At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the welcoming face of GMB, managing reception and supporting office administration.
- Company: Join one of the UK’s largest trade unions, committed to fairness and justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and various employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and learning in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact every day while supporting working people in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and confidence with Microsoft Office required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Applications are encouraged from people who are under-represented in the union. We actively encourage women, Ethnically Diverse/Global Majority Heritage, disabled and LGBT+ people to apply.
GMB is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest general trade unions: we’re proud to represent over half a million members from across the professional spectrum and all walks of life.
About the Role
At GMB, we are rooted in our values of solidarity, equality, democracy, and collective strength. As part of our continued commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in the workplace, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Receptionist to join our team based at our National Office in London. As Receptionist & General Support Assistant you'll be the welcoming face of our National Office in Euston. As the first point of contact for all visitors, callers, and deliveries, you’ll play a key role in creating a positive and professional impression of GMB. You’ll manage the reception area with confidence and care, ensuring it remains tidy, welcoming, and efficient at all times. You’ll take ownership of our meeting room bookings and setups, ensuring all rooms are prepared to a high standard, and resetting spaces between meetings. Your attention to detail will help ensure every meeting runs smoothly.
You’ll be the first point of contact for GMB members, whether they visit in person or call our main switchboard with enquiries. You’ll have a friendly and helpful approach that will ensure every member feels heard and supported. You’ll respond to emails and phone calls with professionalism and empathy, providing accurate information or directing queries to the right team or Region. You’ll be part of a dedicated team supporting the work of one of the UK’s largest trade unions. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities to learn new skills, and the chance to make a real impact every day.
About You
The successful candidate will:
- Greet and direct visitors, handle calls, and manage incoming/outgoing post
- Book, prepare, and maintain meeting rooms daily
- Respond to member queries via email and phone
- Support general office administration and supplies
- Liaise with couriers, cleaners, and security services
- Assist with internal communications and occasional minute-taking
What We’re Looking For
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- A polite, professional telephone manner
- Confidence using Microsoft Office (Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Forms)
- Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality
- A proactive, organised, and flexible approach
This is a highly rewarding role, and a commitment to putting the needs of working people first is absolutely essential.
In return, we offer excellent terms and benefits, including:
- Final Salary Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Childcare Assistance Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Eye Care claim back Scheme
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
- Annual Health Check
If you think this sounds like you, and you’d like to know more about either the role or us as an organisation and what we can offer you, we’d like to hear from you.
Deadline to apply: Midday on Friday 11 September
Grade 3 (starting at £37,677.60 per annum inclusive of London Weighting)
Receptionist & General Support - GMB National Office in London employer: GMB Union
GMB is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, where your expertise in employment law will directly impact the lives of our members. Located in the vibrant Southern Region, we offer competitive benefits, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to advocacy that empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that champions workers' rights and promotes a fair workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist & General Support - GMB National Office in London
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at GMB Union. 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 GMB Union 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 Receptionist & General Support - GMB National Office in London
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 GMB Union:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at GMB Union 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 GMB Union!
How to prepare for a job interview at GMB Union
✨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.
