Age UK's shops are the face of the charity. Our retail teams deliver a great shopping experience to customers while generating much needed income for the charity, ensuring that we can provide services and support to older people who need it most.
We are recruiting for a Sales Assistant to join our wonderful Houghton Regis team and deliver an excellent retail service, ensuring that every customer has a great shopping experience. As a valued Sales Assistant you will contribute towards maximising shop sales and profits as well as the successful day to day running of the shop and deputise for the Shop Manager and Assistant Manager in their absence.
The successful candidate will support with sales, stock rotation, organising displays and store tidying and much more, whilst representing Age UK in a professional manner and reflecting our core values. Due to the nature of this role, you will be required to handle/lift bags of stock (up to 10kgs).
To ensure the smooth running of our stores, we will be conducting interviews throughout the advertising process. Early applications are advised.
ResponsibilitiesYou will be required to support the shop’s day-to-day operations to maximise sales and ensure a high standard of customer service. Specific responsibilities include:
- Sales support and customer service
- Stock rotation and display organisation
- Store tidying and presentation maintenance
- Deputising for the Shop Manager and Assistant Manager in their absence
- Experience in working in a customer facing role
- Experience of cash handling
- Ability to lift and carry bags of stock up to 10kg
- The ability to work as part of an effective team
- Be able to lone work when needed
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as commitment to equal opportunities
- A flexible approach to work with requirement to work additional days to cover holidays and sickness or participate in trading outside of normal shop hours e.g. shop events
- Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave (pro rata for our part-time colleagues) + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
- Wellbeing days - 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Bupa health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
- Home & Tech - apply to buy any Home & Tech items from 'Currys' & 'IKEA', up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free.
- Blue Light Card scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
To comply with UK legislation, we cannot accept applications from candidates under the age of 18 as the successful candidate will be required to work on their own in the shop without the aid of other staff.
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Sales Assistant in Houghton Regis employer: Age Uk
Age UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of older people. Located in Houghton Regis, our retail team enjoys competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and unique benefits such as wellbeing days and a comprehensive pension scheme, all while contributing to a meaningful cause. We prioritise employee growth and recognition, ensuring that our Sales Assistants feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant in Houghton Regis
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shop! Before your interview, pop into the Age UK shop and check out the vibe. Familiarise yourself with their products and customer service style. This will help you stand out by showing genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Sales Assistant, you'll be interacting with customers all day. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and show off your customer service skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Highlight your experience working in teams and how you can contribute to a positive shop environment. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Age UK team. Don’t forget to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant in Houghton Regis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Sales Assistant role. Highlight any customer service experience and your ability to work in a team, as these are key for us at Age UK.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you want to work with Age UK and how you can contribute to our mission. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we love to see passion!
Follow the Application Guidelines:Remember to submit a Word version of your CV without personal information for anonymisation. This helps us keep the process fair and inclusive, so don’t skip this step!
Apply Early!:We review applications as they come in, so don’t wait until the last minute. Get your application in early to increase your chances of landing an interview with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age Uk
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Age UK and its mission. Understand their values and how they support older people. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Sales Assistant, customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent service or resolved customer issues. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a great shopping experience for customers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires working as part of a team, so be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share specific instances where you collaborated effectively with others, and highlight your flexibility in adapting to different roles within a team.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Since the job involves handling stock and maintaining store presentation, expect practical questions related to these tasks. Think about how you would approach stock rotation or organising displays, and be ready to share your thoughts on keeping the shop tidy and welcoming.
