duties and responsibilities of a library assistant relate to the daily running of the library. They can include unloading deliveries, processing books that are being borrowed or returned, stacking shelves, and carrying out administrative tasks to support the librarian. Some library assistants may also be responsible for helping to plan events, writing promotional materials, or leading story time in a children’s library.
What qualifications do I need to be a library assistant?
There are no particular library assistant qualifications required for the role, although a relevant diploma (such as a certificate in libraries, archives, or information services) could help your application stand out. If you’re applying for a role in a specialist library, an employer may prefer you to have a qualification that relates to the subject matter. For example, a history degree could be useful if you want to work at the library in a university history faculty.
How do I apply for a library assistant job?
Many library assistant jobs will be advertised on online jobs boards. If this is the case, you can apply by submitting your CV to a recruiter. If you want to work at a particular library, you could approach the librarian directly to find out if there are any vacancies. Lots of libraries will accept students for work experience placements if you want to see whether this career is right for you.
What is the average salary for a library assistant?
According to the National Careers Service, the average salary for a library assistant in the UK is between £14,000 and £25,000 a year. Assistants in a specialist university or national library are likely to earn more than those in a local public library.
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