Library Interview!

[HCMM]

Hello!

I have an interview in a library next week, one of the questions will be in Welsh. I did GCSE Welsh and speak it to a basic level in my current job, does anymore have any recommendations/ideas on question prep or questions which might be asked? And how I can cram important aspects in a week?

Thank you :

Is it a public library?

Yes!

I worked in a library in Wales years ago. At the interview they asked the usual things like an example of when you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer. They asked how I’d encourage more people into the library so have a think if you’ve any ideas of something fun to bring people in. I’d had a thorough look at their website and said how impressed I was with the projects they already had going on, I think they liked that I’d done a bit of research and had some knowledge about things they were running.
We weren’t asked any questions in Welsh back then though so I’m no help there sorry. But I would imagine it would be something simple like do you have this book/could you recommend a book?

Maybe familiarise yourself a bit with the books available in Welsh at the moment? I guess that they'll want you to be familiar with the books even if they're not ones you read. You could find out which ones are popular for young children, middle grade, YA and adult and I'm sure that would make a great impression!

I assume you're going for a library assistant role? Our assistants are heavily involved in promotion, customer service (in Welsh? So, communication, helping with enquiries etc in both languages)

Nowadays so much is online, so they have to help with computers, printing, possibly even self-checkout.

Sorry, I'm not in public libraries but a lot of these tasks are similar.

I just had an interview for a council library (not in Wales though). The questions were read off a script with no follow up questions because councils have to ask each candidate exactly the same questions so try to say everything you want to for each one.
I had questions about why did you apply, learning something new at work, experience of planning themes/activities, how you dealt with a mistake you made, how would you make a book recommendation, a scenario on prioritising work.

Have a look at a book called The Blue Book of Nebo. It’s a recently published YA book, written originally in Welsh and set in Wales, that won the 2023 YOTO Carnegie Medal for Writing last week. It’s the first book that’s won the award that been translated from another language.

Might be a nice talking point and very topical.
Good luck!

I was just going to say that. Heard the interview on front row radio 4 last week. The author also recommended more Welsh language books.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001n1rh?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Thank you, everyone! I ordered and have just read The Blue Book of Nebo, definitely worth the read and I think it will make a great talking point! Diolch.