At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Customer Services team by organising and delivering high-quality service.
- Company: Join Hackney Council, a vibrant and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to community equity initiatives.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enhancing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience, strong communication skills, and ability to thrive under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values. Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first‑class services, outstanding public infrastructure and a reputation for excellence, innovation and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti‑racist borough. We also bring fairness to all aspects of life, including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide. Hackney Parking Services are often leading the way in the parking industry, with the main focus on best practices and performance. Hackney Council’s Parking Services are recognised as one of the leading local authorities on the implementation, management and enforcement of effective controls across the borough.
What we are looking for:
- High‑energy, highly organised individuals with proven customer‑service experience.
- A genuine desire to help customers.
- An eye for detail, teamwork skills, and the ability to work in a pressurised environment.
- Excellent communication, administrative and organisational skills.
- Flexibility and pride in work.
Role:
As a Business Support Officer (Customer Service), you will assist and provide expert support to the Customer Services management team in the organisation, administration and effective running of the service area. You will administer all aspects of the council’s service, ensuring efficient delivery at a high standard and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction. You will build and maintain working relationships with a diverse range of departments and employees across the wider service, responding clearly to requests and forging close relationships with other council departments.
Responsibilities:
- Assist and provide expert support to the Customer Services management team.
- Organise, administer and run the service area efficiently.
- Ensure the service is delivered to high standards at all times.
- Build and maintain working relationships with other council departments.
- Continuously improve service performance to meet customer demands.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in providing customer‑service with a genuine desire to help customers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Ability to work well in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment.
- Experience using a variety of IT packages, especially Google products; proficiency with spreadsheets for recording and analysing data.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
The ideal candidate must be able to work well in a high‑pressure and fast‑paced environment, with a flexible approach to work while planning and prioritising workloads effectively to meet tight deadlines. High service standards must be maintained at all times.
Equality & Diversity:
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under‑represented in our workforce.
Hackney Works offers residents guidance in applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Business Support Officer employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in one of London's most dynamic boroughs. With a strong commitment to equity and diversity, employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth, alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's focus on innovation and excellence ensures that staff are part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering high-quality services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at London Borough of Hackney. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like London Borough of Hackney before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to London Borough of Hackney:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at London Borough of Hackney specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at London Borough of Hackney!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
