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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in a vibrant retail environment while learning sales and customer service skills.
- Company: Join On the Square Emporium, a unique blend of antiques and film prop hire.
- Benefits: Earn £10/day, travel reimbursement, and retain your benefit entitlement during the placement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a chance to interview for permanent roles after 13 weeks.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for vintage and great communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic team, and a fun work atmosphere await you!
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to get experience working in a diverse retail role where they are not only learning the normal day to day sales/retail duties but working with a dynamic team of likeminded individuals with a common goal to build and expand our business. Not only do we buy and sell antiques, but we run one of the biggest film and tv prop hire companies in Northern Ireland. We fit out bars, restaurants, local attractions. We have pop up shops for every season, Halloween, Xmas. We are not your normal retail outlet. This work experience will offer you the opportunity to learn and in turn offer excellent customer service skills and you will support the store by assisting with a variety of tasks. At the end of a successful placement, you will have an opportunity to interview for permanent employment within the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Working with the shop team to make sales and ensure customer needs are met
- Providing good customer service and speaking to customers face to face, over the phone and dealing with online and text enquiries
- Build product knowledge by conducting personal research into the types of products we sell
- Daily cashing up
- Processing customer commissions
- Visual Merchandising to ensure the layout of the store is appealing to customers
- Processing incoming stock deliveries and taking inventory
- Processing customer deliveries and collections
- Assist in the upkeep of health and safety standards throughout the store.
- Cleaning duties throughout the store
- Problem solving
Skills and Qualifications
- Sales skills
- Time management and problem solving
- Commercial awareness and product knowledge
- Problem solving
- Interpersonal skills
- Patience and tact when dealing with different staff and customer situations
- Technology skills such as learning how to use our point of sale system
- Interest in vintage and antiques
- Team player but able to work on own initiative
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Flexible approach
Further Information
The Employer is On the Square Emporium. As this is an Opportunity Guarantee placement, it is only available to those aged 16-24. This work experience opportunity is expected to last for 13 weeks and will require attendance of 25 hours per week. While on Work Experience, participants will retain their entitlement to benefit. Those who are not receiving benefit are also welcome to participate. Travel and childcare costs may be reimbursed. Participants will also receive an incentive payment equivalent to £10/day to a maximum of £50/week. Contact your local Jobs and Benefits office for further information or contact the WEP team via WorkExperience@communitiesni.gov.uk.
Application Information
If you are in receipt of benefits, please contact your local Jobs and Benefits Office.
Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 06 Nov 2025
Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 07 Nov 2025
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DFC Work Experience - Retail Assistant employer: Department for Communities (Work Experience Opportunities)
Contact Detail:
Department for Communities (Work Experience Opportunities) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DFC Work Experience - Retail Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on On the Square Emporium. Understand their products, values, and what makes them unique in the retail space. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role involves a lot of face-to-face interaction, think about how you would handle different customer scenarios. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it comes to the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Highlight any past experiences where you've worked in a team, especially in retail or customer service. Employers love to see that you can collaborate and contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows that you’re proactive about landing this opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace DFC Work Experience - Retail Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for retail and antiques shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Mention any customer service experience or teamwork examples that align with our dynamic environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Communities (Work Experience Opportunities)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, do a bit of research on antiques and the types of products the company sells. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer questions confidently and engage in conversations about their unique offerings.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, be prepared to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with customers or resolved issues, as this will highlight your ability to provide excellent service.
✨Be Ready to Problem Solve
The job description mentions problem-solving skills, so think of scenarios where you've had to think on your feet. Be ready to discuss how you approached challenges in previous roles or situations, as this will showcase your critical thinking abilities.
✨Dress the Part
Even though it's a work experience role, first impressions matter! Dress smartly and appropriately for the interview. This shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the company well.
