At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage visitors with captivating stories and provide exceptional customer service at Hillsborough Castle.
- Company: Join Historic Royal Palaces, a charity preserving iconic landmarks.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a chance to work in a historic setting.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team and share the rich history of Northern Ireland.
- Qualifications: Strong storytelling skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 24577 - 24577 £ per year.
Home Palace: Hillsborough Castle
Status: Casual, Temporary/Seasonal
Estimated Start date: 1 April 2026
End Date: 1 November 2026
Salary: Seasonal = £24,577 per annum pro-rata (£13.13 p/h) / Casual wage = £14.71 p/h (incl. holiday allowance)
Salary Rate: Pro Rata
Days/Hours of work: Seasonal: 21-hour Part-time roles available. 3 days per week. Shifts will include some weekends and bank holidays. Casual Engagement: Zero-hours, ad hoc.
About the role and about you:
New Year, New Opportunity! Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland. You will be joining a dedicated Castle Host team with a flair for outstanding customer service, welcoming visitors to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - the home of politicians and monarchs throughout its vibrant history.
We have vacancies for Summer Seasonal (temporary) jobs, and places on our ad-hoc Casual (zero-hours) register. We are looking for people to work across both the admissions area, and on the Castle tour routes. As a Castle Host, you will bring the amazing stories of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens to life - sharing your passion for the castle and ensuring historical accuracy and relevance of the stories. You will support the visitor experience across the estate, opening up the history of the castle and gardens in an entertaining, dynamic and engaging style.
As part of the team, you will be a welcoming presence at the Weston Pavilion, directing and engaging with our visitors and ensuring that they all receive a warm and friendly welcome. You will be selling tickets and also providing customers in our retail store with outstanding service, ensuring the smooth operation of the shop and responding promptly and flexibly to customer needs.
About You:
- You will have a flair for storytelling with the confidence to deliver entertaining stories about the castle to diverse groups.
- Experience of delivering information in an engaging way to both individuals and large parties is desirable.
- You will be a team player, who relishes the challenge of a busy working environment.
- You will enjoy exploring new and creative ways of working that add real value to our customers’ experiences.
- You’ll love showcasing retail items and upselling products and services to our visitors.
- You’ll be friendly, professional and be able to communicate effectively with all different kinds of people.
- And above all, you will be experienced in and share a passion for delivering outstanding face to face customer service.
- An interest and knowledge of Northern Ireland’s history is advantageous.
You will work a roster according to the needs of the business, which will be provided in advance and the shifts will include working some weekends and bank holidays.
Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background. We are also committed to high quality Safeguarding practices and to ensure everyone is kept safe in our palaces. We have procedures in place to ensure this commitment is delivered and will deal firmly and swiftly with anyone representing our charity who does not meet our required standards.
Front of House in Hillsborough employer: Hireful
At hireful, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Our part-time roles, such as the Cleaning Assistant in Malvern, provide flexible hours that allow for a healthy work-life balance, while also presenting opportunities for personal growth and development within our community-focused environment. Join us to contribute to maintaining high cleanliness standards at The Downs, where your efforts are truly appreciated and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House in Hillsborough
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Hireful are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Front of House in Hillsborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Hireful.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Hireful. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hireful
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
