At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and support passengers on their journeys.
- Company: Join a leading railway operator with a focus on teamwork and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free travel, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and effective communication skills required.
£25,300 rising to £28,200 + Regional Allowance + Sundays
Key Info
- Role: Platform Assistant
- Location: Three Bridges
- Contract: Full Time, averaging 35 hours per week + rostered Sundays
- Roster: Earlies, Lates & Nights - 24 hour coverage
Are you passionate about delivering outstanding customer service? Do you enjoy helping people? This is your opportunity, as you will often be the first and last person our customers will meet on their journey and it is therefore a vital role for making our customers' day!
Key to your role, at all times, is being visible and anticipating the needs of the customer to meet their expectations. As a Platform Assistant you can do just that. You are responsible for:
- Providing the highest possible standard of advice, information and service to our customers
- Delivering a safe, attractive retail station environment
- Participating in the safe running of trains and a safe station environment by complying with procedures
- Promoting all relevant marketing literature and useful information
These roles cover 24 hour operation, so due to the shift times you must live in the local area and have available transport to ensure that you arrive at the station for the first shift and work your last shift as required as there may not always be a train service available. All roles may involve standing for long periods of time, working weekends and bank holidays. Platform based roles are safety critical due to the direct involvement with the operational railway.
Experience / Skills
- A proactive customer approach coupled with passion and ability to support the team.
- Exceptional levels of customer service, each and every time – you will be a role model for others to follow.
- Demonstrable experience of managing customers effectively in difficult environments.
- An effective communicator and must be able to demonstrate this both through your application and or assessments.
- Live in the local area to be able to get to and work and home.
- Able to make decisions in a customer focused manner and carry out instructions effectively.
In return, you'll be rewarded with an interesting and varied work schedule, in an environment where learning and progression is actively encouraged. Living locally, you'll have a short commute. You'll enjoy great company and industry benefits, as well as the support of a passionate team. Along with comprehensive and ongoing training, your benefits will include free travel on our network, privilege rate oyster card, up to 75% off travel on other TOCs (train operating companies), final salary pension and much more.
We reserve the right to remove this posting earlier than advertised should suitable candidates be appointed.
Customer Service Assistant - Platform (TBD) employer: Govia Thameslink Railway
GTR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Rail Operations Centre in Three Bridges, where no two days are the same. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide a comprehensive benefits package including a final salary pension, health care, and generous travel discounts for you and your family, alongside opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work-life balance through our flexible shift structures. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement in rail operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Assistant - Platform (TBD)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Govia Thameslink Railway. 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 Govia Thameslink Railway 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!
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 Govia Thameslink Railway:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Govia Thameslink Railway 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 Govia Thameslink Railway!
How to prepare for a job interview at Govia Thameslink Railway
✨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.
