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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers and provide exceptional service in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join the British Heart Foundation, a leader in charity retail and sustainability since 1961.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, staff discounts, and access to holistic support and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real impact on community health and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: No prior retail experience needed; just bring your passion, energy, and customer service skills.
- Other info: This role involves lifting furniture and requires flexibility for weekend and bank holiday shifts.
The opportunity
Would you like to be part of a retail team that are community based, offer amazing choice and genuine sustainability?
Look no further – join us as a Sales Assistant in Hemel Hempstead (HP1 1BB)
This is a part time role working 14 hours a week in one of our busy furniture stores. Our stores are fast-paced and trade 7 days a week. This role requires flexibility to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
You\’ll join the team on a 3-month fixed term contract.
What does this role involve?
As a Sales Assistant you\’ll be at the very heart of our retail operation. This is not just a standing behind the till or filling shelves type of role, we\’re looking for someone who will deliver a first class customer service experience. It\’s a fun, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and everyone works as a team.
Every day is different in charity retail, as well as working on the till or sorting donations, you can expect to:
- Engage with customers, providing exceptional service and promoting our charity\’s mission
- Organise and merchandise donated stock creatively to maximise sales potential
- Collaborate with our E-Commerce team to maximise online sales
Please note, this role can be physically demanding and will involve lifting large pieces of furniture.
You will be given lots of autonomy in your role and will strive to continually build your knowledge of BHF.
What are we looking for?
- Previous retail experience isn\’t essential. What truly counts is your passion, energy, and ability to deliver the very best customer service.
- You\’ll be confident within a team environment and comfortable guiding the activity of volunteers on the shop floor
- Able to work well under pressure and on your own initiative in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail in everything you do
- Positive, creative, confident, customer service focussed and passionate about sustainability
- You\’ll be comfortable with tech, able to use a Till, PC, Smartphone and e-mail with ease.
What\’s important to us?
At the British Heart Foundation (BHF) we offer a huge range of new and used quality furniture, clothing, jewellery and more, available in store and online.
Since 1961, British Heart Foundation has been at the forefront of research that has helped to halve annual deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK. But our work is needed more than ever.
In addition to raising funds for the BHF, we connect with our local communities and help reduce clothing and furniture waste across the UK. With over 700 stores we make a huge environmental impact by preventing around 70,000 tonnes of unwanted items going to landfill every year. We receive 1.6 million items donated to our home stores and 9.8 million bags of donated items and will continue to build upon our reuse agenda in the years to come.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Why join the BHF?
We have a strong culture of internal progression and will actively support you to develop your career.
Our generous staff benefits include:
- 38 days annual leave (plus the option sell leave)
- Holistic support leave of up to 10 additional days off each year
- Enhanced family policies (maternity, paternity and adoption leave)
- Wagestream – early access to your wages
- 25% staff discount
- Health cash plan (Dental, Optical, Therapies, etc)
- Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Pension with employer contribution of up to 10%
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounts on gym memberships
- Discounts with a wide range of retailers
Ready to apply?
To apply, please follow these simple steps:
- Click the \”Apply\” button below.
- You\’ll be seamlessly redirected to the BHF Careers page .
- Complete the application form, submit your CV and upload your employment history.
What do I need to know?
DBS Check: As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding, our process requires that successful candidates are asked to consent to a basic criminal records check
Inclusivity Matters : We\’re committed to fairness and consistency. As part of this commitment, we use anonymous CV software during the application process
Act Swiftly : Early applications are encouraged. We\’ll be reviewing submissions throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early
Sponsorship: Please note that we are unlikely to be able to sponsor applicants in respect of this role due to the role not meeting the minimum salary criteria to be eligible for sponsorship.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact a member of the Recruitment team.
Sales Assistant employer: British Heart Foundation
Contact Detail:
British Heart Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Heart Foundation's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community engagement will help you connect with the team during your interview and demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've provided exceptional service in previous roles or experiences. This will highlight your ability to engage with customers effectively, which is crucial for a Sales Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours, especially weekends and bank holidays. Emphasising your willingness to adapt to the store's needs will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to talk about your teamwork experience, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlighting your ability to collaborate with others and guide volunteers will show that you're a great fit for the dynamic atmosphere of the store.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what the Sales Assistant role entails. Highlight your ability to provide exceptional customer service and your passion for sustainability in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any previous customer service experience, even if it's not in retail, and showcase your teamwork abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the British Heart Foundation's mission. Mention specific examples of how you can contribute to the team and enhance customer experiences.
Highlight Flexibility and Initiative: In your application, mention your willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays. Showcase your ability to work under pressure and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Heart Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for providing exceptional customer service. Share examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond to help a customer, even if you don't have direct retail experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team and guiding volunteers, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss any previous experiences where teamwork was essential to achieving a goal.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
Prepare to discuss how you handle pressure and adapt to changing situations. Provide examples of times when you successfully managed multiple tasks or dealt with unexpected challenges in a busy environment.
✨Emphasise Your Creativity and Attention to Detail
The role requires creative merchandising of donated stock. Think of ways you've used creativity in past roles and be ready to share these ideas. Also, mention how you ensure attention to detail in your work, as this is crucial in retail.
