At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service and be the friendly face of our team.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a diverse and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible working, and competitive pay.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a proactive approach to customer service.
The predicted salary is between 20501 - 20501 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 3 (£24,546 pro rata). FTE and working pattern: 0.77 FTE (part-time, 27 hours per week) open-ended.
Holiday Entitlement: 28 days annual leave plus 9 buildings-closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday).
Purpose of Role
The Customer Assistant is the key customer facing member of staff on shift delivering an informed and positive welcome at all times.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Always deliver customer excellence
- Act as a key Liaison for bookings
- Act as a key Liaison for Membership
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable ability to speak and understand English (verbal and written) and deal with customer/student queries
- Literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to SCQF Level 4 (National 4) or similar
- Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above
- Competent in the use of relevant IT packages
- Well-developed interpersonal skills
- Demonstrable professional and proactive approach
- Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
- Demonstrable provision of excellent customer service
- Attention to detail
Desirable Criteria
- Educated to SCQF level 5 (National 5) or equivalent
- Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined under “summary of key duties and responsibilities”
- Experience of using a leisure management system, preferably Gladstone 360
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
About the Team
Oriam has a vision to inspire and motivate our communities through the facilities we provide and the interactions we have with our customers. As a member of the team, you will contribute to the delivery of this vision.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Customer Assistant employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University in Orkney is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of renewable energy. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful research and curriculum development in marine energy technologies. The unique location in Orkney, known for its pioneering work in offshore energy, provides a stimulating backdrop for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Heriot-Watt University and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Heriot-Watt University and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Heriot-Watt University.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Heriot-Watt University and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Heriot-Watt University.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Heriot-Watt University will surely appreciate.
