At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver outstanding customer service and maintain exceptional shop standards.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, John Lewis.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic retail environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand that values kindness, respect, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Basic IT skills and strong communication abilities are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
About the role As a Customer Assistant in one of our John Lewis shops, you'll make sure our difference is felt through the delivery of outstanding customer service and highlighting our first class in store experiences, that our competitors just can not compete with.
Alongside the great service you provide to our customers, you'll deliver exceptional shop standards through displays, stock availability and general cleanliness.
Knowing your customers will enable you to provide the best service we're known for and build their loyalty with our brand for a lifetime.
Key Responsibilities
Working in our shops can be fast-paced and varied. On a day-to-day basis you'll be responsible for:
- 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 / resolve 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.
- Identifying areas of improvement and implementing solutions.
- Helping to protect our profits by supporting with accurate stock counts.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- Basic IT literacy.
- Strong communication skills.
Desirable skills/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, everyday.
- Merchandising and product displays experience. 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.
Customer Assistant in London employer: John Lewis & Partners
John Lewis & Partners is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and customer satisfaction. Located in Milton Keynes, the company provides comprehensive training for its In-Store Customer Experience Specialists, ensuring that all team members have the skills needed to excel in their roles while fostering a sense of community and collaboration among staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant in London
✨Get Chatty at Local Community Events
Dive into local meetups or community events related to customer support. These gatherings are a goldmine for making connections and learning more about what companies like John Lewis & Partners value in entry-level hires. Just think of it as networking over snacks!
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Create a small digital portfolio showcasing your communication skills. You could include relevant scenarios or customer interactions—real or hypothetical. This isn't just for show; it gives hiring managers at places like John Lewis & Partners a taste of how you handle customer queries.
✨Leverage Internship Platforms
Don't sleep on popular internship platforms that focus on entry-level roles in customer support. Websites like Handshake can link you directly to companies looking for fresh talent. The earlier you start exploring these options, the better your chances at landing something with John Lewis & Partners!
✨Join Customer Support Forums
Participate in online forums and communities specifically for customer support professionals. Places like Help Scout’s community or even subreddits can give you insights into what skills are in demand. Plus, it’s a great way to network and discover hidden job opportunities at companies like John Lewis & Partners.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear and friendly communication is crucial. Make sure your CV highlights any previous experience where you've resolved customer queries or collaborated with a team. We love to see examples where you've turned a challenge into a positive experience!
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Enthusiasm:For an entry-level role like this one, your cover letter shouldn’t just be a summary of your CV. Instead, share why you're excited about customer support, and express your eagerness to help others. Let's see your personality shine through—tell us why you're a great fit for John Lewis & Partners!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven't worked in customer support before, include any relatable experiences—like part-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships. Show us how these have equipped you with the soft skills needed to thrive in this role, like problem-solving and patience.
Keep It Simple and Straightforward:Your CV should be easy to read—no fancy fonts or excessive jargon. Use bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements and stick to a clean layout. This helps us quickly see your qualifications and gives a professional vibe, even for an entry-level position!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Brush Up on Your Communication Skills
In customer support, communication is key. Practise explaining complex issues in straightforward language. You might even get role-play scenarios during the interview, so be ready to show off those skills!
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Employers love seeing how you handle customer queries. Think of specific instances where you’ve resolved conflicts or helped someone out. Bring these scenarios to the table, as they can help demonstrate your problem-solving capabilities!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Common Tools
Get to grips with popular customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk. Even if you haven’t used them before, being able to talk about them or their features can show you’re proactive about getting up to speed.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an entry-level position, they want to see your eagerness to grow. Highlight your adaptability and enthusiasm for customer support. Share any relevant experiences or coursework that show you’re committed to developing your skills!
