At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist residents with diverse queries and situations, from lost pets to housing issues.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Cambridge City Council, a key player in local government.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous annual leave, and access to discounts and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Part-time role of 20 hours per week with potential for hybrid working.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in local government with opportunities for growth and impactful community service.
- Qualifications: Looking for adaptable individuals with strong computer skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 22899 - 24856 £ per year.
Description: The Role and About the Person you are looking for:If you’re looking for a career in local government then join our customer service team!The TeamWe are the lifeblood of Cambridge City Council’s workforce; our advisors are routinely promoted to positions in all teams across the Council, including housing, council tax, transformation, environmental services, elections and housing repairs. Joining our team is a good first step in achieving your career goals, as the skills and knowledge you will gain working as a customer service advisor are valued in every team across the council.The roleOur team are crucial to the residents of Cambridge, assisting them with a variety of situations. During a typical day you could begin by helping someone who has found a dog and end it with a tenant who has lost a roof tile, with a healthy dose of noisy neighbours, home improvement plans and runaway cows to fill your time in between! This role can evolve into a hybrid working; our advisors help customers face to face at our offices in central Cambridge as well supporting residents by telephone, email and web chat, training also needs to be completed in person in our offices.It is a challenging role, as there is continuous demand for our services. Additionally, as in all walks of life, some customers who need our support may have mental health conditions, or could be facing life-changing housing situations, so the ability to remain calm and continue to help customers who are in the midst of difficult circumstances is essential.What you will be doingAs a Customer Service Advisor, we will look to you to provide help and advice to customers with a diverse range of queries, questions, and situations so you’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to build relationships, take ownership and use your initiative to make decisions for the benefit of our customers. You will have the chance to work in partnership with all services within the Council and to keep the customer journey at the forefront of what we do. About youBecause not all days are the same, you need to be flexible and adaptable as well as having a high degree of computer literacy and attention to detail. Being resilient and not taking offense are key personal attributes the role requires, so if you have these skills and want a career in local government, apply to join our team today.Love customer service roles and still want to progress?Our career grade programme will support you to do just that. Demonstrate your achievements through examples of where you have gained a new skill or gone above and beyond for our customers, you can be considered for progression within the customer services team.If you have the talents, we are looking for then we want to hear from you.The successful applicant will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure check.What we can offer:A variety of learning and development opportunities via a range of sources and methodsAccess to the highly valued Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) SchemeAgile and Flexible workingAnnual leave purchasing schemeAnnually negotiated pay and award progressionConfidential advice and support via an Employee Assistance ProgrammeCycle to Work SchemeFamily friendly policiesFlexible Bank HolidaysFree swimming at CCC swimming poolsGenerous annual leave allowance 25 days’ per annum, rising to 30 days’ after five years continuous service; plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time)Gym Memership salary sacrifice schemeHome & Electronics salary sacrifice schemeLifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkts, attractions and moreProfessional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on roleRelocation Assistance may be payable in approved casesStaff reward and recognition framework- including annual staff awards ceremonySubsidy for public transportYour Care dynamic wellbeing platformHours: Working Pattern: Part time role – 20 hours per weekContract: Permanent Salary: £28,624 - £31,067 per annum, pro rata for part time. Location: Mandela House You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitment or Our People & Culture Strategy.If you would like an informal chat, please contact Debbie Grace on 01223 458671 or email Process: To be considered for this role, please follow the on-screen instructions to ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application.If you are an internal candidate you can apply by logging in to your Employee Self-Serve (ESS) and access the ‘Useful Links’ (top right of the dashboard, under the person icon) and click on ‘CCC Job Opportunities’.
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Salary: *GBP*28,624 - *GBP*31,067 per annum, pro rata for part time.
Package:
Contractual hours: 20
Basis: Part time
Customer Service Advisor PT 20 hours per week -Permanent - Cambridge employer: Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Customer Service Advisor, you will have access to a variety of learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme and annual leave purchasing options. Working in the heart of Cambridge, you'll play a vital role in assisting residents while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your contributions and encourages career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Advisor PT 20 hours per week -Permanent - Cambridge
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Cambridge City Council. 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 Cambridge City Council 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 Advisor PT 20 hours per week -Permanent - Cambridge
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 Cambridge City Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Cambridge City Council 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 Cambridge City Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨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.
