Library Assistant Interview Questions in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

Library Assistant Interview Questions in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

When you're interviewing for a library assistant job, employers typically ask questions that highlight your organizational 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.

611 Library Assistant interview questions shared by candidates

Top Library Assistant Interview Questions & How To Answer

Here are three top library assistant interview questions and how to answer them:

Question #1: How do you prioritize 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 organizational techniques you use to stay on task.

Question #2: What's your definition of quality customer service?

How to answer: With this open-ended question, you'll 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 #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're giving your entire attention to the situation. This question focuses on your problem-solving skills.

Top Interview Questions

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Wentworth Institute of Technology
Library Assistant was asked...May 14, 2015

Do you have experience with course reserves?

2 Answers

Yes.

Yes, course reserves are library materials reserves for a specific class or other activity and are managed by the library staff. Less

Ocean County Library

What library experience did you have?

1 Answers

I told them about my library experience at college. I did my work study in the main library and later the paralegal library there as well. Less

City of Kyle

How do you feel about the use of social media?

1 Answers

I think social media can be a powerful tool in the growth and advancement of the library. Less

Baltimore City Community College

What kind of skills will you bring to this job position?

2 Answers

I am a hard worker, detailed oriented, and can take order and direction well.

Dependable, loyal, motivator, team player, efficient, organized, problem solving/conflict skills, leadership/supervisory skills and will go extra miles as needed. Less

Hertfordshire County Council

What would you do if you were the only one working and someone asked you a question you didnt know the answer to?

2 Answers

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

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

Roseman University of Health Sciences

Situational question: What to do if there is a line at the desk, the phone is ringing, and the copier is not working>

2 Answers

Hi

My name is Farzana

Hertfordshire County Council

What would you do with your time if the library was quiet ?

2 Answers

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

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

Phoenix Public Library

Why do you think you would be the perfect person for this position?

1 Answers

I don't know why this question is always so difficult for me. It's a fair one. I just suddenly lose all sense of focus, thereby turning in to a rambling idiot. Less

City of Fort Worth, Texas

When do you seek the advice of your co-workers when you are in need of help during your work?

2 Answers

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

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

Wirral Council

General questions related to the role..

1 Answers

Was easy to answer..

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