Front of House Visitor Host (Weekends) - 2 posts in Oxford

Front of House Visitor Host (Weekends) - 2 posts in Oxford

Oxford Part-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with visitors, deliver guided tours, and provide excellent customer service.
  • Company: Join the historic Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford.
  • Benefits: 38 days annual leave, pension scheme, childcare services, and travel discounts.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team and share your passion for heritage and culture.
  • Qualifications: Customer-facing experience and strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for personal growth.

The Bodleian Libraries welcome thousands of visitors each year to experience the historic heart of the University of Oxford. As part of the Front of House team, you will play a vital role in delivering a world-class visitor experience across our sites.

You will engage warmly with visitors from all over the world, delivering informative and engaging guided tours and helping to promote the Bodleian’s range of public offers, including ticketed experiences, exhibitions, and events. You will also provide excellent customer service at our public service points, ensuring that all visitors receive a positive and memorable experience.

You will work to a daily staffing schedule, rotating between different service points. This role involves moving around the historic buildings, walking groups of visitors on guided tours, and occasionally lifting and moving lightweight equipment.

This is a permanent, part-time post, with two weekend vacancies available:

  • Vacancy 1: 10.25 hours per week/0.2808 FTE
  • Vacancy 2: 12.75 hours per week/0.3493 FTE

You will be a confident and enthusiastic communicator with a genuine passion for engaging with the public. You will have previous experience in a customer-facing role and be comfortable speaking clearly to diverse audiences, including international visitors and large groups.

You will be adaptable, reliable, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. You will demonstrate good organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A strong interest in heritage, culture, or education would be an advantage.

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

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.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents must be submitted to be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities.

Only applications received online before 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 17th November 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 24th November 2025. The anticipated start date is Saturday 3rd January 2026.

Front of House Visitor Host (Weekends) - 2 posts in Oxford employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford

The Bodleian Libraries offer a unique opportunity to work in a historic and culturally rich environment, where employees are valued and supported through a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation fosters a friendly work culture that encourages professional growth and development, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about heritage and public engagement.
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Contact Detail:

Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Front of House Visitor Host (Weekends) - 2 posts in Oxford

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Bodleian Libraries! Familiarise yourself with their history, exhibitions, and events. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Engage with friends or family as if they were visitors. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for customer service.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to showcase your adaptability! Think of examples from past experiences where you’ve had to think on your feet or handle unexpected situations. This is key for a role that involves engaging with diverse audiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with online processes, which is a bonus in today’s job market.

We think you need these skills to ace Front of House Visitor Host (Weekends) - 2 posts in Oxford

Customer Service
Communication Skills
Public Speaking
Engagement with Diverse Audiences
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Teamwork
Reliability
Calmness Under Pressure
Interest in Heritage and Culture

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what they're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.

Tailor Your CV and Supporting Evidence Form: Don’t just send a generic CV! We recommend customising your CV and supporting evidence form to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the role. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the Front of House team!

Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to easily understand how you meet the criteria, so get straight to the point and keep it engaging!

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford

✨Know the Bodleian Libraries

Before your interview, take some time to research the Bodleian Libraries. Familiarise yourself with their history, key exhibitions, and visitor experiences. This will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to enhancing the visitor experience.

✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

Since this role is all about engaging with visitors, be prepared to share specific examples of your previous customer-facing experiences. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. This will demonstrate your ability to provide excellent service under pressure.

✨Practice Your Communication Style

As a Front of House Visitor Host, clear communication is key. Practice speaking clearly and confidently, especially if you're addressing a group. You might even want to rehearse a short guided tour or presentation to showcase your enthusiasm and ability to engage diverse audiences.

✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions

This role requires working both independently and as part of a team. Prepare for questions about your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you collaborated effectively with others, adapted to different roles, or supported your colleagues during busy periods. This will highlight your adaptability and reliability.

Front of House Visitor Host (Weekends) - 2 posts in Oxford
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Location: Oxford
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