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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I didn’t even get an interview :(

105 replies

Colourblocks · 05/10/2022 16:59

I feel really embarrassed and disappointed in myself.

I am currently unemployed and wanted something to work around my nearly 4 year old and childcare. He doesn’t start school properly until next September. And because I struggle with my mental health.

Anyway, I applied for a casual job in a local library as the hours would fit in around my son and you can pick and choose what you want to do, so it was pretty ad-hoc.
I thought I’d written a really good personal statement and was pretty convinced I’d get an interview at the very least.
Long story short I haven’t received anything - no phone call or email so I’m assuming I wasn’t shortlisted for an interview.
I then emailed and they told me they’ve already shortlisted.

My background is working in schools as a support assistant/TA but I no longer want to do that, so thought I’d try something different.

I just feel really stupid and annoyed at myself.

If I can’t even get a job like this, I’ve got no chance long term.

OP posts:
user1471457751 · 05/10/2022 19:03

I think it's unrealistic of posters to think the OP could get feedback from the library on her application. Most employers now only give feedback on candidates they have interviewed. It would be a waste of company time otherwise, imagine if there were 100 applications how long it would take to give feedback to each one. It also runs the risk of getting into a back-and-forth if a candidate disagrees with the feedback.

AsAnyFuleKno · 05/10/2022 19:09

user1471457751 · 05/10/2022 19:03

I think it's unrealistic of posters to think the OP could get feedback from the library on her application. Most employers now only give feedback on candidates they have interviewed. It would be a waste of company time otherwise, imagine if there were 100 applications how long it would take to give feedback to each one. It also runs the risk of getting into a back-and-forth if a candidate disagrees with the feedback.

You're probably right, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. They will likely just say there were candidates with more/more relevant experience.

EarringsandLipstick · 05/10/2022 20:15

Pumperthepumper · 05/10/2022 18:20

Remember for libraries too, they’ll have masters-degree qualified, chartered librarians applying for the assistant posts just to keep their hand in.

This is what I came on to say. I'm a senior librarian in a leadership role at a university.

Library Assistant roles have huge levels of applications. Generally from qualified library professionals who are looking for experience.

There will have been many applications, and they needed to shortlist.

You not being shortlisted will simply reflect your lack of library experience & is not a reflection on you.

Hopefully the right job comes along soon!

EarringsandLipstick · 05/10/2022 20:16

surreygirl1987 · 05/10/2022 18:28

Ha. I have a PhD and worked in education for years... applied for a job as a librarian while abroad and also didn't get an interview. I thought it was funny. Don't let it bother you. They would have had LOADS of applicants!

Unless you are also a qualified librarian (MLIS / MSc etc) you won't be considered for a role as a librarian.

EarringsandLipstick · 05/10/2022 20:18

Sorry realised my last post cross-posted with several others who made the same point earlier (the thread hadn't loaded properly when I posted 🤦🏻‍♀️)

Lcb123 · 05/10/2022 20:22

ive spent many periods of time job hunting, and you have to accept it’s a numbers game and apply for a lot of jobs. You really can’t be upset about 1 application. Can you ask someone to look at your CV and cover letter, maybe someone who does recruiting themselves?

Redundantmum22 · 05/10/2022 20:23

OP I know a librarian who had to have 4 interviews for her job. over 200 applied. She has a Masters and previous volunteering in a library.

Focus on other roles. Maybe something in the council that can be part time?

E.g our County Council are seeking ex TAs with computer skills to work in their education department doing admin. They say you can choose part time, term time or full time. And do half at home or be in the office full time. Really flexible with opportunities for progression!

Maybe check yours out? I'd love to work in our County Council but my skills aren't transferable (design)

Fe345fleur · 05/10/2022 20:23

marvik · 05/10/2022 18:17

Working in a library is not stress free! Many customers have mental health needs. Some will have poor digital literacy and get frustrated when trying to use the computers/if computers have all been booked up. Being able to deal calmly with people who are angry and upset is really important. Others will come in because other services only want contact by phones that go unanswered or webpages. Many service users do not have English as their first language. Issues around safeguarding come up.

An understanding of/commitment to equal opportunities policy is really important.

Staffing levels in libraries have also been cut so being able to prioritise and work under pressure is important.

They'll be looking for people with good IT and customer service skills. Knowledge of a community language would be a plus. If you haven't previously worked in a library having volunteered in one would strengthen your applications.

Hope that helps.

Just like to second this. Libraries are free, warm, dry and generally don't turn people away. In my city this means staff deal with lots of vulnerable people and challenging situations on a daily basis.

Don't be disheartened OP. I mean this kindly, I think you underestimated what they would be looking for. Get back on the horse and keep applying for things. Fingers crossed for you.

Norma27 · 05/10/2022 20:27

There will be a right job.
Years ago I worked in almost every dept at the then biggest supermarket. After kids when I applied to all supermarkets I didn’t even get an interview.
Randomly a person I worked with in a much higher paid job after asked me to apply at his firm.
I did, got the job then covid hit and offer was withdrawn.
18 months later they phoned me up and asked me to interview again and I got the job again.
Don’t give up. But expect certain jobs will have so many applicants because of school hours etc. i did have to go full-time (and more) but it is actually ok.

Limosella · 05/10/2022 20:28

If I can’t even get a job like this, I’ve got no chance long term

What exactly is wrong with working in a library that you feel it is a 'job like this'? Maybe this attitude came over in your personal statement and that is why you didn't get shortlisted

DashboardConfessional · 05/10/2022 20:32

I applied for my last admin job which was PT, hours negotiable and was told I was one of 3 shortlisted out of 75 applicants. So many people need a flexible (but not antiocial hours) job.

DonnaBanana · 05/10/2022 20:41

It is annoying when recruiters don’t even send a standard “thanks by no thanks” email.

Sometimes it’s because we don’t want the inevitable “well why not” response and then have to make some white lie up instead of “your CV was riddled with typos and someone in the office remembered you being a BNP supporter in the 90s”

BrightYellowDaffodil · 05/10/2022 20:41

Maybe this attitude came over in your personal statement and that is why you didn't get shortlisted

Well, maybe. But I would definitely get someone to read over your personal statement from the point of view of the recruiter for future applications. I did this for a friend (who was applying for a library assistant job as it happens…) and her statement was all about why the job was perfect for her, not why she would be the perfect candidate for the job. I’ve been a hiring manager and at the point of sifting CVs, you’re just an anonymous candidate - I’m not interested in why this would fit in with your hours/life goals/values etc, I want to know why you’d be a good employee and what you’re going to bring to the role. If you approached it from a “this is a crappy job and anyone could do it” that’s not going to endear you to the recruiter.

But PPs are right, library jobs get TONNES of applications (often from people who think it’s all about how much they love books…) so don’t be too disheartened.

LeFeu · 05/10/2022 21:00

I agree with PPs - I think a lot of people don’t really understand what working in a library entails. We definitely don’t sit around reading all day!

the pandemic actually threw this into sharp relief when people were shocked that I was working from home, they couldn’t believe I could do my job without being at a desk issuing books….

VaccineSticker · 05/10/2022 21:02

Op, don’t be disheartened. Currently businesses are finding it hard to recruit as demand for employees is higher supply of jobs. You will soon find a job. All businesses locally are finding it hard to recruit, it’s a dream come true for employees at the mo 😬

Ripples2 · 05/10/2022 21:23

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at poster's request

keeprunning55 · 05/10/2022 21:35

How about working in a book shop?

ThomasinaGallico · 05/10/2022 21:52

Bookshops are almost as bad as libraries for numbers of applications. And the work involves very little reading of books!

Redundantmum22 · 05/10/2022 21:56

Anyone else picturing Black Books right now? Or is it just me...

Dishwashersaurous · 05/10/2022 21:59

Being a librarian is a very competitive job. Lots of people who are qualified for the role will have applied. The jobs are low paid but desirable

Don't be disheartened. You applied for a job that you weren't qualified for and didn't get an interview. That's not surprising.

There are lots of other jobs. You need to decide what you do want to apply for

scryingeyes · 05/10/2022 22:04

I'm guessing they had someone lined up for the post.
Have a look on you LA website to be on their 'relief' list. Once you're on that, you can pick and choose when and where to work, library, council helpdesk, leisure centre.
Once you're in, you're in!!

KitchenSupper · 05/10/2022 22:05

I worked as a part-time library assistant while studying. There were over 300 applicants every time an assistant position was advertised.
Later in my career I went for something quite specialised. There were only 11 other applicants so they could interview everyone.
Not getting an interview doesn’t mean much.

autienotnaughty · 05/10/2022 22:10

I work in a library these jobs are rare and extremely popular. A lot of people start doing relief work in library's and then wait for a permanent role to come along. It's likely the shortlisted candidates had direct experience.

LivingMyBestLie · 05/10/2022 22:13

It's possible it went to someone they know. Public sector jobs often have to be advertised externally when when they have someone in mind.

I highly doubt it was a reflection on you.

Having said that, although they're poorly paid jobs, working in a library is quite specialist.

PicaNewName · 05/10/2022 22:17

You mean you applied for one single job and that broke you???

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