Library Assistant Interview Questions
When you are interviewing for a library assistant job, employers typically ask questions that highlight your organisational and interpersonal skills. A library assistant is the first person patrons see when they visit the library, so the interviewer will want to know how you can create a welcoming first impression. Expect the interview to also focus on your problem-solving and conflict-management capabilities.
Top Library Assistant Interview Questions & How To Answer
Here are three top library assistant interview questions and tips on how to answer them:
Question No. 1: How do you prioritise tasks and manage your time?
How to answer: As a library assistant, you are tasked with many different responsibilities, so the interviewer wants to know how you manage your day, finish assignments and keep patrons happy. Mention any time-management and organisational techniques you use to stay on task.
Question No. 2: What is your definition of quality customer service?
How to answer: With this open-ended question, you will give examples of how interpersonal skills can make a difference once patrons enter the library. Since a library serves the community, a library assistant should provide value to every patron and have strong communication skills.
Question No. 3: How would you deal with an unruly or discouraged patron?
How to answer: To successfully work as a library assistant, you might need to know how to make patrons happy while still adhering to the library's guidelines. Discuss how you would listen attentively to the patron so the patron knows you are giving your full attention to the situation. This question focuses on your problem-solving skills.
What kind of skills will you bring to this job position?
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I am a hard worker, detailed oriented, and can take order and direction well.
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Dependable, loyal, motivator, team player, efficient, organized, problem solving/conflict skills, leadership/supervisory skills and will go extra miles as needed. Less
What would you do if you were the only one working and someone asked you a question you didnt know the answer to?
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I said I would apologise and look online or call another library for assistance. When I said this they looked at eachother and replied "yeah you could do that..." lol Less
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Point is, why would they live you to work alone ina big , actually huge library as the one in Welwyn Gargen City? It’s very irresponsible! Less
Situational question: What to do if there is a line at the desk, the phone is ringing, and the copier is not working>
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Hi
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My name is Farzana
What would you do with your time if the library was quiet ?
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I used to give these interviews for Herts Libraries. They are looking for the answer you gave, but you then need to expand with examples of you *demonstrating* this behaviour in your previous jobs or general experience. If you just give an answer and don't expand, you barely get a "point" and you definitely won't get the job. This is true for any answer to any given question in Herts Libraries. The flat answer, followed by example, and finalised with the effect of your example. For example: in my free time in my previous job, I did this and that, and this meant such and such happened more effectively, etc. Less
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I answered saying I would make sure areas were tidy and in order, put books away etc but this didn't seem like a sufficient answer for them as they were clearing waiting on me to expand. I still don't know what they were looking for in regards to this question. Less
When do you seek the advice of your co-workers when you are in need of help during your work?
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I feel if a patron needs assistance with something you are not sure of, you should seek advice of a knowledgeable co-worker immediately. Less
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If I lack the knowledge needed to help the customer, or if I need to complete a task that I don’t know fully how to do. It’s always better to ask someone who knows the right thing to do so you don’t assume it’s done a way it might not be done. That way you can make the place you work run in a more efficient manner. Less
I was asked if I knew and understood the Dewy Decimal System and to demonstrate how I would file certain materials
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I said yes I did and demonstrated my understanding to their satisfaction
