At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional customer service and help customers find the perfect gifts this Christmas.
- Company: Join John Lewis & Partners, a leading employee-owned business in the UK.
- Benefits: Earn £13.60 per hour with flexible part-time and full-time hours available.
- Other info: Full training provided, with potential for permanent roles after the season.
- Why this job: Be part of a festive team and create memorable experiences for customers.
- Qualifications: Basic IT skills and good communication; customer-facing experience is a plus.
About The Role Christmas is an exciting time at John Lewis & Partners, and a magical atmosphere builds in our shops throughout the festive season. It’s our Partners’ dedication and commitment to helping customers find the perfect gift for their loved ones that makes it a memorable experience for all. We are looking for temporary partners to help us deliver the service we are famous for. As a seasonal Customer Assistant, you’ll be part of something really special, working as part of a diverse team where you are free to be yourself.
- Temporary contracts across the Christmas period
- Pay - £13.60 hourly
- Various Part Time and Full time positions available, ranging from 25 hours to 37 hours per week between the hours 12:00- 21:00 to include evenings, late finishes and weekends. Must be able to work every Thursday and Friday.
- Interviews will commence from Monday 15th September and will be Group Assessments
- Full training will be provided, which includes digital learning and on-the-job training to ensure you feel confident and supported in your new role
Key responsibilities
- Delivering engaging and inspirational customer service at every stage of the customer journey
- Using your product knowledge and sales training to drive sales and increase profits for the Partnership
- Putting the customer at the heart of everything you do, proactively acknowledging and taking the time to understand what they are looking for / resolving any queries they may have
- Working flexibly across the shop to support the wider team as required, including till support, stock replenishment, price ticketing and general shop-keeping tasks
Essential skills and/or experience you’ll need
- Basic IT literacy
- Communication skills
Desirable skills and/or experience you may have
- Experience of working in a customer‑facing role is welcomed but not essential. We’ll train you in all you need to know so that you can perform at your best, every day
- Merchandising and product displays experience
Additional Information
- There may be some permanent roles available, but most roles are temporary until early January 2026
- Please advise us at the application stage if you require a reasonable adjustment as part of the assessment process
- We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, and therefore, we recommend you apply early
About The Partnership
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.
We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food‑lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third‑party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications, and therefore, we recommend you apply early. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability which means you may need longer to complete your application please contact us as soon as possible.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Customer Assistant- Christmas in City of London employer: John Lewis & Partners
At John Lewis & Partners, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every Partner is valued. As a seasonal Customer Assistant during the festive period in London, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to contribute to a memorable shopping experience while working alongside a diverse team that celebrates individuality and collaboration. With a focus on personal growth and a commitment to work-life balance, this role offers a unique chance to be part of something special this Christmas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant- Christmas in City of London
✨Get in Early for Seasonal Opportunities
Retail is all about timing, so keep an eye out for those early seasonal hiring windows. Many shops start ramping up their staff as early as September for the festive rush. Put yourself out there by visiting your favourite stores and chatting with managers about possible openings. You might just land a spot before they even hit the online job boards!
✨Show Off Your Sales Skills
In retail, personality goes a long way! When you're chatting with potential employers, showcase your past customer service experiences and your ability to handle busy floors. If you’ve got experience in sales or dealing with customers, make it a key part of your pitch. Think of it as your secret weapon to landing that seasonal gig!
✨Engage with Local Retail Communities
Get involved in local retail job fairs and community events! Many retailers will host hiring sessions during peak seasons, and these are perfect opportunities to meet company representatives face-to-face. Plus, you’ll start building connections that can help you land future roles. So, grab your best outfit and get out there!
✨Leverage Social Media for Retail Roles
Don’t underestimate the power of social media in your job hunt! Follow your local retailers and engage with their posts—like, comment, or share your favourite items. Companies often announce openings on their social platforms first, so being active can give you a leg up. Remember to mention any relevant retail experience you have in your interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant- Christmas in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail:In your application, let your love for retail shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm and any previous retail experiences that make you the perfect fit for the Customer Assistant- Christmas position at John Lewis & Partners. Whether it's a past role or a memorable shopping experience that sparked your interest, share those moments!
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is at the heart of retail, especially in a seasonal role like this. Make sure to include specific examples of how you've dealt with customers in the past, resolved issues, or gone above and beyond to make someone’s day. This will show us that you're ready to tackle the bustling holiday season!
Flexibility is Key:For a seasonal role, flexible availability is really important. Mention your availability in your cover letter—highlighting that you're ready to jump in when needed, including during peak times. This can set you apart from other candidates who may have less availability!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Seasonal roles attract a lot of applicants, so keep your CV sharp and focused. Use bullet points to break down your previous retail experiences and skills so we can quickly see why you'd be a great fit for the Customer Assistant- Christmas at John Lewis & Partners. Remember, quality over quantity!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Know Your Products
Brush up on the products or brands that John Lewis & Partners sells. Customers will be looking for advice, and demonstrating your product knowledge can really make you stand out during the interview. Think about how you can engage with their merchandise and show real enthusiasm for the items they'll be selling this season.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In retail, you'll often face situation-based questions like, 'How would you handle an upset customer?' or 'What would you do if stock runs out during a busy sale?'. Think of specific examples from your experience or past roles to showcase your problem-solving skills and customer service approach.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a seasonal role, John Lewis & Partners is likely looking for someone who can adapt easily. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work various shifts, especially during peak hours. Showing you're a team player who can jump in where needed will make a great impression!
✨Bring a Can-Do Attitude
As a seasonal employee, you'll be part of a fast-paced environment. Expressing your eagerness to learn and take on new tasks can set you apart. Share any experiences where you've tackled challenges head-on or picked up new skills quickly, making it clear that you're ready for whatever comes your way at John Lewis & Partners.
