At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with shop operations and admissions, engaging with visitors and handling inquiries.
- Company: Join the South of England Rare Breeds Centre, a vibrant charity supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Earn £12.26 per hour, plus weekend shift allowance; flexible shifts available during holidays.
- Why this job: Make a difference while gaining retail experience in a fun, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, reliable team player with some retail experience; must be flexible and calm under pressure.
- Other info: Casual position with monthly shift allocation; opportunities for extra hours during school breaks.
The South of England Rare Breeds Centre (RBC) is a busy tourist attraction with more than 130,000 visitors a year. As part of Canterbury Oast Trust, a leading local charity, our shop sells a great range of gifts and local produce to support the work of the Trust in its provision of first class care and support for adults with learning disabilities across Kent and East Sussex. The Gift Shop also provides valuable training opportunities for the adults with learning disabilities enabling them to develop their retail and customer service skills.
The Role:
We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Shop & Admissions Assistant to help our Operations Manager with the smooth running of the Gift Shop and Farm Admissions. This is a flexi (casual) post and includes working weekends. This position is paying £12.26 per hour, plus a weekend shift allowance of £0.70 per hour. 18-20 year olds will be on £10 per hour, and under 18s will be on £7.55 per hour. You will be allocated shifts on a monthly basis throughout the year. Additional shifts during the school holidays mainly Easter, Summer and Half Term breaks may also be available. There will also be some bank holiday working as per rota.
The role of Shop & Admissions Assistant involves:
- Dealing with admissions to the RBC
- Processing memberships
- Dealing with the general public
- Preparing the shop for opening and closing
- Dealing with inquiries and answering telephone calls
- Working alongside adults with learning disabilities as they develop their retail skills
- Undertaking duties on behalf of the Operations Manager during her absence
- Handling deliveries of stock
- Car parking duties in busy periods
About You:
The ideal Shop & Admissions Assistant will have:
- Some general experience within a similar establishment
- A friendly and engaging personality
- Be a good team player
- Be flexible and reliable
- Be able to use their initiative
- Be able to remain calm whilst working in a busy public facing environment
All appointments are subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK; an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service and two satisfactory references. If you believe you have the right values for our organisation we would love to hear from you.
Shop & Admissions Assistant employer: Canterbury Oast Trust
Contact Detail:
Canterbury Oast Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop & Admissions Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South of England Rare Breeds Centre and its mission. Understanding their focus on supporting adults with learning disabilities will help you connect with their values during any conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in retail or customer service when networking. If you know anyone who has worked in similar roles, reach out to them for insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to work in a busy environment. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or handled challenging situations with customers.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for the role by engaging with the community. Attend events at the Rare Breeds Centre if possible, and share your experiences on social media to show your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop & Admissions Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Shop & Admissions Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these duties.
Showcase Your Personality: Since the role requires a friendly and engaging personality, make sure to convey your enthusiasm and interpersonal skills in your cover letter. Use examples from past experiences where you successfully interacted with the public or worked in a team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous experience in retail or customer service, be sure to detail this in your CV. Mention specific tasks you performed and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a public-facing role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury Oast Trust
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your passion for working in a busy tourist attraction. Share why you are excited about the role and how it aligns with your interests, especially in supporting adults with learning disabilities.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working alongside others, be prepared to discuss your experience in team settings. Highlight any previous roles where you collaborated effectively with colleagues or supported others.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction
As you'll be dealing with the general public, think of examples where you've provided excellent customer service. Be ready to explain how you would handle inquiries and maintain a friendly atmosphere in the shop.
✨Flexibility is Key
This position requires flexibility in working hours, including weekends and holidays. Be honest about your availability and willingness to adapt to the needs of the role, as this will show your commitment.