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 provided, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career development in a dynamic retail environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values kindness, respect, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Basic IT skills and strong communication; customer service experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
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. 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
- 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.
- Merchandising and product displays experience.
Varied hours of full and/or part time work across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends.
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. 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 (Christmas) in Southampton employer: John Lewis Partnership
At John Lewis Partnership Cambridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our Partners and their growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development through tailored training programmes. With a commitment to flexible, customer-led service, we ensure that every team member can thrive in an environment that prioritises both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Assistant (Christmas) in Southampton
✨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 John Lewis Partnership 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 John Lewis Partnership and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Assistant (Christmas) in Southampton
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 John Lewis Partnership.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about John Lewis Partnership 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 John Lewis Partnership
✨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 John Lewis Partnership.
✨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 John Lewis Partnership will surely appreciate.
