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- Tasks: Provide friendly customer service and support sales in a busy museum shop.
- Company: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, a vibrant heritage environment.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, pension scheme, childcare services, and travel discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and enhance visitor experiences in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and a passion for museums.
About the role
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is looking for two new variable-hours Shop Assistants to give friendly, professional customer service in our busy Museum shop.
You will work under the guidance of the Retail Manager to support sales and to contribute to back-office procedures. The Museum shop is a vital component of the commercial offer and visitor experience at the Museum. The shop has been trading successfully over a number of years and we are increasingly introducing bespoke items to increase sales and diversify the retail offer. The role requires excellent customer service skills, an enthusiasm for heritage environments and museums in particular, and a creative sales background.
This is a permanent variable hours (paid as claimed) post. It is anticipated that you will work approximately 2 days per week, across 7 days, Monday-Sunday, with additional shifts available to provide holiday and occasional sickness cover for other shop staff.
Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) due to access to the Museum collection.
About you
The role requires excellent customer service skills, an enthusiasm for heritage environments and museums in particular, and a creative sales background.
What we offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at the information provided by the employer.
Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. The supporting evidence form lists each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description – please explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.
We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Fitri Puspitasari, Shop Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (Fitri.puspitasari@oum.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Wednesday 1 October can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 10th October 2025.
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Museum Shop Assistant - 2 Posts employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Shop Assistant - 2 Posts
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Museum and its shop! Familiarise yourself with the products and the overall vibe of the place. This will help you connect with the team and show your enthusiasm during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle different types of customers. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it comes to showcasing your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can provide insider tips on what the Museum values in its employees and how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to tailor your supporting evidence form to highlight how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Shop Assistant - 2 Posts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a candidate, especially the essential and desirable criteria. This will help you tailor your CV and supporting evidence form to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role is all about providing excellent customer service, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past. We love to see enthusiasm for heritage environments too, so don’t hold back!
Use the Supporting Evidence Form Wisely: Remember, we need more than just your CV! The supporting evidence form is your chance to shine. Take the time to explain how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Be clear and concise, and don’t forget to showcase your creative sales background!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website to ensure your application is received correctly. Make sure to upload both your CV and the completed supporting evidence form before the deadline. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
✨Know Your Museum
Before the interview, take some time to research the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Familiarise yourself with its collections, exhibitions, and the role of the shop in enhancing the visitor experience. This knowledge will show your enthusiasm for heritage environments and help you connect your answers to the museum's mission.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your excellent customer service skills. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. This will demonstrate your ability to provide friendly and professional service, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Creative Sales Background
Since the role involves supporting sales and introducing bespoke items, be ready to discuss your creative sales strategies. Share any innovative ideas you've implemented in previous roles that increased sales or improved customer engagement. This will show that you can contribute positively to the shop's success.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of thoughtful questions to ask Fitri Puspitasari, the Shop Manager. Inquire about the shop's future plans, how they measure success, or what qualities they value most in a team member. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.