At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our Academy, welcoming visitors and managing calls.
- Company: Join West Somerset College, a supportive community focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous pension contributions, and high-street discounts.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working in a vibrant, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in an office or front-desk role is preferred; a friendly attitude is essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from all backgrounds and offer a commitment to equality.
Are you an organised, friendly, and professional individual who thrives on creating a warm and welcoming environment? West Somerset College is looking for a receptionist to be the friendly face and voice of our Academy - the vital link between our students, staff, and wider community.
Location: West Somerset College
Salary: Band 3
Working Hours: 16 hours per week (Part time, 2 days per week Thurs/Fri)
About the Role: As our receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors, students, and staff. You'll play a key role in ensuring that everyone receives an efficient, effective, and positive experience. From handling phone calls and greeting visitors, to supporting with administrative tasks and maintaining a tidy reception area - your role is central to the smooth running of our school.
What You'll Do:
- Welcome all visitors with professionalism and warmth
- Manage calls and correspondence with accuracy and efficiency
- Support students, staff, and parents with queries and essential information
- Maintain a tidy, hazard-free reception area and up-to-date information displays
- Assist with general admin tasks including post, deliveries, and student records
- Guide and supervise pupil receptionists to encourage engagement and responsibility
We're Looking for Someone Who:
- Has experience in an office or front-desk environment
- Is calm under pressure and maintains professionalism at all times
- Communicates clearly and kindly, even in challenging situations
- Can juggle multiple tasks with a smile and great attention to detail
- Is a team player with a proactive, can-do attitude
What we offer:
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions of more than 23%
- Employee Reward Scheme - including high-street discounts and a Staff Wellbeing Centre
Closing date: Monday 21st April 2025
We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply. We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 23%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.
We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. A criminal disclosure check will be requested for any applicant who is offered a position.
Receptionist/Administrator - PT employer: Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/Administrator - PT
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of West Somerset College. Understanding their commitment to creating a welcoming environment will help you align your approach during the interview, showcasing how you can contribute to their positive atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills, especially in handling challenging situations. Since the role requires clear and kind communication, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence in responding to various queries.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your organisational skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to juggle responsibilities while maintaining a calm and professional demeanour.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for teamwork by discussing past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others. Emphasising your proactive attitude and willingness to support colleagues will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/Administrator - PT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in office or front-desk environments. Emphasise your organisational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, and any previous roles where you provided excellent customer service.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your friendly and professional attitude. Mention specific examples of how you've created a welcoming environment in past roles and how you can contribute to the positive experience at West Somerset College.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as communication, professionalism under pressure, and teamwork. Use concrete examples to demonstrate these skills in action.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the receptionist role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust
✨Show Your Warmth
As a receptionist, your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere is crucial. Practice greeting people with a smile and maintaining a friendly tone, even over the phone. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks efficiently. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully juggled various responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and kindly, especially when discussing challenging situations you've faced in previous roles.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Since the role involves working closely with students and staff, be ready to share instances where you collaborated with others. Emphasise your proactive attitude and how you contribute positively to a team environment.