At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and provide information to enhance their experience in Colchester.
- Company: Colchester City Council, dedicated to high-quality public services.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, gym discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face of Colchester and help visitors explore this vibrant area.
- Qualifications: Confident, friendly, with strong communication skills and a passion for tourism.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: 37 hours per week
Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible services to residents, visitors and businesses. They are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public and commercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex.
The Council are seeking a Visitor Information Assistant to provide information and assistance to visitors before and during their stay and to assist in the smooth and efficient running of the Visitor Information Centre and Hollytrees Museum.
Duties of the role
As an essential member of the Visit Colchester tourism team based in the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) in Hollytrees Museum, you will offer a friendly and professional welcome and a range of services directly to customers, while also supporting the promotion of the destination through the Visit Colchester website, social media and other channels. The Visit Colchester Team is also responsible for the day-to-day operation of Hollytrees Museum, and the post holder will be a key holder with responsibility for the maintenance and security of the building and contents as well as the safety of all those who use it. Some light cleaning and tidying of the public areas is undertaken daily.
Hours and days of work may vary according to operational requirements, but the post holder will normally be required to work Tuesday to Saturday including Bank Holidays when the building is open.
Qualifications and skills required
To be successful in this front-line role you need to be confident, friendly and helpful as well as passionate about Colchester and the surrounding area, in order to help visitors get the most out of their stay and our residents to explore what’s on their doorstep. You will take on a wide range of tasks demanding comprehensive communication and IT skills, including excellent spoken and written English, and the ability to research and present information in response to enquiries and to process sales and bookings in an efficient way. The post holder will be jointly responsible for carrying out administrative tasks associated with income generation which require attention to detail and accuracy, including the recording and reconciliation of income. An existing knowledge of the local area, a tourism qualification, fluency in any or all of French, German, Italian or Spanish and a current driving licence are all desirable attributes for this role.
What we offer
The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential. You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.
Other benefits include:
- Gym, travel and online retail discounts
- Excellent training, development and progression opportunities
For an informal discussion about this vacancy, please contact Claire Taylor, Visitor And Cultural Services Manager on 01206 282655.
Visitor Information Assistant employer: Colchester City Council
Colchester City Council is an excellent employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to employee development, the Council offers generous benefits such as an attractive pension scheme, ample annual leave, and opportunities for training and progression. Working in the heart of Colchester, you will be part of a vibrant team that plays a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience while promoting the rich cultural heritage of the area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Information Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Colchester like the back of your hand! Familiarise yourself with local attractions, events, and hidden gems. This will not only help you answer visitor queries but also show your passion for the area during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s chatting with friends or volunteering, the more you engage with people, the better you'll get at providing that friendly and professional welcome that the role demands.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Brush up on your IT abilities, especially if you're not super confident. Being able to handle bookings and sales efficiently is key, so consider taking a quick online course if needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Information Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Colchester:When writing your application, let your love for Colchester shine through! Share why you’re excited about helping visitors explore the area and what makes it special to you.
Be Friendly and Professional:Since this role is all about customer service, make sure your application reflects a friendly and professional tone. Use clear language and show that you’re approachable and ready to assist.
Highlight Your Communication Skills:We need someone who can communicate effectively, so don’t forget to showcase your written and spoken English skills. Mention any relevant experiences where you’ve had to present information or handle enquiries.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your amazing skills and enthusiasm for the Visitor Information Assistant role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester City Council
✨Know Your Local Area
Brush up on your knowledge of Colchester and its attractions. Be ready to share interesting facts or recommendations about the area during your interview. This shows your passion for the role and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Visitor Information Assistant, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with common software used in visitor centres, like booking systems or social media platforms. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the Visitor Information Centre and its operations. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role is the right fit for you.
