At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide friendly reception services and assist students, staff, and visitors with their queries.
- Company: Join a supportive team at the University of Kent, promoting diversity and equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 43 days' leave, excellent pension, and corporate healthcare plan.
- Other info: Flexible shifts across campus with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while developing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in customer service.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
If you have experience of providing excellent reception services, good IT skills and the ability to actively listen to customers and deal with unexpected situations with courtesy, diplomacy and patience this role could be ideal for you. Join our team, providing a friendly, helpful and informative reception service to students, staff and external visitors.
For much of your shift you will be the sole Customer Services Assistant and therefore it is essential that in addition to having excellent customer service skills, you are able to deal calmly and confidently with all queries and bookings. The roles are situated across campus in accommodation areas, academic buildings, central service buildings and in campus service buildings and role holders can expect to work in a variety of settings depending on demand.
Typical shift patterns are between 07:00 and 23:00 on a rota basis, Monday to Sunday, 5/7 days.
As Customer Services Assistant you can expect to be involved in:
- Receiving all initial enquiries from students, staff and visitors to reception areas, resolving them or referring correctly to other staff or university departments as appropriate.
- Assisting the wider campus services and university teams by signposting customers to the range of services on offer and how to access them.
- Maintaining the tidiness and security of the reception area and its facilities ensuring stock levels of office equipment, stationery and consumables are maintained.
- Using a range of university systems (e.g. accommodation systems, access control systems, switchboard, library systems, payment systems etc.) to aid in the resolution of queries and enquiries.
- Coordinating the issue of card/key access, where necessary, resolving or escalating any issues that arise as appropriate.
What will you bring to the role?
- GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or equivalent
- Experience of working in a busy and demanding front facing customer service environment providing excellent customer care
- The ability to demonstrate experience handling difficult and unexpected situations
- A high level of IT skill and familiarity.
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
- Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health
The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.
CS-392-26-R - Customer Service Assistant employer: Job Search Place Limited
The University of Kent is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Customer Service Assistants. With generous benefits such as 43 days of leave per year and an excellent pension scheme, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while contributing to a vibrant campus community. The diverse and inclusive culture ensures that all staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CS-392-26-R - Customer Service Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the University of Kent. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service scenarios! Since this role is all about dealing with queries and unexpected situations, think of some examples from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or tricky situations. We want you to shine in the interview by showcasing your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and approachable. A smart outfit can boost your confidence and show that you take the opportunity seriously. Remember, you'll be the face of the reception, so let your appearance reflect that!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace CS-392-26-R - Customer Service Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in providing excellent customer service. We want to see how you've handled tricky situations and kept a cool head while helping others. Use specific examples to show us what you can bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Brush up on the key principles of excellent customer service. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully handled queries or resolved issues, especially in busy environments. This will show that you understand the role and can bring valuable skills to the team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Systems
Since the role involves using various university systems, it’s a good idea to research these tools beforehand. If possible, get a basic understanding of how they work. This will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your proactive approach to learning.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening by summarising what the interviewer says before responding. This shows that you value their input and are capable of handling customer interactions with patience and diplomacy, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Unexpected Questions
Expect the unexpected! Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Customer Services Assistant and how you would handle them. Prepare answers that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure, as these traits are essential for the job.
