At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers and support library services while ensuring a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the University Library and Collections team in Durham.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, training provided, and a vibrant work atmosphere.
- Other info: Part-time roles available with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 13000 - 16000 £ per year.
The Customer Services Team is part of University Library and Collections. We provide front-line (face to face and virtual) customer, visitor and enquiry services across our department. This includes visitor services at our museums and visitor attractions: Palace Green Library, Oriental Museum and Durham Castle, as well as user services in our Libraries and study spaces 7 days a week, including 24/7 opening during part of the academic year.
Customer Services Assistants play a vital role in delivering a high quality experience to our customers. Work can include engaging with customers in a reception role enabling entry and exit to the library and supporting with User Experience (UX) activities, through to shelving returned library materials; processing new books to moving materials between sites. The role is key in maintaining an excellent work and study environment, conducting furniture checks, ensuring the replenishment of multi-functional devices and keeping the buildings tidy and safe for our customers.
Customer Services Assistants work Monday to Sunday, working early morning, day and evening shifts as part of a standard rota, covering between 7.45am and 10pm, including Bank Holidays at any of our Library and Collections sites. Current shift patterns for this post include one weekend shift and up to three evening shifts per week. Part time roles could be worked over 5 days.
Library work involves considerable manual handling and physical activity, for example: packing and lifting books, lifting boxes, and pushing trolleys. Appropriate training will be provided. Any role holders who hold the appropriate UK driving licence may be required to drive University vehicles including manual transmission vans.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Customer Services Assistant - Durham in The Boldons employer: Durham University
As a Customer Services Assistant at the University Library and Collections in Durham, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional service to our diverse community. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values employee growth through training and development opportunities, while also offering flexible shift patterns to accommodate work-life balance. Join us in a vibrant environment where your contributions directly enhance the visitor experience at our renowned museums and libraries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Assistant - Durham in The Boldons
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Durham University and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Durham University and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Assistant - Durham in The Boldons
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Durham University.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Durham University and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Durham University.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Durham University will surely appreciate.
