At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome festival-goers and ensure a fantastic experience at our events.
- Company: Join the Edinburgh International Book Festival, a hub of creativity and ideas.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant cultural event and connect with inspiring writers and thinkers.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are a plus.
- Other info: Great opportunity for teamwork and personal growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Front of House Assistant [multiple positions] £13.45 per hour
Closing Date: 7 May 2026
Fixed Term, Full Time
About Us
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a world-leading cultural festival, with democracy, creativity and ideas exchange at its heart. We celebrate the power of words and writing in all of their dynamic and imaginative forms, bringing diverse perspectives together, and empowering our audiences to deepen their understanding of our ever-changing world. Since 1983, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to engage with the world’s greatest and emerging writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Each year, we programme innovative events that broaden the horizons and enrich the minds of our audiences, both in Edinburgh and online. These take the form of on-stage conversations, workshops, creative masterclasses, think tanks, and more, all informed by a culture of open dialogue, curiosity about the perspectives of others, and active embracing of new ideas and experiences.
About the Role
We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and hardworking Front of House Assistants for this year’s festival. Ideally, you’ll have previous experience in a customer-facing role, high standards of presentation and confident communication skills. You will also have the ability to work as part of a large team, problem solve under pressure and a strong attention to detail.
Apply: via the dedicated jobs portal
Deadline: 11.59pm on Thursday 07 May
Interviews: to be held on 22 and 23 April
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is an equal opportunities employer and a Real Living Wage employer. Our work is framed by a commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. The Book Festival is a working environment where everyone is treated fairly, and our differences are celebrated as strengths. We actively encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you have any specific access requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Front of House Host — Festival & Events employer: Festivals Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
Festivals Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House Host — Festival & Events
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the festival vibe! Before your interview, dive into the Edinburgh International Book Festival's past events and themes. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Front of House Assistant, you'll be the face of the festival. Role-play common customer interactions with friends or family to boost your confidence and communication skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! First impressions matter, especially in a customer-facing role. Make sure you look polished and professional, reflecting the high standards expected at the festival.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our dedicated jobs portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Front of House Host — Festival & Events
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Edinburgh International Book Festival shine through. We want to see how much you care about literature and events, so share your personal connection to books or any relevant experiences you've had!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Front of House Assistant role. Highlight any customer-facing experience and skills that match what we're looking for. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the festival's mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Portal: Don’t forget to apply through our dedicated jobs portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Festivals Edinburgh
✨Know the Festival Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Familiarise yourself with its history, mission, and the types of events they host. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is customer-facing, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in similar positions. Think of specific examples where you provided excellent service or handled difficult situations. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure and work well in a team.
✨Dress to Impress
Presentation matters, especially in a role that involves interacting with the public. Choose an outfit that reflects professionalism while still being comfortable. A smart appearance can make a great first impression and set the tone for the rest of the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the festival. You might ask about the team dynamics, how they handle busy periods, or what a typical day looks like for a Front of House Assistant. Engaging in this way can leave a lasting positive impression.