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- 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with varied shifts and great career opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28841 - 28841 ÂŁ per year.
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Information for the role of College Porter (Porters Lodge)
Salary ÂŁ28,841 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 (Please note that those benefits which are non-contractual may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion).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 ÂŁ28,841 (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.
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College Porter employer: Cambridge
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land College Porter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the College! Familiarise yourself with its values and culture. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about communication, try role-playing common scenarios you might face as a College Porter. This will help you feel more confident when interacting with visitors and staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your flexibility! The job involves various shifts, so be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different working hours during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Downing College.
We think you need these skills to ace College Porter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about interacting with people, make sure your application highlights your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully dealt with the public or resolved queries in the past.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the College Porter role. Mention your experience with front-of-house services and any relevant computer skills, like using Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We want to see your personality shine through, but also ensure you’re providing the necessary information without rambling on.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by clicking 'Apply Now'! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Don’t forget to upload your CV!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what a College Porter does. Familiarise yourself with the daily responsibilities like managing enquiries, providing front-of-house service, and ensuring security. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role is all about interacting with people, be ready to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully dealt with the public or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your interpersonal abilities and fit for a people-facing role.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
The College Porter position involves working on a shift rota, so be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours. Mention any previous experience with shift work and how you manage your time effectively. This shows that you’re adaptable and ready for the demands of the job.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they handle challenging situations at the Porters Lodge. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.