At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a welcoming reception service to visitors and callers at our vibrant college.
- Company: Join Barking & Dagenham College, a community-focused institution with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to supporting all applicants throughout the recruitment process.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Good education standard, excellent IT skills, and customer service experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23404 - 26672 £ per year.
Join a forward-thinking college where education changes lives! We are seeking a Receptionist to join our team on a full-time, 36 hours per week, term-time only basis, at our TSA Barking Campus.
Our Story
Barking & Dagenham College of Further & Higher Education is a dynamic, community-focused college with a strong reputation for technical and vocational excellence. Established in 1961 and operating across Barking and Rush Green campuses, we support thousands of learners and apprentices each year to develop the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to thrive. With significant investment in our facilities, we provide outstanding learning and working environments for both staff and students.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Receptionist, you will provide a high quality customer orientated service to all visitors and callers, managing the entry and exit of students, staff and visitors appropriately.
We're Looking For
We are seeking a passionate and customer-focused individual who takes pride in providing a welcoming, efficient and professional reception service. You should have:
- A good general standard of education equivalent to GCSE C
- Excellent IT skills in MS Office or equivalent
- NVQ customer care level 2 or equivalent would be an advantage
- Reception / Customer service experience
In addition, you will demonstrate:
- Excellent customer care and communication skills
- Outstanding telephone manner
- The ability to communicate professionally with staff, students and visitors at all levels
- The ability to remain calm in pressurised situations, with a positive, proactive and problem solving approach to all duties and engagements
- Strong organisation skills
What's In It for You?
We offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- A competitive salary of £23,404 - £26,672 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting, dependent on qualifications and experience
- Generous holiday and pension packages
- Ongoing CPD and strong links with industry
- Free parking and access to travel-to-work and technology assistance schemes
- The opportunity to be part of a passionate, supportive team focused on learner success
Barking & Dagenham College is committed to best practice relating to safer recruitment and safeguarding. Please note that all employment checks are made in-line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines and Barking & Dagenham College use AI automation as part of our candidate processing. Job offers will be subject to onboarding checks including social media checks.
Barking & Dagenham College is proudly an inclusive employer, striving towards an open culture where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, safely and without fear of judgment or persecution. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation or age. Should you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know. You will not be disadvantaged for stating your needs and we want to support you to do your best in this process.
Receptionist employer: Barking & Dagenham College
Barking & Dagenham College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a supportive and innovative work environment. Located at the accessible Rush Green Campus, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages continuous development through our Passport to Teaching programme, alongside competitive salaries and opportunities to inspire the next generation in Protective Services. Join us to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying a fulfilling career in Further Education.
Contact Details:
Barking & Dagenham College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Barking & Dagenham College. 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 Barking & Dagenham College 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 Receptionist
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 Barking & Dagenham College:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Barking & Dagenham College 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 Barking & Dagenham College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barking & Dagenham College
✨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.
