Librarian cover letter: example and tips

A complete cover letter for librarian jobs in Switzerland, what recruiters in the field look for, and the openings available right now.

What the recruiter wants to read

Your training (federal certificate in information and documentation, bachelor’s in information science).
Your tasks: cataloguing, acquisitions, lending, outreach, events, digital services.
The type of library (public, school, university, heritage) and your projects.

A complete example

Names and facts are made up: replace each one with your own. A copied letter shows, an adapted one gets read.

Example

Subject: Application for the librarian position, 70%

Dear Ms Python,

Your municipal library is looking for a librarian at 70% for its children’s section. I have worked in a public library for four years, and outreach to children and schools is the part of my job I enjoy most.

With a bachelor’s in information science, I work at Bibliothèque de la Vallée, handling children’s acquisitions, cataloguing in RERO and lending. I launched bilingual story times and a teen reading club that brings together about fifteen young people every month, and I welcome some thirty school classes a year.

Your plans for a new media library and the place you give events make me want to join you.

I am available from 1 April and would be glad to meet you.

Kind regards,
Charlotte Rapin

Enclosures: CV, work references, diplomas