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- Tasks: Engage visitors with exceptional customer service while managing ticket and retail sales.
- Company: Join Historic Royal Palaces, a diverse employer dedicated to preserving iconic sites.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for overtime during peak seasons.
- Why this job: Make memorable experiences for visitors in a historic setting while working with a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience in retail or attractions is essential; a positive, adaptable attitude is key.
- Other info: Seasonal contracts run from March to October, with various shifts available, including weekends.
The predicted salary is between 24617 - 25927 £ per year.
Seasonal/Fixed-Term Palace Host (Sales) – Hampton Court Palace
Departments: Visitor Services
Home Palace: Hampton Court Palace
Status: Fixed Term Contract, Temporary/Seasonal
Salary: PR 11.3, £24,617 per annum pro-rata (£13.15 per hour). Please note from 1st April 2025 the hourly pay rate will increase to reflect London Living Wage (which is set to be £13.85, equating to an annual salary of £25,927).
Salary Rate: Pro Rata
Days/Hours of work: Seasonal and Fixed-Term annualised contracts. Full-time and Part-time positions available.
We have a number of positions, both full-time and part-time. All roles include some weekend and bank holiday working.
About the role and about you
We have seasonal contracts that run unbroken from 24th March-31st October.
We also have fixed term annualised contracts that will cover the following periods:
- 24th March- 27th April
- May half term
- 14th July-31st August
- October half term
- Christmas holidays
- February half term
There will be some opportunities for overtime shifts outside of this as well.
As a Seasonal Palace Host (Sales) at Hampton Court every moment is an opportunity to make someone’s day. You will make every visitor feel welcome and engaged through personal customer service, whilst generating the income needed to maintain our beautiful sites and keep them open for everyone to enjoy.
The Sales team manages the Ticket Office, Palace shops, guidebook selling, digital visitor guide (DVG) handout and the Magic Garden. The day-to-day role will include:
- Ticket sales and queries
- Membership sales, upgrade and queries
- Retail sales in the Undercroft Shop and Palace Shop
- Maintaining shop spaces- cleaning, tidying, refilling, stocktakes
- Guidebook sales at the external mobile stand
- Manning the Magic Garden entrance and exit, with sales here during peak
- Assisting with the handout, collection, cleaning and resetting of DVGs
With customer service experience from retail or visitor attractions, you will have a positive and flexible approach, adapting your style and responding to visitor needs. Working as part of a team you will help to deliver a seamless visitor experience across the site, ensuring the highest levels of customer service are met.
You will have a suitable level of fitness in order to carry out the fundamental requirements of the job profile, which will include working at various posts across Hampton Court Palace, and lifting items weighing up to 15kg.
Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.
Closing Date: 8th February 2025
Interviews: 16th/17th February 2025
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Contact Detail:
Historic Royal Palaces Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal/Fixed-Term Palace Host (Sales)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hampton Court Palace and its history. Understanding the significance of the site will help you engage with visitors and answer their questions more effectively, showcasing your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since the role involves direct interaction with visitors, demonstrating a friendly and approachable attitude during any pre-interview interactions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experience in retail or visitor attractions. Think of specific examples where you've provided excellent customer service or handled challenging situations, as this will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your flexibility and teamwork skills. Highlight any past experiences where you've worked in a team environment or adapted to changing circumstances, as these qualities are essential for delivering a seamless visitor experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal/Fixed-Term Palace Host (Sales)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Seasonal Palace Host (Sales) position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in customer service and sales.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in retail or visitor attractions. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your customer service skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to engage with visitors and provide excellent customer service.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Royal Palaces
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Seasonal Palace Host, you'll be interacting with visitors constantly. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with people and make their experience memorable.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
This role requires working closely with others to ensure a seamless visitor experience. Discuss your previous experiences in team settings, focusing on how you contributed to group success and adapted to different roles within a team.
✨Be Ready for Physical Tasks
The job involves lifting items and being active throughout the day. Mention your fitness level and any relevant experience that shows you're capable of handling the physical demands of the role, such as lifting or standing for long periods.
✨Research Hampton Court Palace
Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of Hampton Court Palace. Showing genuine interest and knowledge about the site will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
