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
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Age Uk, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Age Uk!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant in Houghton Regis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Age Uk, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Age Uk and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Age Uk that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age Uk
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
