At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and drinks while creating a welcoming café atmosphere.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable customer service experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education and experience in catering or customer service preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25959 - 25959 £ per year.
Essex County Council are recruiting for a Café Assistant to work within the café at Harlow Library and ACL (Adult Community Learning) Centre. The café provides a welcoming space for library visitors, learners, staff, and members of the local community to enjoy refreshments and socialise.
As a Café Assistant, you will help to maintain a clean, safe, tidy, and welcoming environment for customers purchasing and consuming food and drink within the café. You will be responsible for serving customers, preparing and serving food and beverages, and undertaking basic food preparation in accordance with food safety regulations. You will also carry out washing up, clearing tables, general day-to-day cleaning duties, and scheduled deep cleaning activities in line with health and safety standards.
You will be expected to proactively identify and complete tasks to a high standard, operate tills and handle cash transactions, and assist with stock control, stocktaking, and the movement of supplies to ensure consumables are stored and used appropriately. You will be responsible for complying with all relevant health and safety procedures, ensuring the correct use and care of protective clothing and equipment at all times.
As a Café Assistant, you will play an important role in delivering an excellent customer experience by providing friendly, helpful, and professional service to all customers using the café within Harlow Library and ACL Centre.
The Experience You Will Bring:
- Educated to RQF Level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
- Experience of working within a Catering environment.
- Ability to develop skills and knowledge within role.
- Experience of delivering excellent customer service.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to prioritise own workload and work within a team.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Café Assistant – Harlow Library & ACL Centre employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Café Assistant – Harlow Library & ACL Centre
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Essex County Council and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Café Assistant – Harlow Library & ACL Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Essex County Council that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Essex County Council.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Essex County Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Essex County Council and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
