At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, manage calls, sort deliveries, and ensure security at the College.
- Company: Join a friendly team at a prestigious College in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with varied shifts and great career opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact and make a difference in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and a friendly, flexible attitude required.
The predicted salary is between 28841 - 28841 £ per year.
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Information for the role of College Porter (Porters Lodge)
Salary £28,841 per annum
Permanent full-time position on a shift rota (38 hours per week)
Do you have excellent communication skills? Are you seeking a people-facing role with plenty of variety?
We are seeking a College Porter to join a friendly established team. The Porters Lodge is the central hub of the College, acting as the first point of contact for all enquiries from external visitors, staff, students, and fellows. Daily responsibilities include providing a front-of-house service, welcoming visitors, managing telephone calls, sorting deliveries, and distributing mail around the College. Additionally, the Lodge responds to fire alarms, provides first aid, attends to student welfare calls out of hours, and is responsible for the security of the College.
Operating 24/7, the Porters Lodge is staffed by a dedicated team working on a rota basis. Shifts include early, late, night, and sleep shifts, covering Monday to Sunday, with an average of 38 hours worked per week.
- A demonstrable understanding of the work of a Porters Lodge.
- Experience of dealing with members of the public and highly developed interpersonal skills.
- A good level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
- The ability to maintain confidentiality of data.
You will enjoy working as part of a team, be friendly and have a flexible approach to working hours and tasks. Comprehensive training and a full induction are provided to ensure you\'re fully prepared for the role.
The College offers a generous benefits package. Please see the advert attached below for the full list. (Please note that those benefits which are non-contractual may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion).
Details the role
The role of College Porter is a permanent post. Applications are invited from candidates who are able to work on a full-time, shift rota basis, on average 38 hours per week. The shifts in the rota cover 24 hours per day and consist of early, late, night and sleep shifts to cover Monday to Sunday. The salary for this role is £28,841 (Step 32 on the College Salary Scale).
Application Process
To apply for this position click “Apply Now” on the advert posting on our website (Staff vacancies | Downing College Cambridge ) and complete an application form. You are able to upload your CV in support of your application.
Closing date: midday on Monday 3 November 2025.
Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds.
All applicants will be contacted once shortlisting has taken place.
The successful applicant will be asked to complete a Enhanced level DBS check. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.
We are pleased to be able offer this document in an accessible format, please contact HR (recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk) if you wish to receive this advert and role profile or an application form in a different, accessible format, e.g. large print.
College Porter in Cambridge employer: Cambridge
At Downing College, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. As a College Porter, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and a generous benefits package, all while being part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in the College community. With opportunities for personal growth and development, this position offers a meaningful way to contribute to the welfare and security of our students and visitors in the heart of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land College Porter in Cambridge
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Cambridge. 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 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 College Porter in 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:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Cambridge 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge
✨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.
