At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our school and manage daily staff cover.
- Company: Blacon High School - a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and full training provided.
- Other info: Join a committed staff team with excellent career support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a busy school environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisation, and IT skills; school experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20411 - 21056 £ per year.
Temporary (Maternity Cover) Receptionist / Cover Organiser
37 hours per week, term-time plus 5 inset days (39 weeks per year)
Grade 3, £20411 – £21056 per annum (actual), depending on experience
Blacon High School – More Than a School
We are looking for a professional and personable Receptionist / Cover Organiser to join our front office and admin team. This dual role is key to the smooth and efficient running of the school day and involves being the first point of contact for students, staff, visitors and parents, as well as managing and arranging daily staff cover. This is a busy, fast-paced role that requires excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills. You will work closely with senior leaders, teaching staff and external supply agencies to ensure that cover is arranged quickly and effectively each day, and that reception duties are carried out to a high standard.
We are looking for applicants who:
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Are confident, calm and professional when working under pressure
- Have strong administrative and IT skills, including SIMS (or willingness to learn)
- Are proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Can maintain confidentiality and deal with situations sensitively and appropriately
Previous experience in a school environment and knowledge of cover management systems would be advantageous but is not essential. Full training and support will be provided for the right candidate.
At Blacon High School, we are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive and ambitious community. The successful candidate will join a supportive and committed staff team.
Further information is available via our school website: www.blaconhighschool.net.
For an informal discussion about the role or to arrange a visit, please contact Ms Laura Rose (Business Manager) at lrose@blaconhigh.cheshire.sch.uk or phone 01244 371475.
Receptionist Employer: Blacon High School Reference: SEC/26/340759 in Cheshire employer: Cheshire Schools
Blacon High School is an exceptional employer that fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment in education. With a strong commitment to staff development, the school offers comprehensive training and support, ensuring that employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to the vibrant school community. Located in a supportive atmosphere, the role of Receptionist / Cover Organiser not only provides a chance to make a significant impact on students' daily experiences but also allows for personal and professional growth within a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist Employer: Blacon High School Reference: SEC/26/340759 in Cheshire
✨Get Social with Customer Support Communities
Join customer support groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. They often share job openings or temp opportunities. Engaging with these communities can help you learn more about the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for, plus you'll meet folks who might know about openings at companies like Cheshire Schools.
✨Leverage Seasonal Hiring Trends
Since customer support roles can spike during busy seasons (think holidays and sales periods), keep an eye out for timelines when companies ramp up hiring. Make sure to apply early and stay active; sending a quick follow-up a week after applying can show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Flex Your Communication Skills
In customer support, communication is key! Prepare for hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving and customer interaction skills. Practising answers to common role-play questions can really help you shine in interviews—trust us, it makes a difference!
✨Make the Most of Job Boards
Use industry-specific job boards like Glassdoor or Indeed to find temporary roles. Don’t forget to set up alerts for customer support positions at companies like Cheshire Schools. The earlier you apply, the better your chances, so keep your finger on the pulse!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist Employer: Blacon High School Reference: SEC/26/340759 in Cheshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Communication Skills:In customer support, top-notch communication is key. Make sure your CV showcases any previous experience where you’ve had to clearly convey information or resolve issues. If you’ve handled customer queries via email or chat, mention it! Let’s see those strong verbal and written skills shine through.
Showcase Problem-Solving Experience:Employers love to see how you've handled tricky situations. Include examples in your application where you’ve tackled customer concerns or had to think on your feet. It's all about proving you can keep cool under pressure and find solutions—something super important in a temporary customer support role!
Tailor Your Approach for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary gig, make sure your cover letter emphasises your flexibility and eagerness to dive right in. Mention that you're ready to hit the ground running and are adaptable to new tools or systems—this shows that you understand the urgency often needed in temporary positions.
Proof of Customer Satisfaction:If you’ve got any quantifiable achievements from past customer support roles, like improved customer satisfaction scores or successful project completions, make sure to include them. Numbers speak volumes! This not only shows your capability but also gives us a reason to believe you'll bring that same success to Cheshire Schools.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire Schools
✨Master the Customer Interaction Game
In customer support, we need to showcase our people skills. Prepare for role-playing scenarios where you'll demonstrate how to handle difficult customers or resolve complaints. Think about the types of issues common in Cheshire Schools's industry and how you can respond empathetically and effectively!
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
For a temporary role, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the products or services Cheshire Schools offers. Brush up on key features, common issues, and FAQs. This knowledge will enable you to respond quickly and confidently to customer queries, showing you’re ready to jump in at a moment’s notice!
✨Flexibility is Key - Emphasise Your Adaptability!
Since this is a temporary role, we're looking to convey how quickly we can adapt to new systems or processes. Be ready to share examples of how you've quickly learned new tools or adjusted to changing environments in past roles. Show them you're the go-to person when the pressure's on!
✨Prepare for Quick Conversational Q&A
You might face a rapid-fire round of questions about customer service principles or how you'd handle specific situations. To ace this, think through different customer scenarios ahead of time, and practice your responses to ensure they're concise and impactful. The aim is to demonstrate your quick thinking and problem-solving skills!
