At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain store standards in a vibrant community shop.
- Company: Join Appleby Westward, a leading SPAR wholesaler and retailer in the West of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 10% discount, generous leave, and access to career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a picturesque village setting.
- Why this job: Kickstart your retail career with endless training and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Qualifications: Exceptional customer service skills and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About Appleby Westward
Appleby Westward is the SPAR Wholesaler and Retailer covering the West of England. Our Retail Distribution Centre and Support Offices are based in Saltash, Cornwall, where we employ around 2,000 colleagues who support our wholesale distribution operations for both our independent retail estate and company‑owned retail stores.
About Sidford
Sidford is a picturesque village on the outskirts of Sidmouth in Devon, England. The SPAR shop on Church Street offers a range of products and services, making it a vital part of the community.
Customer Service Assistant Role
We’re looking for individuals with exceptional customer service skills and a desire to start or further a career in retail. This is not just a job in a shop – it’s a retail career with training, learning and apprenticeship opportunities that are endless.
- Warm Welcomes: Greet customers with a smile, provide excellent service, and go the extra mile for our community.
- Store Standards: Play a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Customer Satisfaction: Use product knowledge, stay updated with promotions, and create eye‑catching displays to delight customers.
- Transaction Accuracy: Pay attention to detail to process all sales transactions accurately and efficiently, including cash up tills, and keep company monies secure at all times.
- Stock Management: Take ownership of receiving, replenishing, and displaying stock.
- Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and tidy store environment at all times.
- Legal Compliance and Food Quality: Receive full training to ensure product quality and compliance with labelling and allergen regulations.
- Age‑Related Sales: Ensure personal compliance with Age‑Related Sales regulations and Think 25 guidance.
- Health and Safety: Understand and follow all Health and Safety guidelines.
What you can expect from a career with us
- 10% discount on all in‑store purchases.
- 5.6 weeks per year of leave, calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access to Grocery Aid for support with any challenges.
- Company Pension Scheme available after three months of service.
- Career progression opportunities: From apprenticeships to tailored learning journeys, potentially becoming a Store Manager.
Applications
If you have a passion for customer service, enjoy working in the community, and can demonstrate how you will contribute to our retail team, apply below and start your journey with us.
Customer Service Assistant - Sidford employer: Appleby Westward
Appleby Westward is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the picturesque village of Sidford, where our Customer Service Assistants play a crucial role in serving the community. With comprehensive training and career progression opportunities, including apprenticeships and tailored learning journeys, we empower our employees to grow within the retail sector. Enjoy benefits such as a generous discount on in-store purchases, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and a company pension scheme, all while being part of a dedicated team that values customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Assistant - Sidford
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Appleby Westward. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Appleby Westward before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Assistant - Sidford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Appleby Westward:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Appleby Westward specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Appleby Westward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Appleby Westward
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
