At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with visitors and enhance their experience at Apsley House and Wellington Arch.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to preserving England's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy free access to sites, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for contract extension and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that connects people to history and creates memorable experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service; no history background required.
The predicted salary is between 14.19 - 14.19 £ per hour.
Location: Apsley House, Hyde Park, London, W1J 7NT
Salary: £14.19 per hour / 14 hours per week / Fixed Term Contract until 31st December 2026
Job type: Fixed Term Contract
Ref: 16573
Would you like to work for the charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites in every corner of England? We are looking for a Visitor Assistant to join us at Apsley House and Wellington Arch working 14 hours per week until 31st December, with the potential to continue your contract in January.
No history background? No problem. What is important to us is a passion for people and excellent customer service. You will enjoy working with others as part of a team and understand what makes excellent customer service to deliver an engaging visitor experience to a diverse audience.
Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage. Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings. That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.
Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants, stands right in the heart of London at Hyde Park Corner and has changed very little since his great victory at Waterloo in 1815.
By joining us as an Apsley House and Wellington Arch Visitor Assistant, you will be part of an amazing team of employees and volunteers, ensuring visitors have a great time from the moment they arrive until they say goodbye. Through your recommendations, you will help personalise their visit - this could include talking about the benefits of English Heritage membership or recommending things to see and do on site. You will also contribute to making sure your site is accessible, safe and well presented at all times.
It is a varied role - some days will be busy from start to finish and others quieter, especially on the wetter days! Some paid or voluntary experience with the public is beneficial but full training and support is provided as part of your induction. You will be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays, more information will be provided at interview.
Benefits include:
- The opportunity for career progression within the heritage sector in retail, food and beverage or general management
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you, and up to 6 friends and/or family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave
- 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays pro rata rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Options to buy additional leave
- Matched pension contributions up to a maximum of 10%
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage. Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First Aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
Interviews will take place at Apsley House in the week beginning 12th October.
Visitor Assistant in City of Westminster employer: English Heritage
English Heritage is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values community engagement and inclusivity. As the Heritage Community Partnerships Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in London by connecting with diverse communities and fostering partnerships at the historic Marble Hill House. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from professional development opportunities while contributing to enriching visitor experiences and supporting local volunteers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Assistant in City of Westminster
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at English Heritage. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like English Heritage before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Assistant in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to English Heritage:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at English Heritage specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at English Heritage!
How to prepare for a job interview at English Heritage
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
