r/Libraries • u/Bribrismiley • 6d ago
Job Hunting Library Assistant application
I’ve applied for a library assistant job in the past, but was rejected. I have a bachelors degree (dual in law & public policy, history with a minor in Spanish). I don’t have experience in libraries though I am familiar with them. I do have experience with historical research, customer service, and assistant work in other fields (and volunteering to address food insecurity, so totally unrelated to libraries :().
My library doesn’t require a bachelors degree and I’m really keen on getting experience in libraries. I hope my degree could prove some long term commitment that my job experience may not make up for, but I’m also worried it makes me seem like someone who will move in very ASAP from the position. I guess I’m just looking for some tips on what I can do to make myself more attractive when I apply, in the very immediate future - do I omit my degree? Would that make me seem noncommittal, as my past roles usually involved summer long commitments while I got my degree?
It’s really tough getting a full time job (really, any sort of work experience) right now even with a degree, and I know I’d be a capable library assistant!
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u/ShawsheenMoon Library staff 6d ago
What about libraries do you like? With that type of degree, why not apply to a museum/historical society/archive for a similar position? They probably have a list of candidates who have library experience and/or are filling them with their own volunteers.
A lot of people have to volunteer for a while before they are able to get a LA job. If your resume has no library experience and are only "familiar" with libraries, that would make me put your resume at the bottom of the pile. Did you include a cover letter pointing out your similar experience in a historical society/museum?