Readers and Job Hunters, I need your help!

My awesome city has put me on a committee that’s working on improving the way we recruit new employees. One of the many things we’re doing is turning an editorial eye on our job announcements. Would you like to help?

Take a look at the announcement below, for a library assistant. Comment on this post to let us know what works, what doesn’t work, and what you would change. HR is really listening! I will share your comments, and we will use them to create a better job announcement. Help us, and help future job hunters.

Thank you!

Emily

Library Assistant I/II (Part-Time)

Library Assistant I -$1,890 to $2,298 Monthly / Library Assistant II – $2,086 to $2,536 Monthly Comprehensive benefits package including generous paid leave, health, & CalPERS retirement (2.7% at 55 formula for classic members; 2% at 62 for new members). Employees contribute 11.5% to CalPERS with no Social Security deduction.

Are you looking for a job where you can join a team of highly motivated professionals who are committed to providing excellent service to the community they serve? We are seeking a flexible, reliable, and organized individual to join the Library Department for the position of Library Assistant I/II (part-time) with the City. The current opening is for one part-time (20 hours/week) position in Customer Services. An eligibility list will be established for future openings.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a fun and highly motivated individual with friendly customer service skills, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication. The Library Assistant I requires a minimum of one year of clerical and/or library experience and training equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade. The Library Assistant II requires one year of clerical and/or library experience and training equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.

The Library is a busy environment with up to 3,000 people visiting each day and almost 1.8 million items loaned out each year. Customer Service Library Assistants are expected to provide great customer service, handle circulation and financial transactions, communicate policies, resolve account issues in a positive manner, answer general questions, troubleshoot equipment, and assist with the flow of library materials. Strong customer service attitude, verbal communication and computer skills are essential in our ideal candidate.

Library Department

The Library offers a full range of services to the community including an extensive print and virtual collection, with eBooks and a tablet loan program. A wide variety of programs are offered, including story times and reading readiness programs for children, parenting programs, and adult programs including author talks, an ESL conversation club, and innovative grant-funded “maker” programs, including a 3D printer. For teens, the Library has partnered with the local school districts to provide virtual library cards to all high school students. Library services are also extended into the community via bookmobile visits to schools, senior centers, and local businesses.

How To Apply

Applications and resumes may be submitted online at www.calopps.org or can also be submitted to the Human Resources Division, [address and phone number]. Application materials will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2014, or until 100 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early. Only the candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to an oral interview (weighted 100 percent). Depending on the number of applications, the above process may be altered.

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Division upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a preemployment process, including employment verification and a Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint check. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

Supplemental Questionnaire required