At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, manage donations, and support online sales in a vibrant retail environment.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, a charity dedicated to funding lifesaving research and promoting sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, health cash plans, and discounts on gym memberships and retailers.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team, make a real impact, and develop your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: No prior retail experience needed; just bring your passion, energy, and customer service skills.
- Other info: Must be 18+, and the role involves physical tasks like lifting furniture.
Would you like to be part of a retail team that is community-based, offers amazing choice and genuine sustainability? Look no further – join us as a Sales Assistant in Carlisle, CA3 8AH. This is a part-time role working 21 hours a week (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) in one of our busy furniture stores. Our stores are fast-paced and trade 7 days a week.
What does this role involve? As a Sales Assistant, you’ll be at the very heart of our retail operation. This is not just standing behind the till or filling shelves; we’re looking for someone who will deliver a first-class customer service experience. It’s a fun, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and everyone works as a team. Every day is different in charity retail, as well as working on the till or sorting donations, you can expect to:
- Engage with customers, providing exceptional service and promoting our charity’s mission
- Organise and merchandise donated stock creatively to maximise sales potential
- Collaborate with our E-Commerce team to maximise online sales
As a Keyholder, you’ll be the go-to person when there isn’t a manager on duty, keeping the store running and ensuring our customers have a great experience. You’ll need to be 18+ years old to apply for this role. Please note, this role can be physically demanding and will involve lifting large pieces of furniture. You will be given lots of autonomy in your role and will strive to continually build your knowledge of BHF.
What are we looking for? Previous retail experience isn’t essential. What truly counts is your passion, energy, and ability to deliver the very best customer service. You’ll be confident within a team environment and comfortable guiding the activity of volunteers on the shop floor. You should be able to work well under pressure and on your own initiative in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Attention to detail in everything you do is important. We seek someone who is positive, creative, confident, customer service focused, and passionate about sustainability. You’ll be comfortable with tech, able to use a Till, PC, Smartphone and e-mail with ease.
What’s important to us? At the British Heart Foundation (BHF), we offer a huge range of new and used quality furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available in store and online. In addition to raising funds for the BHF, we connect with our local communities and help reduce clothing and furniture waste across the UK. With over 700 stores, we make a huge environmental impact by preventing around 70,000 tonnes of unwanted items going to landfill every year. We receive 1.6 million items donated to our home stores and 9.8 million bags of donated items and will continue to build upon our reuse agenda in the years to come. Everything we do comes back to funding lifesaving research for all heart and circulatory conditions. We are more ambitious and determined than ever – because the cures and treatments we need are in sight. You could be part of getting us there sooner!
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Why join the BHF? We have a strong culture of internal progression and will actively support you to develop your career. Benefits include:
- 38 days annual leave (plus the option to buy and sell leave)
- Holistic support leave of up to 10 additional days off each year
- Enhanced family policies (maternity, paternity and adoption leave)
- Health cash plan (Dental, Optical, Therapies, etc)
- Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Pension with employer contribution of up to 10%
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on gym memberships
- Discounts with a wide range of retailers
Ready to apply? To apply, please follow these simple steps: Click the “Apply” button below. You’ll be seamlessly redirected to the BHF Careers page. Complete the application form, submit your CV and upload your employment history.
What do I need to know? DBS Check: Any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check. Inclusivity Matters: We’re committed to fairness and consistency. As part of this commitment, we use anonymous CV software during the application process. Act Swiftly: Early applications are encouraged. We’ll be reviewing submissions throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early. Sponsorship: Please note that we are unlikely to be able to sponsor applicants in respect of this role due to the role not meeting the minimum salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship.
Sales Assistant - Home Store employer: British Heart Foundation
Contact Detail:
British Heart Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant - Home Store
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Heart Foundation's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community engagement will help you connect with the team during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've provided exceptional service in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you went above and beyond for a customer.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Consider sharing experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or worked under pressure, as this is crucial for the Sales Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your teamwork skills by highlighting instances where you've collaborated effectively with others. Since you'll be guiding volunteers, showing that you can lead and support a team will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant - Home Store
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what the Sales Assistant role entails. Focus on the key responsibilities such as delivering exceptional customer service and collaborating with the E-Commerce team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any customer service experience, teamwork, and your passion for sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the British Heart Foundation's mission. Mention specific examples of how you can contribute to the team and enhance customer experiences.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Heart Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for providing exceptional customer service. Share examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as this role heavily focuses on delivering a first-class experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with a team and guiding volunteers, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss any previous team experiences and how you contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
Prepare to discuss how you handle pressure and adapt to changing situations. Provide examples of times when you successfully managed multiple tasks or dealt with unexpected challenges in a busy setting.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
Given the charity's focus on sustainability, be prepared to talk about why this is important to you. Share any personal experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the charity's mission to reduce waste and promote reuse.